You’ve probably heard about Aldi haven’t you? If not, it’s a super amazing little grocery store that carries tons of products cheaper than your regular grocery store and supercenters. They are not your average grocery store…not even close. I never knew about Aldi until I moved into my *then* little town of Plainfield, Illinois. When I moved here in 1998 it was what I would consider a “small town” with 9,495 people. Now, 18 years later the population has shot up to about 45,000. While still a smaller suburb of Chicago, we get to continue to feel that small town feeling by shopping at our local Aldi. This is in no way an ad for Aldi as I am not getting anything in return for sharing this post. I just really, really like Aldi for so many reasons.
But first, I must tell you, they had new shopping carts! There is nothing better than a new shopping cart to make your shopping experience a pleasant one. Some people may not agree, but I certainly love a good, clean cart with straight wheels that don’t wobble or squeak. If you aren’t aware, Aldi has you put a quarter in their carts to serve as a deposit. All the shopping carts link together and if you want your money back, you must return it to what I call, the “cart garage”. It’s a great incentive so people don’t leave their carts in the parking lot to dent or scratch cars! Plus, the store then doesn’t have to worry or pay someone to gather up stray carts all day. The parking lot is always clean and free of carts. LOVE that.
Back to the remodel! One of our local Aldi stores received a makeover recently and I was there to experience it first hand during their super grand-opening event. I will tell you that when I walked in I was in awe. It was so bright and cheerful. Gone away was the dreary warehouse look and feel, and in its place was a well-lit, well-organized, well-laid out replacement. I walked slowly down each aisle so I wouldn’t miss a thing.
Lights line the path so you can always see what you’re looking for….notice the nicely displayed bottles of wine on the right. There are a lot more bottles of wine to choose from now!
The produce is well stocked, organized and pricing is now visible right next to the item. Now you don’t have to look up and scroll around with your eyes to see if you can find what the cost of the product is. Everything was fresh, packaged well priced lower than your average grocery store! I mean, a package of 3 peppers is only $1.39 (that’s only 0.43 per pepper).
Look at all that cheese! And lettuce variations! Everything is labeled with nice and clear signs (notice the VEGETABLES signage?). For every section, they have signs stating where things are at. So, if that one day I have to send my husband to the store, or my teen, they will be able to just look up when they walk in and see where everything is at.
Look at the doors! They are so modern and chic looking! Not to mention…Pizza! BTW, if you have not tried the Mama Cozzi’s “fluffy” or rising pizza’s, you must. They are so good and for only $2.79, you can’t go wrong…at all!
I had to take a picture of me (excuse my looks -it was taken after work) while shopping because I had just made a Facebook post telling some of the “other” grocery stores to stop making their shelves SO big that vertically challenged people (such as myself) can’t even reach the top shelf! Aldi makes it so I have no problems! Having everything eye-level, I can reach everything. I love Aldi for keeping it short and sweet!
Here are a couple more shots as I was heading down the last aisle. I just love how everything looked. It was a very nice change and I may have sent a text to my oldest about my excitement while at the freshly remodeled Aldi. She thought I was crazy because I was so excited.
For the Love of Aldi!
Now I am going to send a special little note to my friends at Aldi!
Dear Aldi,
Everything was easy to find at the fancy new Aldi. I was very impressed. Even the updated signage by the drinks, and those that were hanging brought in a very “user-friendly” shopping atmosphere. I was able to look down the aisle and see exactly what was down each one. Everything was stocked and priced to sell. The employees were very happy and upbeat and very helpful to those who struggled to locate their favorite things in the newly laid out floor plan.
The only request I would like to make…please for the love of all things warm and cozy, make the Hot Cocoa K-cups a year round product. When I went back there the other day, there was a “corporate” gathering and I asked where those were and was told it was a Special Buy. NO, that is not acceptable. Hot Cocoa K-cups are a must-have for every.single.day use. Here in the windy city, we need that warm and cozy feeling that only Hot Cocoa can provide from October through May. When I go into Aldi in the middle of December and I don’t see those stocked on the shelf, it’s kind of upsetting. Then, I have no other choice by to take my business elsewhere just for Hot Cocoa! 🙁 That makes me sad.
Could you possibly make that one simple change? Oh, and I’d love to work with you on a few other things I had in mind as I was strolling through the store! Perhaps I could be somewhat of a brand ambassador and chime in from time to time as a little loyal hometown Aldi shopper? That would be super cool.
Thank you!
Your loyal Aldi Shopper from Plainfield, Illinois
Give Thanks to Aldi
Please take a moment to visit your local Aldi. Tell them how much you love them. Shop there often. My average grocery bill is about $100 for a family of 5…almost 5 adult people! They save you money all the way around and for that, I am so grateful.
The last month has been extremely difficult with my husband being laid off. We have had to cut costs in everything we could. I was even able to cut costs shopping at Aldi too, by planning ahead, only shopping once a week, shopping for what was on sale and not going in starving after work all play a role in our spending habits. I’m also saving time because it is smaller in scale and I am not distracted by a hundred different brands. I go in, get what I need and leave. I can be in and out of Aldi in under 45 minutes…if not 30!
Congratulations Aldi on your makeover! I am such a proud Aldi shopper and seeing this new, fresh look make me feel like I need to spend more time visiting you!
Do you have an Aldi where you live?
