Have you checked it out yet? If not, here are 10 handy pointers for anyone visiting Aldi for the first time.
1. Go Early
Aldi is expanding fast across the U.S. and even acquired Winn-Dixie, so many locations can get pretty busy.
To avoid fighting through crowds of fellow bargain hunters, try to shop early in the day. Keep in mind that Aldi’s hours aren’t always the same as other supermarkets — it often opens a bit later than you might expect. Most stores begin their day around 9 a.m., and weekend hours can differ by location.
2. Bring a Quarter
If you want to use a shopping cart, you’ll need a quarter. Each cart has a slot where you insert a coin to unlock it from the row.
Don’t worry — you get the quarter back when you return the cart.
The coin-deposit setup helps Aldi keep staffing costs down. They don’t need to hire people to retrieve carts from the lot, and shoppers are more likely to return carts to reclaim their quarter. Because most customers will go through the effort to get their coin back, the system stays efficient and the parking area stays neater.
3. Also Bring Your Own Bags
Aldi’s low prices come from a strict no-frills approach.
To keep costs and prices down, free bags aren’t provided. So remember to bring reusable bags with you.
If you forget, you can buy paper or plastic bags for roughly 10 cents each, or simply place your groceries directly in the cart without using bags.
4. Watch for Empty Boxes
If you neglect to bring reusable bags and don’t want to pay for them, there’s a simple trick: scan the aisles for empty product boxes. If you forget bags, they work well for carrying groceries out to your vehicle.
5. Be Prepared to Bag Your Own Items
Not at Aldi.
This is often the biggest surprise for newcomers: You’re expected to pack your own groceries.
It might feel odd at first, but it’s another tactic the chain uses to keep prices down.
6. Make a Shopping List
Aldi’s bargains can be surprisingly tempting.
It’s easy to want to grab everything you see since items are priced lower than usual — stock up while it’s cheap, right?
Actually, no.
One common shopping error is arriving without a plan. If you don’t know what you need beforehand, you may end up buying unnecessary items.
Given the temptation to pick up one of everything at Aldi, it’s especially important to prepare a list so you don’t blow your budget.
7. Don’t Avoid Store Brands
You probably won’t spot your usual national brands on Aldi’s shelves. Instead, you’ll encounter Aldi’s private labels like Millville.
About 90% of the products Aldi stocks are its own brands.
That doesn’t mean you should avoid them. In fact, you should consider trying Aldi’s store-brand items!
You might be hesitant at first — here’s some reassurance: Millville and other Aldi brands are produced by major national manufacturers.
Further, Aldi asserts that Millville products equal or surpass national-brand quality. If you aren’t satisfied, Aldi’s double guarantee allows you to return the product, receive a refund and get a replacement free of charge.
With a satisfaction guarantee like that, trying a new product is low-risk!
8. Check the Cheese Section
Are you a cheese fan? The selection at Aldi is tasty and budget-friendly.
Savinly Readers enjoy assembling inexpensive cheese platters using items from Aldi. Combine these cheeses with the store’s affordable gluten-free crackers or marinated olives, and you have an impressive appetizer without spending much.
9. Coupons Aren’t Useful Here
Aldi does not accept coupons. Occasionally counterfeit coupons circulate on social media — don’t be fooled by them.
10. You Can Take Your Cart to the Car
For a retailer that doesn’t employ staff to retrieve carts, you might assume an alarm or lock would stop you from taking the cart to your vehicle.
However, the quarter deposit system doesn’t include any hidden mechanism that prevents you from wheeling your groceries to your car. Aldi saves on many expenses, but not that much.
Pack your items, wheel your cart to the car, return the cart to the corral and reclaim your quarter. It can feel like a bit more effort, but when you review your receipt and see how much you saved, it’s well worth it.
