What To Know Before Your First Trip To Aldi

The much-anticipated, new Aldi store opens in Opelika on Thursday, March 7th. This budget-friendly grocery chain has somewhat of a cult following across the country. Prior to this location opening, Aldi stores in LaGrange, Georgia and Columbus, Georgia were the closest to our area, so not everyone has had the Aldi experience yet. It’s a little different than your average grocery store, so I thought I’d give you a heads up on what to expect and how to make the most of your first trip to Aldi.

What’s the big deal?

The best place to read up on the differences between Aldi and other stores is here on their corporate website. It boils down to “the no-frills grocery shopping experience [that] focuses on customers first.” Here are a few highlights:

• Prices are stable. There’s no gimmicky sale pricing, BOGO, or rewards card perks – just straightforward pricing that you can count on to be the same week to week.
• Focus on the essentials. You won’t find every imaginable offering in the various categories, but it will be easy to go in and find the things you buy most often.
• No sacrifice of quality. Their household brands make up 90% of their offerings, but if you’re not satisfied, return the item for a double refund – they’ll replace the item and give you your money back. Even if you don’t feel like returning something that costs less than a dollar, it’s nice to know that they stand firmly behind their products. 
• No frou-frou amenities or busy-body associates. No one will be greeting you at the door, helping you to the car, or offering you samples (except during the grand opening!). You won’t find a branch of your bank or favorite coffee shop inside either. If you like uncomplicated shopping – this might be your new favorite place!

Download the app

The free Aldi app is a great way to check out the weekly ads and build your shopping list. Their featured items are new every Wednesday, so plan accordingly because items are advertised as “while supplies last.” On the app or website you can see the featured items for the current week and the upcoming week. You can sign up for weekly emails with that info, or pick up the Weekly Special paper as you enter the store.

Bring a quarter

Aldi maintains everyday low prices because of low overhead costs. So instead of paying someone to retrieve carts from the parking lot, shoppers are offered an incentive to return them to the rack. The carts are linked together with chains that can only be released by inserting a quarter. When you reattach the chain to the next buggy in line, your quarter is pushed back out of the slot for you to take. If you plan to frequent Aldi but don’t routinely carry change with you, you can buy a quarter keychain like this one! Enter our giveaway below to win one!

Bring your own bags

Another cost-saving feature you’ll notice is that the typical plastic grocery bags are not provided. You can bring your own from home, or purchase reusable bags (insulated or non-insulated) at the store. The cashier will put all of your items back in your cart and then you’ll move over to a long countertop to do your sorting and bagging, if you choose. Another mom suggested putting empty laundry baskets in your trunk and loading your trunk directly from the cart and then you can carry the baskets in when you get home. Pretty smart! I’m going to try that hack myself, if I ever empty my laundry baskets of clothes!

Leave your coupons and checkbook at home

Speed is the name of the game when it comes to the checkout line, and while this may not be the reason that Aldi does not accept manufacturer’s coupons, checks, or WIC vouchers, it does make the line move more quickly. If you like to save on your grocery bill, rest assured that Aldi brands are priced well below the national brands without needing a coupon.

Watch the clock

Aldi is only open from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily. Most grocery stores have more hours available for shoppers, but this is another strategy to lower their overhead costs. It won’t be the place to send your husband for late night pregnancy cravings, but it’s close enough to Chick-fil-A that he can get you a milkshake instead. 

Grand Opening Details

On Thursday, March 7th, enjoy samples (morning only), snag a free reusable shopping bag (while supplies last), and enter for a chance to win free produce for a year! Click here for all the info. The store location is 2400 Frederick Road, Opelika, AL.

Keychain Giveaway

Enter the giveaway to win your own quarter keychain! A winner will be chosen on 3/14/19.