Just so you no, Aldi does not have anything to do with Sprouts, Whole Foods, and the likes. As a matter of fact, the German grocery chain did not always have the best reputation. There was a time when people thought that they offered lower quality items because they were available at a lower price. However, Aldi has worked hard to change its image – and it worked. To many Americans, it is now one of the best places to shop for groceries. Are you ready to hear secrets that this big-name store has been hiding?
Here Are 25 Things That You Did Not Know About Aldi
The Boxes Are There For A Good Reason
Have you noticed that the aisles in Aldi boast a Costco vibe? However, you should not be fooled. The boxes found on the shelves do not have anything to do with the laziness of the employees. It is actually a tactic to optimize productivity and prevent spending too much money on time on presentation. If you ask us, this sounds like a pretty good method. There are times when simple and efficient does the trick.
The Boxes Are There For A Good Reason
The Keep The Staff To A Minimum
Aldi has been able to keep the prices low for a few reasons. One of them would be the fact that they leave the boxes on the shelves. This practice is done to prevent hiring more staff than necessary, which cuts down costs. By doing this, they are capable of offering products at more affordable prices.
The Keep The Staff To A Minimum
This Does Not Make Things Easier For The Employees
It is not always a good thing. Perhaps you also notice that employees occasionally seem very stressed. Since they keep the staff number to a minimum, the workers have more duties but less time to do them. With that said, former employees said that they had great opportunities, benefits, and compensation.
This Does Not Make Things Easier For The Employees
Everything Was Arranged To Make Checkout As Easy As Possible
Aldi has organized everything so that you can get in, come out, and return home as soon as possible. The grocery store, unlike Whole Foods, is not intent on creating a unique shopping experience. The approach of the store is to let customers finish shopping as quickly as possible but get more bang for their buck. They have done this by implementing more efficient practices like adding multiple barcodes and installing conveyor belts with the perfect length.
Everything Was Arranged To Make Checkout As Easy As Possible
It Might Be Cheap But Not As Cheap As You Think
Aldi is best known for offering low prices on grocery items. Now, we are not saying that it is not true. They do offer more affordable products when you compare it to its competitors. Even though Aldi does have the most economical options, they are not exactly as cheap as they might make you believe. At any rate, we certainly have to applaud their marketing team for their success.
It Might Be Cheap But Not As Cheap As You Think
The Reason They Charge Customers A Deposit For The Carts
We are sure that you found it weird the first time you shopped at Aldi. However, it is actually a pretty good idea to force shoppers to bring the cart back. After all, this means that their employees have one less job to do. This indeed saves money but the problem is that it is not yours!
The Reason They Charge Customers A Deposit For The Carts
They Have An Impressive Return Policy
Aldi does not have a money-back guarantee, but it offers Double Guarantee instead. It means that if you did not like the product, you can return the rest of it to them so that they can replace the item and reimburse you. How is that for quality assurance?
They Have An Impressive Return Policy
They Are Not Open Twenty-Four Hours A Day
This grocery chain, unlike certain American stores, is not open 24/7. You must know by now that the chain is all about saving money and being efficient. If the store is open at 2 o’clock in the morning with no customers around, they are not making any profit. This is the reason that the store is only open from 9 AM to either 8 PM or 9 PM. Yes, college students won’t be able to take midnight shifts over here.
They Are Not Open Twenty-Four Hours A Day
The Company Has Won A Lot Of Awards
Unlike what others thought, the low prices at the grocery store does not indicate low quality. The store has even won awards in the past! It earned second place during the International Wine Challenge for rose wines during a blind taste test. The chain also brought home high honors during the International Spirits Challenge. Lastly, it was given 25 medals during the Grocer Food and Drink Own Label Awards.
The Company Has Won A Lot Of Awards
They Deliver In Some Cities
The chain started its delivery services in Atlanta, Dallas, and Los Angeles. Aldi clients from these areas have the choice to buy their groceries via Instacart and wait for it at their front steps. This is a good fix if you want to save time. There are rumors that the service will soon be available in even more cities!
They Deliver In Some Cities
The Controversy Surround Their Bread Machines
Starting in November 2010, Aldi stores in Germany started relying on “technological innovation” to offer freshly baked made-to-order bread in only a few seconds. The chain introduced in-store baking machines in their stores, although the German Bakers’ Confederation did not like it. In fact, this led to a court battle in which the Aldi counsel denying the right to have the machines and the dough inspected.
The Controversy Surround Their Bread Machines
There Are Two Aldis In Germany
Did you know that the Aldi banner is divided into two corporations? Back in the ‘60s, the two company founders did not agree whether they should sell cigarettes or not. In the end, they decided to just split the company. The blue and white logo is for Nord, while the fancier orange and blue one is for Süd.
There Are Two Aldis In Germany
Aldi Products Do Not Have Questionable Ingredients
Aldi products do not have hydrogenated oils, artificial colors, and MSG. Yes, the grocery chain got rid of questionable ingredients from all name brand products. This is definitely good news for every single one of us!
Aldi Products Do Not Have Questionable Ingredients
The Truth About Trader’s Joe
In the United States, Aldi Süd operates under the name. However, Aldi Nord is known as Trader’s Joe! We bet you are shocked to hear that Trader Joe’s is just an Americanized version of the German grocery chain. The line is now managed by businessman Theo Albrecht, the Aldi Nord manager. This explains the lack of advertising and the emphasis on private labeling!
The Truth About Trader’s Joe
You Can Now Buy Your Groceries At Kohl’s
Kohl’s is planning to sublet some store space to Aldi. This means that you will now be able to shop for everything that you need in one place. Not only will you save your money, but you can save time as well!
You Can Now Buy Your Groceries At Kohl’s
They Have A Rigorous Testing Process
Aldi is very serious about the quality of their items. As a matter of fact, the test kitchens have strict policies. Every product has been tested 30 times before it gets to the store. On top of that, they also re-test them at least once every year and once more whenever a competitor launches a similar item.
They Have A Rigorous Testing Process
Verzicht Is Their Philosophy
What does verzicht mean? While you will not find a direct translation in English, the word means a combination of “giving up” and “doing without.” This is a good thing to keep in mind when you are striving for thriftiness and simplicity. The employees will not tell you this since they are forbidden from speaking to the media, but a regional manager revealed the business plan of the company in a book. Apparently, the Aldi philosophy is to keep things simple. The key is to set a goal and forget the rest!
Verzicht Is Their Philosophy
The Best Time To Shop Is Wednesday Morning
The grocery chain holds Aldi Finds day on Wednesday. The moment the store opens its doors, employees put seasonal products on the shelves at amazing prices. This includes everything from patio furniture to a fresh rack of lamb! The world is at your fingertip when you pay them on a visit on this day. The products are typically in high demand, so you better get there early as the quantities are limited.
The Best Time To Shop Is Wednesday Morning
You Can Look Out For Discounts On The Website
Aldi is famous for the low prices of the products, but you might be able to save even more if you go to the website on the regular. You just have to go to the site, click on “Weekly Specials,” and choose a store. This way, you can be sure not to miss out on discounts!
You Can Look Out For Discounts On The Website
Aldi Has A Lot Of Private Label Brands
A lot of stores have a private label that allows them to offer cheap but high-quality items. Aldi is not an exception to the rule. Most chains are happy with a single private label. Aldi, on the other hand, boasts 10. Their inhouse products account for 90% of their products. Some of their lines are L’oven Fresh, Mama Cozzi, LiveGFree, and Casa Mamita.
Aldi Has A Lot Of Private Label Brands
How To Get Your Money Back
There are several stores associated with the Ibotta cashback app, but Aldi does not support it. Despite this, you can still get cashback when you visit one of their stores. Aldi is linked to Checkout51, which is another cashback application that does the same thing that Ibotta does. You only have to install the app, save the offers on your grocery list, and download the invoice to avail of discounts.
How To Get Your Money Back
Ask The Employees For Advice
The employees of the store do not only work at Aldi, but they tend to shop at the store as well. They are also patrons of the grocery chain, so they know the products better than anyone else. It makes a lot of sense when you consider the price and quality of the items. This is the reason that they are the ones who can advise you about what to buy and avoid at the store. If you are not sure if you should buy something, you might want to ask the employees for their opinion.
Ask The Employees For Advice
Aldi Does Not Support Food Waste
We all know that food waste is one of the biggest societal tragedies. Many grocery stores and restaurants end up throwing away a lot of food. Aldi does not participate in this practice, however. The chain has joined hands with a non-profit organization called Feeding America. The chain gives the charity all the leftover food that it failed to sell. This sounds like a great idea – we can only hope that other groceries would follow suit!
Aldi Does Not Support Food Waste
You Will Find Surprising Products On The Shelves
Aldi offers basic products that humans have known and used for a long time. If you take a good look at the aisles, you will also find items that you did not know existed. For example, there is the Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix that employees at the store love. Yes, we had no idea that there is something like that. We will be honest with you and admit that we had no idea that Red Lobster even made supermarket products. You should also try the glorious Funnel Cake Kit with pitcher pouring spout.
You Will Find Surprising Products On The Shelves
You Can Use Their Boxes In Lieu Of Shopping Bags
Have you noticed that many places and establishments have started banning or restricting the use of plastic bags? This rule has been implemented for the sake of the planet. This means that it is imperative for us to bring reusable bags whenever we head out to shop. However, it is not uncommon to leave them at home! If you go to Aldi, you cannot miss all the empty cardboard boxes around the store. They were used in previous shipments, and customers can actually take them to use as containers for their purchases! Read on to find out what you never knew about your favorite brother-company, Trader Joe’s!
You Can Use Their Boxes In Lieu Of Shopping Bags
Free Samples Of Everything Are Available
At Trader Joe’s if you wish to try or sample a product that they are not offering samples of on that specific day, feel free to ask an employee for their advice and recommendation. They most likely will whip open a box and let you taste it right then and there.
Free Samples Of Everything Are Available
They Do Not Use A PA System
They use a bell system in stores with the number of bells signifying what needs to be done. One bell means a new register needs to be opened, two means there is a question at checkout, and three is to call for a manager. The company said that the PA system simply does not match their vibe and brand, “Those blustery PA systems just didn’t feel right to us.”
They Do Not Use A PA System
Products Are Constantly Coming And Going
Trader Joe’s receives new products weekly, however, you may not be able to find some items year-round due to seasonal issues. With new stuff coming in so often they are quick to cut products where necessary.
Products Are Constantly Coming And Going
You Can Return Something You Do Not Like
If you are unhappy with a purchase or simply did not like a food product you can return it to your closest store. They will happily refund you and not a single question will even be asked. Now, this is a great customer service trait.
You Can Return Something You Do Not Like
90% Of Their Products Are Store-Brand
The fact that Trader Joe’s stocks majority of their own brand is what allows them to keep costs so low. However, they also manage the quality of all their items. Your staple items will definitely be cheaper than at just a regular supermarket.
90% Of Their Products Are Store Brand
Private Label Products Are Free Of All The Bad Stuff
Their private label products contain no GMO’s, no MSG, no artificial flavoring, no preservatives, added colors, or trans fats. All the products go through a panel of taste testers to ensure you are only getting the best.
Private Label Products Are Free Of All The Bad Stuff
Most Popular Item: Mandarin Orange Chicken
The winner of this year’s Customer Choice Awards was in fact the Mandarin Orange Chicken. Customers were surveyed in order to find the winner and this was an absolute favorite all-round. The runners-up were of tough competition too, such as- cookie butter, man and cheese, and more.
Most Popular Item: Mandarin Orange Chicken
No Coupons Available
Trader Joe’s does not have coupons for a valid reason, they truly can’t and should not lower their prices any further. The company works hard in order to provide the cheapest and most competitive prices, thus membership rewards and coupons would simply put them at a loss.
No Coupons Available
They Treat Their Employees Super Well
They pay and treat their employees impeccably. Have you ever seen an unhappy employee? We think not. Part-time workers usually get paid $20 an hour and still receive full benefits. Whereas managers have been said to earn around $130,000 annually.
They Treat Their Employees Super Well
Any Waste Is Donated Locally
If items are about to expire and have not managed to be sold they will be taken off the shelves, but never to the dumpster. The stores donate all their excess food locally and in 2016 even donated a total of $341 million to local food banks and projects.
Any Waste Is Donated Locally
Staff Shirts Actually Have A Meaning
The shirts at Trader Joe’s differ for a reason, they are a symbol of the positions of the employees. “Crew members” where the solid-colored t-shirts whereas managers and higher levels employees wear the button-down Hawaiian shirts.
Staff Shirts Actually Have A Meaning
There Are Rewards On Offer For Bringing Your Own Bag
As many other big companies, Trader Joe’s is also trying to cut their carbon footprint. One way they are doing this is by reducing the amount of plastic bags used. If you shop with a reusable bag you qualify to sign up for the chance to win a $25 gift card.
There Are Rewards On Offer For Bringing Your Own Bag
Each Location Has An Artist On Staff
Trader Joe’s really invests in their appearance and marketing tactics. They employ an artist that remains in-house and is available to change up the decor and boards at any given time. This si the reason behind their murals always being locally-rooted and looking fresh.
Each Location Has An Artist On Staff
There Triple Ginger Snap Cookies Are A Favorite
These cookies have been the store’s best-seller for years on end and people simply will never get enough. these are for sure not seasonal nor unpopular and will not be getting cut any time soon. The sweet treat is loved by all.
There Triple Ginger Snap Cookies Are A Favorite
They Only Buy From Manufacturers or Growers, Not Distributors or Middlemen
Anyone can apply to be a vendor at Trader Joe’s but the requirements are tough, to be a vendor and be stocked in their stores your products need to be top-class. They truly value how and where their products came from.
They Only Buy From Manufacturers Or Growers, Not Distributors Or Middlemen