Welcome, Aldi's!

I had a terrific shopping experience up at the newly opened Aldi's in Worcester yesterday.  I became aware of its opening from a newspaper advertisement, which included a coupon for $5 off any order of $30 or more.

Not many Aldi's can be found around the area.  There are a few in Boston, Raynham, Springfield, and Milford.  It is a German chain store with only 1000 in 30 states in the US.  I used to frequent Aldi's in Ohio when we were stationed at Wright-Patterson.  One of my neighbors would claim that she could go into one with ten bucks and leave with an armful of bags, hinting that it was even cheaper than the commissary.  Cheaper than the commissary?  I had to try it.

Now, Aldi's is quite a unique store, so prepare yourself before entering.  I heard a lot of people muttering in the first aisle by the entrance, mainly because of the carts.  You see at Aldi's, you need to deposit a quarter in order to use a cart.  I had to explain this to a man who had asked me where I found my cart.  He gave a bit of a "hmph!" and did not go back outside.  An informative sign by the carts explain how this system saves the customer money, and I completely agree, knowing how much Target alone pays my teenager son time-and-a-half on Sundays just to collect the carts from their parking lot. 

Aldi's does not offer many national brand products.  So, though I saw Legos (I don't know why?) and Arizona Green Tea bottles for sale, I could not utilize my coupons.  Hence, you may not be able to buy specific products.  However, the prices are great if you don't mind generic.  Ten pounds of Russett potatoes were only $3.29, 2% milk was $2.39, a 16 ounce bottle of salsa $1.69, and a dozen eggs -- only 89 cents! 

Checking out might be crowded over there.  There was only one lane open and I found myself and two others merging into it, not knowing who was right of way.  The manager, Jessica, said that I was actually shopping during a "lull."  As with Price Rite, you need to provide your own bags, and for payment -- no credit cards!

If you are too accustomed to the busy suburban shopping types and feel a little uneasy with city characters,  this store may not be for you.  As, it may be rare to find yourself by a lady in a designer outfit, salon-styled hair, and heels. But Aldi's is worth at least one try (especially if you can find a coupon in the newspaper), just don't be offended by the cart system, and remember to bring cash and a quarter.