Aldi owns Trader Who??

Aldi owns Trader Joes…

There.  I said it.

Jumpin’ Jehosophat!!!

Are you Shocked?

You are not alone.

In the earlier days of our marriage, like most young families, we struggled to make ends meet.  I learned to love shopping for groceries because it was the only shopping I was able to do without feeling guilty.

The kids and I made a sport of it.  Each visit to the store I would have them pick one item from the produce aisle that they had never tasted.  We would take home things like spaghetti squash, eggplant or rutabaga.  Some of these became favorites and others we never bought again! Sorry, rutabaga.

That love of grocery shopping continues.

This photo of my pantry lets you know that I should have been a grocery clerk.

Aldi is a very different store with a fascinating history. If I could sum up this store in one word it would be “Efficient.”

It’s roots run deep, originating in 1913 in Germany, as a mom and pop community market.

I have shopped at Aldi for years, and I have gotten a few sneers when I mention it.  I am not talking about the heartthrob Elvis kind of sneer.  I know what they are thinking, Aldi does not have the fancy vegetable misters – or that cutie who sacks your groceries, and I have never been offered a free cookie or beverage while I shop.  But after reading this, you might want to check them out.

Here are some interesting Aldi facts:

1913 – Started as a mom & pop shop in Germany.

1945 – The 2 sons took it global – post-war shoppers wanted simple food at the best prices.

1960’s – The brothers could not reach a compromise on selling cigarettes, so the chain split – Aldi North and Aldi South

1979 – Aldi North bought Trader Joe’s. This has to have been the best-kept secret on the planet!

2015 – Aldi committed to removing synthetic colors, partially hydrogenated oils and added MSG from all the exclusive brand products.

2016 – Aldi’s suppliers must phase out any and all use of pesticide chemicals that are harmful to bees.

Are you loving them more now…?

2017 – Investing 3.4 Billion with a capital B – if you do not have an Aldi near you – chances are you will be getting one.

Some tips for shopping at Aldi:

Since I shop there often I get to witness the newbies.  They are easy to spot.

  • First, there is the cart, the struggle is real.  Bring a quarter – you will need it to get your grocery cart, you get it back when you return the cart.
  • Next, the frantic look when at the checkout.  The lines may be long – but they are super fast. Once you have paid, you need to move along to the bagging area.  Bring your own Bags – if you forget, no worries – just grab boxes as you shop.
  • Aldi used to be cash only – this was quite embarrassing to find out they do not take cards after your groceries are rung up and you are $13.22 short. At this point, I have seen people select less needed items to subtract.  It is like watching a movie on rewind.  But they have recently started accepting debit and credit cards.

They have 3 specialty lines worth mentioning –

 

Photo from Aldi Facebook Page
Photo from Aldi Facebook Page
Photo from Aldi Facebook Page

 

On a personal note – I love the wine selection – you will find wines from Argentina, Italy, France, Spain, Australia, and California.  Pair that with the European Chocolates and you can satisfy your Champagne tastes with a beer pocketbook!

Are you thinking this is a paid ad for Aldi?   You are cracking me up!

This is not a paid ad for Aldi.

I still enjoy shopping our local HyVee.  I consider our HyVee my fancy store with the great customer service.

*****

Thank you so much for reading.

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All photos, thoughts, experiences, and opinions are my own unless otherwise stated.

Copyright © Lost Mule Lodge 2017 All Rights Reserved

 

15 Comments

  1. Mary Kay

    I’m such a one shop shopper (love my HyVee), but you’ve convinced me to give Aldi a go.
    Gluten-Free, Fit and Active, Feel-Good ingredients, WINE…I’m sold!!

  2. Ellyn Forbes

    Love Aldi! I knew most of your article except the part about the cigarettes. So interesting. My only complaint with the one in Columbia is that the parking lot is too small. Thanks for sharing.

    • teresa.peters@live.com

      Hey Ellen, I guess when you are a business and your parking lot seems too small that is a good thing! Business must be good. I love spending less on groceries so I can splurge on the extras, like the wine and chocolate!!!
      tp

  3. Carol

    I have been touting Aldi’s to family & friends and have a few converts. In IL where I just moved from, our Aldi’s is small and cramped with lines waiting for a parking spot. In TX where I moved, the stores are huge and maybe 15 cars on the lot. Guess I need to convert more shoppers here. My friend complained about paying for a cart until I showed her how to get her money back so remember to TAKE your quarter when returning the cart! My friends ask me if I get paid to sing the praises of Aldi’s but I just love saving $$$.

    • teresa.peters@live.com

      Carol – It feels good to tell our friends about the great value Aldi offers. I would guess that cramped store in IL will be getting a makeover soon. And that huge store in Texas… I hear everything is bigger in Texas!!!
      Thank you for reading my blog and taking the time to share an inspiring comment!!
      tp

  4. teresa.peters@live.com

    Hey there Katie! I am not surprised that you, (a lady who knows finance) would love Aldi! Apparently lots of people in Columbia like Aldi!
    Thank you for leaving a comment!
    tp

    • teresa.peters@live.com

      So good to hear from you Lynn – You are right about HyVee, they are an awesome store too, and if they don’t have what you want – just ask and they will order it for you. Can’t beat customer service like HyVee!
      I am guessing you are enjoying some wines from California about now!!!
      Thanks so much for your comment – I appreciate it more than you know!
      tp

  5. I seriously never knew that Aldi owned Trader Joes. It is one of my favorite stores. I love that they remove a lot of the bad things from our foods. Thanks for taking the time to write this.

  6. teresa.peters@live.com

    You are so welcome Danie! I have shopped Aldi for over 10 years and I had no idea they owned Trader Joes until last week!
    Thank you for taking the time to read this and to leave a comment!
    tp

  7. Mary Jones

    Well “whaddya” know… there is an Aldi’s 2 miles away but in the 11 years of living that close, I’ve never been there. A person doesn’t know what they don’t know but now I feel informed!!! Thank you Teresa! Appreciate the heads up on the tips.

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