Vox Populi: Confessions of an Aldi Shopper

Vox Populi: Confessions of an Aldi Shopper

http://www.carycitizen.com/2010/04/06/vox-populi-confessions-of-an-aldi-shopper/

by Mary Katherine Smith

Cary, N. C. – As a weekly shopper of the previously forbidden Aldi on Maynard Road, I left this store chuckling last week about how busy it was.

When we first discovered Aldi (recommended by another Mom buying for teenaged appetites!), this place was nearly empty. We had no difficulty picking up certain low cost items that are jacked up at other grocery story chains like strawberries or cream cheese.

Now, the parking lot is packed and we have to ask what days certain foods are delivered to get a shot at purchasing these deals along with everyone else that has discovered this grocery store jewel!

For example, cream cheese (which I use in a favorite appetizer), is generally $1.75 or more at “regular” chains but at Aldi it’s only about a dollar.

I am an admitted “shop hopper”, always looking for the best variety and price. Aldi does not have organic foods nor do they carry a lot of variety but the prices are unbeatable.

Right across the street, I meet the same shoppers I saw at Aldi, now at the deli at Food Lion alongside me. Then, when I trek off to Trader Joe’s, I often see a lot of the SAME folks I just saw at Aldi or Food Lion.

Almost “Banned” – Thankful It Wasn’t

How blessed are we to be able to “hunt and gather” our groceries without even having to leave town? One of the reasons I LOVE Cary.

Wait, didn’t Cary try to vote Aldi out altogether? Funny! Now you may have to bring your own grocery sacks (but aren’t we already moving in that green direction anyway?) and you may have to pay a quarter to use a shopping cart (which you get back as soon as you RETURN the cart, something we should all be doing anyway!) but it just cracks me up to see the luxury SUV’s and European sports cars in the parking lot and also to see some of these same people show up at the other great grocery shops that Cary has.

Thanks, CaryCitizen for letting me “flog” (fake blog)!