Plainfielders may have noticed that the cost of just about everything is starting to go up -- noticeably. (Except gas, which is coming down, but that may be only temporary.)
One of the disadvantages of being retired is that you live on what is euphemistically called a 'fixed income'. So, when the little bags of pretzels I like to snag for snacking during the day went from 25¢ to 30¢ at the convenience store, I took note.
That's a 20% increase, for Pete's sake.
Then the Times ran a little article about Aldi's, the German discount grocer. I remembered that they had opened a store where the old Acme had been on Park Avenue just over the South Plainfield line.
I actually went in shortly after it opened, but was turned off by the presentation -- everything sits out in the open in cut apart shipping cartons and there wasn't a brand name in sight. Reminded me of the Two Guys shopping experience from the 60s.
Learning that Aldi's also owned Trader Joe's, I decided to check it out again.
Forget the shopping amenities -- this is an experience that is all about price. Nearly everything is a house brand, which really means it is stuff made by the name-brand manufacturer but sold under Aldi's brand name, minus the marketing costs of the big guys.
Can you save quite a few pennies? Check out the results of my little excursion.
I bought three items and compared them with prices from a chain grocery in the area: a bottle of canola oil, and standard-sized boxes of clones of Cheerios and Rice Chex.
Here's the tale of the tape --
| Item | Aldi | Chain | Savings |
| Canola Oil | $2.79 | $4.79 | $2.00 |
| Rice Squares | $2.19 | $4.49 | $2.30 |
| Oat Cereal | $1.59 | $5.19 | $3.60 |
| Total | $6.57 | $14.47 | $7.90 |
If you're thinking that pinching a few pennies here and there might not be a bad thing, head on down Park Avenue and check it out. Aldi's routinely beats the prices of even Wal-Mart.
Note that this is NOT a comparison with 'warehouse' shopping. We're not talking about buying a case of cereal or canola oil at a time here; many people don't want or need that kind of savings.
I decided that my Aldi savings could alleviate the shock of my little bags of pretzels quite a bit and I could learn to live with the ambience. Plus I got to chat with a few friends who, it turns out, were on the same mission.
Be forewarned: Bags are 10¢ apiece. Bringing your own is perfectly fine.
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6 comments:
We've been doing the bulk of our grocery shopping at Aldi's for months and it really does save a lot. Also, their bags are reusable, so if you buy one, just bring it along when you go back. We've also found that prices for many items at Supremo's are lower than at other supermarkets, and their produce is more varied than most.
In the meantime, the Iraqi government is sitting on a budget surplus and we're spending billions over there. Didn't the folks who started this war tell us we wouldn't have to pay the bill?
Hey Dan,
This my first time answering a blog of yours. I have visited Aldi's and like you have been turned off. I guess I am so used to Shop Rite and Walmart. I'm going to try it again, what's there to lose?
thanks
i love aldi.depends what you are looking for.and what you are willing 2 pay at the supermarket.so its A and P first and after that its going 2 aldi.for all the stuff.i am not willing 2 pay top dollar for.
I shouldnt even add this info since it is a nice little secret...large eggs, $.99; 1 gallon of milk, $2.99; bread, $.79; this place is perfect for families! Even the $.99 cans of Arizona ice tea for just $.69, and yes, it is the name brand.
I'm afraid the cat's out of the bag.
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