For and against switching supermarkets to Aldi

Aldi draws me to shop there on an almost weekly basis with its limited special offers on diverse items such as DIY tools and pots and pans etc.. They are clever to target seasonal needs of shoppers. When I am there I often also buy food items that appear cheaper than regular supermarkets. However, often the brands are Aldi’s own or foreign brands little known in the UK. That said I have bought things much cheaper than available elsewhere (even the internet) and I have bought things I don’t need on impulse because I thought they were a bargain at the time. I still shop at Tesco and Sainsburys regularly too.

I’ve tried Aldi’s new store in Canterbury, but was not impressed. Narrow aisles and a real battle to get round. When I reached the checkout – no credit cards accepted. Didn’t have enough cash so had to use a debit card. Bought Loo Rolls and Kitchen towels which fell apart on use!! All in all not very impressed. Will carry on alternating between Tesco, Waitrose and my local high street.

I use Lidl for disinfectants and cleaning products, but I don’t buy food stuff, unsure of quality. I shop at Tesco and M&S but use local small fruiters and butchers. I have been getting a great bargain recently from B&M stores Twinnings morning tea £7.99 at Tesco, only £2.99 at B&M now that’s what I call savings also my basmati rice 49p at B&M, £2.49 at Tesco, I don’t mind travelling between stores. originally shopped at B&M for pet products as I heard they were cheaper but found other brands I buy often also cheaper. I think these stores are on the rise because shoppers are becoming more savvy and not accepting the pricing from the big four. but not everyone can shop around due to transport restrictions, I do tend to ask my elderly neighbour if there is anything she needs especially from the aforementioned stores.

We do our ‘big’ shop at Sainsbury’s, but as we have 2 large and well-stocked Aldi stores nearby, I also buy from there, & will continue to do so. I disagree with the comments about lack of confidence in food quality. I highly recommend the smoked salmon, the frozen Salmon Wellington, biscuits, & many other food products. I don’t buy their fruit and veg if it is pre-packed in plastic, but I have been very happy with the quality of loose produce. I know I’m sounding like an ambassador for Aldi, but I could write a list of things I’ve bought, at bargain prices, from their stores! Also service at the checkouts is efficient and fast.

I shopped for the first time in Aldi’s in Farnborough last week and really enjoyed the verify of foods on offer.
The checkout however was a nightmare. The deputy store manager was so rude that i left the store shacking. Don’t pack your bags, put your food back in the trolly, pack it over there, my food was torpedoed from one place to another with a matter of urgency. That was followed by, put your card in, pay quickly and go, while rolling her eyes at other customers.
I spoke to another customer, who said you get used to it! I then spoke to a member of staff and she explained that the prices are good but they sacrifice other things?????? I guess that would be customer service.

I’ve been using my local Farmfoods as an alternative to Aldi for a while now. Like Iceland, Farmfoods most sell frozen foods but do have a basic but adequate range of other stuff.

Their shops are small and easy to get around and, at least in the one I go to, customer service is great – all the staff are fiendly and helpful.

It’s a bit like Aldi or Lidl but without the hellish rush at the tills.

I work for Sainsburys but thought I’d downgrade myself & try ALDI . Although the customer service & freindliness of staff lacks there I can save 50% on my weekly shop. You have to watch the dates on the food but the cost & quality of the food more than makes up for the lack of service there.