Wayne Boatwright wrote:


> Oh pshaw, on Wed 07 Nov 2007 07:59:11p, Gregory Morrow meant to say...
>
>
>
>
>
> > Bobo Bonobo® wrote:
>
> > [SNIPEROONIE "partially hydrogenated" nonsense]
>
> >> ALDI is a store for poor people.
>
> > Nonsense, it's a store for smart people who want to save some money...
>
> > Frex, they have stuff like German chocolate that is far superior to
> > and cheaper than the mass market Hershey's stuff. They have a whole
> > range of German imports ("Deutsche Kuche" brand) in fact that is very,
> > very good...
>
> > They have frozen shrimp, etc., that is quite good, and a bargain to
> > boot...their hams are a good value.
>
> > Their produce selection is somewhat limited, as it's pretty much all
> > packaged stuff...but their packages of bell peppers, etc., sure beat
> > the stuff available at many major chains.
>
> > Their prices aren't always the *very* cheapest, e.g. their line of
> > Asian stuff is more expensive than buying at an Asian market, and I
> > can sometimes beat or meet their prices on certain items at my local
> > stupormarket. But they are generally very low...
>
> > Some of their stuff can be hit - or - miss, I've seen many discussions
> > of them over the years on various forums. But generally people are
> > pleased with the value they offer...
>
> > As for "poor people", Aldi only accepts cash and LINK (food stamps) at
> > least here in Chicago. So you can find "that element" shopping
> > there. But you'll also find plenty of savvy middle class white folks
> > shopping there too. People need to get smart about grocery shopping,
> > there is no particular stigma about shopping at Aldi. They opened a
> > new store near me that is sparkling clean and with courteous help.
> > I'd take 'em over Whole Foods any day...but then I'm the kind of
> > person that likes the thrill of hunting for a bargain.
>
> > --
> > Best
> > Greg
>
> In some areas, Ald's is definitely focused on the poor, and only found in
> very poor neighborhoods. It is also evident in their marketing in these
> stores as well. Perhaps Chicago is an exception. The few I found around
> the Cleveland area were downright depressing to walk through.


The one near me (on the 4500 block of N. Broadway in Chicawgo) is
sparkling new, it replaced a DREARY old facility that everyone
complained was dismal - and smack dab across from a Red Cross homeless
shelter. Yeah, it was bad, lol...

Friends used to say, "Go, but NOT on "welfare days"...", e.g. the
first of the month when poor people get their food stamps and other
monies...

This particular area is gentrifying (a Starbucks replaced a sleezy
tattoo parlour, etc.), so...there are Whole Foods and Trader Joe's
nearby. There are also a lot of cheap Asian and Mexican groceries in
the area...

I've noticed that Aldi now advertises (and has their sales flyer in
the Sunday edition) in the _Chicago Tribune_, they seem to be
"brightening" up not only their ads but also their offerings, aiming
them to a higher demographic.

Stores in some of the suburban locations offer electronics, home
stuff, clothing, etc. Some friends even bought a PC there, they are
pleased. OTOH some have warned about their cheap house - brand kitchen
appliances...

>From their website it seems they offer something new: flower
delivery! And some folks have mentioned that their cheap cut bouquets
are a good value...

Some locations carry liquor, including cheap German beers...


--
Best
Greg