Update 9/18/24 @ 9:50 a.m.: The Banner stated that ALDI accepts WIC EBT cards. We received this correction from Daniel Clausen, WIC Director/Project Coordinator, Walworth County Dept. of Health & Human Services, Div. of Public Health: “At this time ALDI is not a WIC-approved store throughout the state of Wisconsin and they do not have the ability to process eWIC transactions (or our Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program paper vouchers). They are likely set up to accept FoodShare EBT, which is a separate program from WIC. I wanted to share this to clear up any confusion and avoid having one of our WIC families try to utilize their benefits at ALDI and be denied and uncertain of the reason.” Our apologies for this error.

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

Whitewater lost its last free-standing grocery store, Sentry, in December of 2015. Efforts to attract a new store have finally been rewarded with the impending opening of ALDI at 1380 W. Main Street, between Walmart and Culver’s. The property was made available by the demolition of the Hawk Bowl and Apartments, with space still available for additional construction to the west of ALDI.

ALDI is rather unique in some ways, so particularly for those who haven’t shopped in one before, we offer this introduction.

When does ALDI open?

The store will have a “soft” opening on Wednesday, September 18. Generally a soft opening occurs without significant advertising, but ALDI is promoting the “sneak peek” with the store fully open. The ribbon cutting will take place on Thursday, September 19 at 8:50 a.m. Regular store hours will be seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. And the name is ALDI, not ALDI’s.

Are Trader Joe’s and ALDI related? Where’s the name ALDI come from?

• It’s a common misconception. They share a common history but are not related.
• The chain was founded by two brothers in 1946 when they took over their mother’s store in Germany.
• The business was split into two separate groups in 1960 over a dispute over selling cigarettes. One of the brothers believed that doing so would increase shoplifting.
• The name ALDI is short for Albrecht-Diskont, which translates into English as “Albrecht Discount.”
• Today ALDI Nord (North) operates in northern Germany and owns the Trader Joe’s chain in the U.S. ALDI Süd (South) operates in southern Germany and owns the ALDI chain in the U.S.
• ALDI has more than 2300 stores in 38 states and is based in Batavia, Illinois. The company in March, 2024 announced ambitious growth plans to open 800 new stores by the end of 2028.

Remember your quarter

ALDI says that one of the approaches they use to keep costs down is to store all of their carts in a central location at the store entrance. In order to obtain a cart, a customer must insert a quarter in an unlocking device on the handle. Sometimes a departing customer will turn over their cart to another customer without expectation of receiving a quarter in return, but it’s best to develop a plan where a customer will always have a quarter in hand. Amazon sells a wide variety of quarter holder key chains; sometimes ALDI itself sells them. Some people even keep a quarter keeper on their reusable bag. The customer gets the quarter back when they return the cart. Undoubtedly if someone leaves a cart in the parking lot someone else will find it worthwhile to return it for a quarter!

When’s the best time to shop?

ALDI’s specials, which are advertised in a circular that most local residents probably see inside of one of the “shoppers” in the postal mail, are effective beginning on Wednesday. When those products run out, they’re gone. There are no rain checks. Shopping early on Wednesday is considered to be the best time.

What are ALDI finds, otherwise known as The Aisle of Shame?

Near the checkout aisles are shelves plus frozen food chests that feature “ALDI Finds.” Devoted ALDI shoppers often refer to the section as “ The Aisle of Shame.” New products appear once a week, generally on Wednesday morning, although some stores put them out starting on Tuesday afternoon. Some of these products are seasonal items, and many of them are brought in on a one-time basis. Some savvy shoppers suggest using a degree of willpower in this area, as it’s easy to get a little carried away with impulse buying. There are at least three Facebook groups named “Aisle of Shame Community” where people share their comments about products that they purchased, which probably includes some items that weren’t actually in The Aisle of Shame. Sometimes customers are posting that one of their favorite items is no longer found at their store and they’re hoping someone can tell them where they’re still carried.

Remember your reusable bags

ALDI takes various approaches to encourage sustainability, one of which is to not provide complimentary bags. They sell reusable bags, but for a customer who arrives without their own bag there are three options: purchase a reusable bag, buy a paper bag for about 12 cents or find a box in an aisle that’s nearly empty, place the remaining items on another box, and take the empty box.

You’ll pack your own bags or boxes

ALDI has no baggers. Whether you use a self-service or attended lane, after you check out you take your purchases to a separate counter to pack them.

What forms of payment are accepted?

ALDI accepts cash or all major credit cards: American Express, Discover, Mastercard and Visa. They do not accept checks. Editor’s note: Please see the correction at the beginning of the article re: WIC. ALDI is not a WIC approved store.

Will they have pickup ordering?

The store will not have pickup orders. Early in October, however, they expect to be participating with DoorDash and Instacart for delivery.

Will you be able to buy absolutely everything on your shopping list?

Sorry to say, it’s possible that there may be something on your list that you don’t find at ALDI. Whitewater’s store will be 20,000 square feet, somewhat larger than Janesville’s. The average grocery store from other major companies is approximately 38,000 square feet. ALDI carries fresh produce, fresh meat & seafood, frozen foods, bakery, beverages, dairy, pet supplies, baby items, household essentials, seasonal products, beer, wine, etc., but with its smaller size it can’t carry everything that a huge grocery store may have. That’s why one Whitewater resident who loves ALDI says she always goes there first. One good thing: they should be able to quickly replenish their stock, as they will receive deliveries every day. This person expects to shop at ALDI frequently, and less frequently at a different store for what she can’t find at ALDI.

Does ALDI carry brand names?

Over 90% of ALDI’s products are “house brands,” as they believe that generally provides the best value. The main reasons that they will stock a brand name is if 1) they can’t find a house brand that they feel measures up well to a brand name, or 2) customers have expressed a strong interest for them to carry a particular brand name. When ALDI does stock brand names for a particular product, it will usually be not more than one or two brand names. They do carry some organic foods as well as gluten-free ones under the  liveGfree brand.

What if you don’t like a product?

From the ALDI website: “ALDI Twice as Nice Guarantee Return Policy

We believe we have the best quality products around.  We’ve designed and tested our brands to meet or exceed the national brands in taste and quality. We’re so confident in our products that every item in our stores is backed by our unbeatable Twice as Nice Guarantee.*

If for any reason you are not 100% satisfied with the quality of any product, we will gladly replace the product AND refund your money. To receive the Twice as Nice Guarantee, the product packaging and any unused product must be returned to your local ALDI store manager.**

*Please note that a receipt is required to receive a refund in the original form of payment.  Customers who do not provide a receipt will receive an ALDI Merchandise Credit gift card equal to the current retail price of the returned item.

**The Twice As Nice Guarantee does not apply to non-food ALDI Finds items, alcohol, national brands and non-quality related issues.”

Are there any Grand Opening Specials?

Special inducements on Thursday include: 1) The first 100 customers on September 19th will receive a Golden Ticket that could be worth up to $100. An ALDI employee will hand out laminated numbered cards. 2) On September 19th the first 100 customers will receive a bag of ALDI goodies. An ALDI employee will hand out a free eco-friendly bag stuffed with ALDI products. 3) On September 19th look for an ALDI employee to receive your Free ALDI Shopping Tote! Quantities are limited, so make sure you get to the store early to enjoy all of the festivities! Continuing from September 19-22, enter for a chance to win a $500 Gift Card! Look for the signs inside the store to scan the code and enter your details for a chance to win a $500 ALDI Gift Card!  [See the store’s website for details of these offers.]

Have more questions? Don’t bother trying to call.

ALDI stores have unlisted phone numbers. Try checking the FAQ section on their website, or ask a staff member when you’re in the store.