I'd like to take a moment to wish all the readers of The Smart Aldi Shopper a happy and healthy holiday season!
Thank you for visiting the blog - I'm gratified that you've found this site to be a valuable resource as you strive to get the most value from your grocery budget by shopping at Aldi.
As I mentioned a few weeks ago, there will be some changes to the site in the coming year. Specifically, I'll be moving the blog from Blogger over to the WordPress platform, and with that, you'll see some changes to the layout. In addition to the product reviews that the blog has been built on, I'll also be adding separate pages for other content, including other Aldi-related information, recipes, video, and so on.
I'm very eager to share the new site with you! I think you'll find it much easier to find the information you're looking for, as well as being generally more entertaining and fun to hang around.
Again - my sincere thanks for your support in the past year, and my best wishes for a joyous holiday and happy new year!
-Jeff the Aldi Shopper
I want to wish Happy Holidays to you and yours, Jeff. I also want to thank you for a great year of reading. I have truly enjoyed reading your blog and am looking forward to seeing the changes coming. Keep up the terrific work as it is much enjoyed! May you have a wonderful New Year!
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Merry Christmas, Jeff to you and your family! Have a great holiday and looking forward to reading more next year! Rosie
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays to you and your family! Looking forward to the new blog and sharing Aldi secrets, food finds and reviews! Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to all.
ReplyDeleteThanks for maintaining a fun blog! Your reviews are timely and relevant. Have a healthy and 20% more prosperous year (than if you were shopping at other stores!) in 2012.
I look forward to seeing how the migration to WordPress goes and will keep a link on my own blog. Take care!
Happy Holidays to you and your family, Jeff. Thank you for changing my mind, and my finances, this past year! I hope you enjoy the season; I'm looking forward to more posts from you...honestly like Christmas every time I read one. Take care. Sharon
ReplyDeleteJust a miscellaneous comment on something that I've recently experienced regarding Aldi... I participate in some messaging boards local to where I live. Aldi is expanding quite a bit in my area so, inevitably, the questions arise of "when is the Aldi in 'such and such location' opening?"...
ReplyDeleteBoy oh boy, you would not believe the barrage of (mostly) negative and some positive feedback that accompanies these posts! Naturally, I participate in these discussions because I *heart* Aldi, but also because I want to know when the new locations will open -- especially the one RIGHT near me! Yay for end of January opening!!
My point with this comment is I can't believe how polarizing Aldi is and has become amongst the lovers and haters. And what stumps me is the points that the haters make about Aldi. They are generally very consistent - like no bags, renting the shopping cart, no brand names, no phone number, no coupons, etc. Ok, this is my issue with these comments. These reasons that people dislike Aldi for have NEVER been a part of Aldi's business model. So, why hate them for it? I can understand taking issue and offense to a store that fails to carry out the promises of their business model - like bad customer service at a store that touts its stellar service record, or high prices at a store that advertises their rock-bottom values. But, to hate on a store that strictly adheres to their business model really is no reason for hateful comments.
Going into Aldi expecting something that Aldi's business model does not aspire to provide is going into an Aldi with unreasonable expectations. Therefore, these expectations will never be met and these people will always leave unsatisfied. And often, spread negativity about a store that did not, and never will meet their needs. However, for certain people, who develop expectations for the store based on the realities of Aldi's business model and offerings, will have a more true and accurate representation of the shopping experience.
What really disappoints me is the first segment of people I referenced, because they often (not all the time) feel the need to espouse on the negative aspects of Aldi, as they perceive them, but its not a fair assessment based on a SEVERE expectations gap!
I just wanted to get that off my chest for today, I know it's long and convoluted, and in reality, I don't need to convince anyone who reads this blog of the virtues of Aldi. But, for anyone on the fence about Aldi and its product offerings, just please make an informed decision based on Aldi's way of doing business and whether or not it jives with your needs and lifestyle. And if it doesn't, I hope no one takes that as validation to insult and spread falsehoods about the company!
Thanks for letting me vent, Jeff!! :-)
You make a lot of good points Ellen, and I think you said it best when you wrote:
ReplyDelete"Going into Aldi expecting something that Aldi's business model does not aspire to provide is going into an Aldi with unreasonable expectations. Therefore, these expectations will never be met and these people will always leave unsatisfied."
In one of my earliest posts I said something about how Aldi doesn't operate like a typical grocery store, so one should keep an open mind about it. The fact is, Aldi does things differently, and they don't do haphazardly - like you say, it's their business model. They've thought about it long and hard, and decided that's the way they want to do business. If a person doesn't like that, then they should just shop somewhere else. No big deal.
But, some people like to stir things up, especially when they feel uncomfortable with something. I think that's just an element of human nature.
I just shrug, smile a little on the inside, and go about saving money...
I hear you. I've made my points on that discussion board and the other person just won't let it drop, going on about Aldi advertising loss leaders and such, which I say is just not part of their business model. But, they will never be satisfied, so I've given up! I'm tired of the discussion, but revitalized about saving money at Aldi! :-)
ReplyDeleteHey Jeff! Wonderful blog as always. Not sure if you've migrated to WP yet, but I did want to ask you - are you noticing that (cue spooky music) plain old rice cakes have disappeared from ALDI? http://www.susanhardy.org/2012/01/food-hey-aldi-whither-rice-cakes.html. They can't be had for love nor money in any of the local ALDIs I'm checking. Happy New Year & good luck with the move!
ReplyDeleteHi Jeff, Ellen's comments are interesting! I think shopping at Aldi just gives us another way to shop.....using reusable bags is good for the environment, bare bones display and stark aisles reduce distractions, and I use the opportunity to pass on my cart without getting my quarter back...you should see the astonished and sometimes (heartbreakingly) grateful faces when I push the cart towards people and say "this one's on me!" It is just different, and you make what you will of the experience! Happy 2012!!!
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