Aside from ‘have I run out of milk?’ there are a few questions that are likely to run through your head when you shop at Aldi.
More than a mere supermarket, the German retailer holds a sort of mystique in the minds of the British public thanks to its bargain-filled middle aisle and super speedy checkout staff.
Ricardo Sealey has heard them all in his role as Nuneaton store manager, from queries about Aldi’s unique layout to customers wondering why prices are so low.
And to ensure you no longer have to wonder, he’s shared his insider knowledge on the UK’s favourite supermarket; here are your FAQs, answered.
‘Can I get different Specialbuys in different stores?’
‘A common question customers ask is about Aldi’s Specialbuys, with many shoppers curious as to whether they can find different Specialbuys by visiting other stores in the area,’ says Ricardo.
But for those who think they can shop around, the simple answer is no.
Ricardo explains: ‘Specialbuys are released every Thursday and Sunday and are exclusively available in our stores, but everyone can purchase the same unique products no matter where they are in the UK.’
You may find another store still has stock of something sold out elsewhere, but that’s about it.
‘Why do Aldi colleagues stock shelves during the day?’
In some shops, staff wait until after closing to restock the shelves ready for the next day. But not in Aldi.
‘To help things run smoothly, all Aldi colleagues are trained to help in roles across the store, from moving stock to scanning groceries,’ says Ricardo. ‘This is to ensure the store teams are streamlined, prices remain low for customers, and shoppers can always find their favourite buys in store.’
‘Why does every Aldi look the same?’
Ever felt like going to a different Aldi gives you déjà vu? That’s because – just like training all its workers in all areas – each of the chain’s stores is designed to be same.
It’s all to help make things run efficiently: a smaller layout compared to a traditional supermarket reduces running costs, while fewer aisles makes the most of the space available.
Ricardo adds: ‘We also want to ensure a consistent shopping experience for all customers, so each store deliberately follows a similar layout meaning shoppers will always find the familiar “Super 6” promotional section upon entering, for example.’
‘Why is the price so low?’
Given it regularly wins ‘cheapest supermarket’, Aldi staff aren’t bragging when they say they get asked this a lot – to some, the prices simply seem too good to be true.
As well as the reasons mentioned above, one of the ways the company keeps things affordable is with its core offering.
‘Around 95% of the products on our shelves are exclusive own-label brands, meaning Aldi can control everything from production to delivery and pass the savings on to customers,’ says Ricardo.
By buying in large volumes, these economies of scale filter down to bargains at the till for shoppers.
‘What are the red stickers for?’
Speaking of bargains, you’ll nab the best ones by hunting for red stickers as you peruse the aisles.
Ricardo explains: ‘All of our UK stores mark down perishable products by 75% on their last day of life, including bread, meat, and produce, while imperfectly packaged items like rice, cereal, and tinned food are discounted by 30%.’
However, unlike other supermarkets, Aldi doesn’t gather its red sticker items together, so you’ll need to keep your eyes peeled for offers dotted around the store.
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
Sign up to our Shopping newsletter
Get the latest trends, offers and trusted reviews
0 Comments