Aldi vs Westside Market (coupons, employment, buying)

[chrisohio42]

This is an internal conversation that I've been having with myself that I'd like to get some other thoughts on.

Now that I'm in a position of self employment I'm finding myself with a few extra hours to devote to all the things that I used to have to rush around to do, especially grocery shopping. Now that I have the time I feel like I should upgrade a bit and shop at the Westside Market more. I'd like to get local food as much as possible, and after watching some of Jamie Oliver's show, I'm pretty much over eating most red meat unless I can talk to someone who can tell me where it came from.

BUT.....

The problem is I'm also dirt poor (or as Chris Rock would say "I had to save up to be poor") and I'm wondering if shopping at the Westside Market would actually save me money than the normal place I go which is Aldi, and VERY cheap.

If anyone has done any homework in this type of situation I'd love to hear some thoughts.

[YaFace]

My problem is that when I go to the market, I buy so much extra crap that I didn't need because it is all so good. You will save hands down going to the market (you can actually haggle if you want) and the most is soooo much better. I cannot stand Aldi's nasty a$$ cheese for example.

[Cleveland_Collector]

Produce will be both better and cheaper at WSM. Go on Saturday afternoon when the vendors will be looking to deal to save even more $. The meats are going to be more expensive, but they'll also be of better quality. Once again, Saturday afternoon is deal time. Your choices will be more limited, but you can save a lot. I once bought 5 lbs. of excellent porterhouse steaks for $30. You aren't going to find that deal anywhere else.

[lisa12230]

I find them both benefical...I go to the West side market for their meat, fruits and vegetables because I cook just about everyday....Aldi's on the other hand is cheap...My problemis not with the store in general...ITS ME!!! LOL....I'am addicted to brand names and sometimes aldi don't have that....so when I get to cleveland, it'll probably be Giant Eagle, West side market, Daves, and maybe Heinens....

[Cleveland_Collector]

Steer clear of Giant Vulture except for the most basic needs, coupons, and loss-leaders. Due to the lack of real competition and all of their gimmicks, their general pricing is just stupid anymore. I find that a good cross section between WSM, Costco, farmer's markets, and occasional visits to Heinens, Whole Foods, and Giant Eagle suits me well. I estimate that I save nearly 30% over shopping at Giant Eagle alone.

[lisa12230]

I plan on using a lot, I meadn a LOT of coupons....

[Treeman1]

WSM is relatively inexpensive; why don't you just shop there and buy enough food for a week - it'll probably be relatively comparable to what you get at Aldi's, plus there's the whole morale/enjoyment factor of just going there.

[Cleveland_Collector]

Originally Posted by lisa12230

I plan on using a lot, I meadn a LOT of coupons....

You'll have to. Personally, I don't like being dictated to when it comes to what I buy. I'll use coupons, but only if it's something I plan on buying anyway. At the WSM or Costco, that's not really an issue.

[jlawrence01]

Originally Posted by chrisohio42

The problem is I'm also dirt poor (or as Chris Rock would say "I had to save up to be poor") and I'm wondering if shopping at the Westside Market would actually save me money than the normal place I go which is Aldi, and VERY cheap.

If anyone has done any homework in this type of situation I'd love to hear some thoughts.

On produce, you will do a lot better at the WSM in terms of selection and quality. You need to look for the surplus produce booths where the prices are cheaper and buy just what you can consume in the next 4-5 days.

On bakery items, you will do a LOT better price wise at Aldi's. Ditto on most meats, cheeses, and staple items.

One place that you did NOT mention was Marc's. If you shop there, you will find a lot of great deals at a fraction of the price of the national chains.

[lisa12230]

One place that you did NOT mention was Marc's. If you shop there, you will find a lot of great deals at a fraction of the price of the national chains.


they still have Marcs there???? That's great,I use to love Marcs!!!!!