With Aldi coming to Dallas, Trader Joe's could be next! (Houston: job transfer, new construction)

[tntmi]

Where has Aldi built so far?

[tycobb2522]

Hate to be the sole dissenter in this little lovefest here, but I don't get it. Trader Joe's is the most overrated store in the history of retail marketing. If you like nut-crusted sun dried free range chile flavored ice cream, and a million varieties of hummus, and if it's vitally important to you that the chickens that lay your eggs weren't in cages, it's your store. Easy to see why it's all the rage in California... There are plenty of markets around here that beat them hands down.

Aldi? Are you kidding me? That place makes Food Lion look like a quality grocery store. I guess I'd go there if I was on food stamps and couldn't find anything to steal.


I always have to chuckle when I hear the wailing of the transplants to bring on the establishments "that we had back home". So often they don't even compare with what's already here. The best example is Steak n Shake; you would have thought they were the second coming of Christ from all of the Michigan-accented oohs and ahhs I heard. I tried them a couple of times: meh; mediocre, at best. Two weeks after they were here, the 30 minute line of cars at the drive-through turned into no line at all.

[Debsi]

I'm sorry you don't like the store, but it is perfectly valid for people who like stores they used to enjoy patronizing to be excited when those stores open/might open in their new hometown.

Wishing for Trader Joe's.. or In'N'Out.. etc etc is NOT an indictment on Texas and I don't think it is necessary to be pejorative about those that prefer some non-locally grown stores.

I don't like Steak and Shake either, but that doesn't mean that Whattaburger is a superior restaurant. It's just what you grew up on that seems best, it's human nature. To me, both of those places are disgusting because I grew up on neither!

[tycobb2522]

No need to get defensive; I didn't say it was an indictment of Texas, nor did I make disparaging remarks about anyone. I said that "I don't get it", and stated my opinion that so often the latest craze is overrated. Settle down.

I could care less if something is locally grown or not, if it's good. But in my opinion, Joe's and Aldi are nowhere close to good. They are incredibly hyped, and terribly overrated.

It's just wonderful that you like them, but it's also okay for me to disagree. OK?

[First24]

For me, it's not an infatuation. I like when another popular chain store comes to a metro area. It tends to force all competitors to keep prices in check and up their merchandise quality and selection. TJ's and Aldi's are no doubt overhyped, but it will be a benefit to all DFW shoppers when they set up shop here.

[tycobb2522]

Very good point.

[tntmi]

Tycobb,
Obviously you haven't been in an Aldi store for a LONG time. My husband works for Aldi, and by far it's the best place to save $, especially on staples. It has come a long way, and in this economy, it's a God send to those that need to save.

I encourage you to try it when it's in your area.....then you can make a judgement statement.

[tycobb2522]

Originally Posted by tntmi

Tycobb,
Obviously you haven't been in an Aldi store for a LONG time. My husband works for Aldi, and by far it's the best place to save $, especially on staples. It has come a long way, and in this economy, it's a God send to those that need to save.

I encourage you to try it when it's in your area.....then you can make a judgement statement.

tntmi - Thanks for telling me when I can make a judgement statement, but actually, I can make one any time I please. If by "LONG time" you mean last year, then yes, it's been a long time. Without going into too much detail, I spoke with a representative of Aldi last year, and thought that it might be a development opportunity. I flew up to Broken Bow for a little 3 day vacation, and looked at several stores. In my opinion, they suck. My comparison to Food Lion was generous.

Yes, there may be places in the Dallas area where they might be a good fit; not any place I would go... They are the 99 cent store of supermarkets. In my opinion, most people that like Sack and Save would be disappointed with Aldi.

Just for fun, I did a little searching on C-D to see if I am the only one with this opinion. Some of the comments were: "felt like shopping in a communist bloc country", "the smell would make you gag", "only foreigners and old people in there", "food was inedible", "produce was sketchy", "gave everything we bought to the Thanksgiving food drive because we refused to eat any more of it", etc.

My question to you is: If your husband works for Aldi, why would your post on 2/18 ask where they have built so far? Bumping the thread for a little free advertising on C-D perhaps?

[Synopsis]

Since I've never experienced Trader Joe's please tell me why it is so popular?

[Beretta]

Mod note: Please feel free to debate the topic at hand but not each other. Thanks!