Which Aldis are really good in this area? (credit card, unemployment)

[PhotoProIP]

Originally Posted by planedition

What do you expect? You are talking about a country where shopping at thrift stores is now more popular than shopping at the mall (thanks Bush and Obama).

I don't remember anyone shopping for all their clothes at thrift shops in the 80s/90s. Nor was there a thrift shop on every corner like now. The thrift stores are raking it in, on the backs of the lower and middle class in this country. The division between rich and poor grows and grows (thanks Bush and Obama).

Today we have Goodwill opening $14 million dollar stores. The "non-profit" Goodwill is expanding faster than any for-profit chain I can think of. Except maybe Aldi.

I worry that we (the non-1 percenters) have a future of Goodwill and Aldi to look forward to. American dream indeed.

Hey you have employers and their low wages to thank for the explosion of thrift stores...I rather wear one shirt until I'm dead than shop at those stores! Again, embarrassing that we want to call ourselves some "super power" yet our people live like that!!!

Forget Aldi...seriously, it's crap. Plus, God knows where that stuff is coming from...eat less, but eat better, otherwise your hospital bill might increase beyond your reach.

[PhotoProIP]

Originally Posted by HarryWho?

Putting a quarter in the cart? Reusing shopping bags? If that seems like a sacrifice then you've carried the concept of self worth entirely too far.

All stores, grocery or not, should do this so we can stop finding carts by the bus stops, because some people are completely depleted of common sense.

[PhotoProIP]

Hey, forget Mercedes...there is this woman driving a ROLLS ROYCE that shops at Target!!!

Huge gray Rolls Royce...


Plus, are you all not aware that a used Mercedes is quite affordable?

Originally Posted by sinatras

Surveys show Aldi shoppers have annual household incomes of about $65,000.

The Mercedes and Lexus shopper is NOT typical.

The Kia shopper IS typical.

Jason Hart, the president of Aldi USA, makes my point exactly:

"I think this lousy economy has jolted customers, more and more customers, to give us a try to save money on their groceries."

Grocery Shopping for the Cost-Conscious - ABC News

I've read the Millionaire Next Door, and I'm well aware that some of the wealthy shop for bargains, many of my family members included. In fact, my sister and her husband make several hundred thousands a year and clip more coupons than a family on welfare.

But they are the exception to the rule, not the rule, and the customer base at Aldi is NOT people like my sister, as the statistics clearly show.

My original point was that more and more people have no choice but to shop at Aldi because of the new American economy.

[Pragmaticus]

Originally Posted by PhotoProIP

Hey, forget Mercedes...there is this woman driving a ROLLS ROYCE that shops at Target!!!

Huge gray Rolls Royce...


Plus, are you all not aware that a used Mercedes is quite affordable?

Yep.

1999 Mercedes E320 Good condition

[sinatras]

What an excellent point. Unlike trader joes, which are usually located in affluent ares, Aldi stores are usually located in poor areas. Because each store wants to be in or near it's target market.

[PhotoProIP]

Originally Posted by MeInDenudinFL

Yep.

1999 Mercedes E320 Good condition

Exactly...I pity them because the parts for European cars cost more than their monthly payments!

[PhotoProIP]

Originally Posted by sinatras

What an excellent point. Unlike trader joes, which are usually located in affluent ares, Aldi stores are usually located in poor areas. Because each store wants to be in or near it's target market.

In Germany they were in the middle of the city, and you didn't have to go to the outskirts to find one. Here, they are in Pinellas Park, by 275 at the edge of bad town on Florida ave...etc.

[Sunscape]

There's an Aldi's in Clearwater on 19, near the Countryside mall which is nicer than the others.

Eggs and Milk are pretty good there.

[sunshinyday]

Originally Posted by BucFan

I often wonder how many of those Mercedes/Lexus drivers actually own their vehicles outright and aren't paying $400/month or more in payments or a lease.

Just because someone drives a luxury car doesn't mean their finances allow them to - and they most likely are living above their means.

I am reading this thread and wondering how it turned into a personal finance discussion but I agree that having a luxury car usually means lease or loan payments, and there are lots of people who like to shop frugally even through they may not need to. That's why they have money, they have been careful how they spend it.

And I also agree that the presidents alone cannot be held accountable for individual decisions to live way abouve one's means. I think it can be seen in all generations, not just the younger folks....

[sunshinyday]

Originally Posted by sinatras

I'm a little disturbed by all the people here saying they don't buy meats or produce at Aldi. I don't think I would ever say the same about Trader Joe's, and they are owned by the same company. The meats and produce at Trader Joe's are excellent overall.

I guess one has to shop two or three different stores to get a good deal and good quality at the same time. I often wonder whether the time investment is cost efficient.

They are owned by the same company but they are at opposite ends of the cost spectrum. I shop and both and am very careful to read the country of origin at Aldi...I like the store but I am choosy about what I buy there.