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Gardner MA Museum Coordinator Has Experience with Aldi
Marion Knoll wrote a very good and illuminating piece on Social Media regarding her experience with Aldi. It is presented here with her permission.
Marion Knoll writes: With all the hype about the new store in town, let me tell you what I like about it. I have been shopping at ALDI already when still living in Germany.
Saving money is a driving factor. They keep prices low by MINIMIZING AIR IN PACKAGING (in bags of chips or cereal) = smaller boxes and bags for the same amount of product, also leading to less transport; you RETURN YOUR OWN CART (and get the quarter back you initially had to insert to unlock it from the chain) = saves labor costs since employees don’t have to do it; they LIMIT THEIR STOCK and so get bulk discounts (example: a huge quantity of one or two kinds of ketchup instead of small quantities of 20 different types); they LIMIT THE SELECTION OF PRODUCE AND PERISHABLE ITEMS = minimizes waste; their products are typically SHIPPED IN THE SAME BOXES that are going to be put on the shelves, some still on the pallet = cuts back on labor costs for stocking shelves; Aldi staff fills a variety of roles which keeps STAFFING TO A MINIMUM = reduces labor costs.
Of course, not everything there is a great buy but cost saving is not the only reason I like Aldi. Although a discount store, you can find QUALITY PRODUCTS at very reasonable prices: Aldi has removed synthetic colors, partially hydrogenated oils and added monosodium glutamate (MSG) from their private label goods. And that makes a huge impact since more than 90 percent of the items on their shelves are a part of their own private label. Aldi’s Simply Nature line is organic or non-GMO verified. You also won’t find any added artificial ingredients and preservatives, including artificial flavors#, artificial colors, high fructose corn syrup as well as hydrogenated oils & partially hydrogenated oils. They also offer a gluten-free line called LifeGfree.
Another aspect important to me is that there it’s possible to shop responsibly. They are becoming the first U.S. retailer to eliminate plastic bags entirely: they have tote bags available to purchase, and empty boxes you can use, but mainly YOU SIMPLY BRING YOUR OWN BAGS/BASKETS. (And you bag or box your items yourself). Not buying plastic bags for their customers worldwide also means huge savings they’re passing on to customers. And the planet. Plus, they are also working to make 100% of ALDI own-brand product packaging reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2025. They work with their suppliers on sustainable packaging innovations, and are committed to respecting human rights and improving living and working conditions throughout their supply chains in several international projects. Aldi stores are designed and outfitted to be as environmentally friendly as possible (a complete energy management system, LED lighting, natural lighting), and the company is transitioning to a more sustainable refrigerator system by 2035 with the goal of lowering carbon emissions by 60% each year.
Gardner Magazine thanks Marion Knoll for her informative insight. It is very much appreciated.