There’s a learning curve when it comes to certain activities: riding a snowboard, crocheting a blanket and, it turns out, shopping for groceries at ALDI.
The international grocery chain founded in Germany has quirks and pricing that have created a unique fan base. When West Akron’s ALDI opened May 22, hundreds lined up for the chance to peruse its aisles.
But some new shoppers may find it daunting that ALDI shopping carts require quarters or that items are displayed on shelves while still in their shipping boxes. Others are confused by which registers take a card or cash at checkout.
Check out this guide and ease your worries about shopping at the grocery chain.
ALDI’s quarter for a cart policy
Chances are, you’ll need to pick up a shopping cart before walking into the grocery store. To get a cart at ALDI, you’ll need a quarter to unlock it from the ones ahead of it. To do so, put a quarter into the slot on the right side of the cart’s handlebar and pull the chain to disconnect it to from the cart ahead of it before starting your shopping journey.
When you’re done shopping and loading your car, you’ll get your quarter back when you push the cart back into the row. Use the chain on the cart in front of yours to push your quarter out of the slot.
Dietary restrictions at ALDI
ALDI stores stock about 1,400 of the most commonly purchased grocery items in their most popular size. Some of which are kosher-certified, gluten free, verified as organic or meet halal requirements. For more information about items that cater to dietary restrictions or preferences, see ALDI’s product information page.
Shop in the morning
It’s also important to note that, similar to most grocery stores, shopping in the morning after things have been stocked but before the store gets busy is ideal. This is doubly true on weekend days, when most people shop.
Ask your local ALDI when they usually get their restocking shipments in case the item you are searching for is out of stock.
ALDI’s ‘aisle of shame’
The ALDI Finds aisle, commonly referred to as the “aisle of shame,” is where customers can find limited-time food, clothes, gadgets, outdoor décor and other miscellaneous items. Many items in this section of the store are rotated out weekly or may be limited in supply. Some ALDI fans love the “aisle of shame” so much they’ve created an ALDI Aisle of Shame Community Facebook page to share their finds.
Checking out and bagging groceries
It’s best to bring reusable bags or be prepared to pay for some at checkout as ALDI doesn’t provide free grocery bags like Acme or Giant Eagle.
Also, ALDI employees do not bag your groceries. If a cashier is checking you out, they will place your grocery items back into your cart and you must use the shelf between the checkout aisles and the store exit to bag your groceries. Cashier lanes often take both cash and card.
When using self-checkout (usually card-only), open your bags and put them on the designated bagging platform and put your items directly in the bag after scanning. Follow the directions on the touch screen to complete your purchase.
Payment options at ALDI
The grocery chain accepts several forms of payment, including cash, most debit cards, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT), SNAP, Link cards and contactless pay such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. ALDI does not accept checks or WIC benefits.
They also offer cash-back options in the amounts of $10, $20, $40 and $100 at checkout with qualifying cards.
ALDI return policy
Along with quarter-fed carts, ALDI is also known for its twice as nice guarantee, a policy that allows customers to receive both a replacement item and refund when returning a product. For items not covered by the twice as nice guarantee (non-food ALDI Find items, alcohol, national brands or non-quality related issues), a replacement or refund is offered.
To receive the guarantee, the product packaging and any unused product must be returned to your local ALDI store manager. A receipt is required to receive a refund in the original form of payment. Customers who do not provide a receipt will receive an ALDI Merchandise Credit gift card equal to the current retail price of the returned item.
Got a story recommendation? Contact Beacon Journal reporter Tawney Beans at tbeans@gannett.com and on Twitter @TawneyBeans. And follow her adventures on TikTok @akronbeaconjournal.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: ALDI shopping: How to get groceries, when to visit and other essential tips
Reporting by Tawney Beans, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
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