15 Things You Never Knew About Aldi

Discover Aldi's rich, intriguing history in 15 fascinating facts about this budget-friendly grocery chain. A treat for loyal customers & new shoppers alike.

The Founding of Aldi

Founded by Karl and Theo Albrecht in Essen, Germany, in 1913, Aldi was originally "Albrecht Discounts," offering a limited selection of products at low costs.

The Origins of the Name

"Aldi" is short for Albrecht Discounts, combining the first two letters of each word. First used in 1962 when the Albrecht brothers split into Aldi Nord and Aldi Süd.

The Global Expansion

Aldi, since inception, expanded to 10,000+ stores in 20 countries, including Germany, America (since 1976), Europe, Australia, and Asia.

The Aldi Split

In 1960, Aldi was split into Aldi Nord and Aldi Süd due to disagreements on selling cigarettes. Now, they operate separately with unique store designs and products.

Aldi’s Innovative Business Model

Aldi's business model sets it apart from other supermarkets - they source products directly from manufacturers, eliminating intermediaries and reducing costs, enabling lower prices without quality compromise.

Limited Product Selection

Aldi offers a limited product range compared to other supermarkets - a strategic move to cut costs, keep prices low, and pass savings onto customers.

The “Special Buys” Section

Many love Aldi's "Special Buys" section for its discounted products in limited time and quantities, adding surprise and excitement to the shopping experience.

Store Brands vs. Name Brands

Aldi's store-brand products, accounting for 90% of their inventory, are often just as good or better than name-brands, offering massive savings.

The Quarter-Cart Rule

Aldi keeps costs low with a unique policy: customers insert a quarter to use a cart, returned when the cart's returned. This saves on labor for cart retrieval.

Bring Your Bags

Aldi's policy of not providing free bags, encouraging customers to bring reusable ones or buy in-store, saves money and promotes environmental sustainability.

No Frills Shopping Experience

Aldi's simple, no-frills store layout with products stacked in original shipping boxes saves time and labor, giving a warehouse-like feel that cuts cost.

Store Hours

Aldi's limited store hours, usually 8am-9pm, are a cost-saving measure, reducing labor costs and allowing restocking during off hours.

Employee Wages

Aldi pays employees above the industry average, investing in staff for a motivated workforce and better customer service.

No Credit Cards Accepted

Aldi only takes cash, debit & EBT cards, not credit cards, to avoid processing fees and keep low prices .

Aldi’s Global Reach

Aldi, a truly global supermarket chain, operates in over 20 countries with over 11,000 stores worldwide, and continues to expand.

Award-Winning Wines

Despite their low prices, Aldi's selection of wines has won numerous awards, proving their commitment to offering quality at an affordable cost.

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