I first discovered Trader Joe’s when I moved to America in 2011 after picking up one of their sales flyers. What struck me first was the gothic-style artwork in the design, followed by the product range that looked far from what I considered typically American.
Aldi arrived on British shores sometime before this encounter. With the monopoly of the more traditional supermarket big box stores hoovering up most pounds spent in the country, the emergence of smaller supermarket chains was welcomed at the time.
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Aldi on the Horizon
Hearing the news that Aldi is now opening stores in the USA fills me with happiness in knowing the big-box stores now have more competition. This can only be good for consumers.
One happy customer posted how they completed their first Aldi shopping experience recently, though they were confused by the product branding. Maybe they have high expectations, but they are happy with the in-store branded products at Trader Joe’s. Maybe Aldi’s are equally as good?
Aldi vs. Trader Joe’s
“I’m wondering if the quality of those items is [sic] similar…” they ask, before admitting they only tried dollar store cleaning products, which lacked quality compared to branded products.
The original poster shared this thought with an online forum, and here is what the public says about Aldi’s products.
Trader Joe’s Without The Hawaiian Shirts.
With startling accuracy, one response says, “it’s like Trader Joe’s but without the graphic artists and smiling cashiers in Hawaiian shirts.”
There is something quite cool about Trader Joe’s. I have always enjoyed shopping there, whether it is the positive vibes in the stores or even the decor.
Aldi Owns Trader Joe’s
No, this isn’t using the vernacular verb ‘own’ to show how much better Aldi is — this is true. According to one source, “It’s a German company called Aldi Nord.” The AL comes from Albrecht; the DI comes from the word ‘discount.’ So, there you go, the original poster!
Treating Retail Workers Like People
Another comment shows that Aldi looks after its staff, allowing cashiers to sit down — unlike other more established supermarkets. One Aldi fan says the “cashiers are freakin’ fast” at Aldi, which makes sense when your legs aren’t giving way.
I can attest that U.K. and Spanish Aldis are good quality, having used them both. A shopper in the forum says both companies “share some sources, and they also make identical products.” This makes sense, and Aldi chooses more of a German theme over Trader Joe’s more Californian vibes.
Should America Be Run By Trader Joe’s?
With a population fast tiring of industrialized products and overwhelming commercialization, Trader Joe’s success story is getting people excited. One person recommended a podcast episode that details the rise of a brand with “zero advertisement, small selections, and the cult following.”
Aldi Is a Safe Space
Maybe it is the genteel European origins of Aldi. Still, one of the funniest comments about shopping there is how one person has “yet to witness a fistfight or arrest at Aldi,” claiming how one famous big-box store is plagued with violent altercations.
Quality And Affordability
Aldi fans are easy to find online now. Trader Joe’s fans are standing firm in this forum, though Aldi fans are now just as proud. “There are many high-quality items at Aldi,” beams one Aldi fan. “Try their cheeses, chocolate, and meat. Just as good as any supermarket, if not better!”
This post was inspired by this thread.
