This year, I just realized I spend more at this store than Last year.
The Grocery Landscape is a Changing in USA as Grocery Store Competition is ramping up.. What do the Germans know that we don’t already know, Americans like a Bargain? Evidently the Germans know that there’s Growth in the US and are ready plunk down some substantial cash on the table of opportunity. Just look at how Aldi has already put a foot print here locally (Florence & MS). Aldi announced to invest $5-Billion in US- Opening 900 new stores and upgrading existing stores.
Here’s what this means; Aldi in the next 5 years will be the 3rd Largest retail Grocer in the US with 2500 locations. Behind Kroger & WalMart. The smaller regional Grocers (FoodLand, Hometown, Big Star, Wilsons) may find themselves in the cross hairs of losing market share to the German discount grocers. Ever tried to call an Aldi store via phone to check on an advertised product they offered? I haven’t been able to find their number anywhere, but my point is how do regional grocers compete with Aldi’s $0.98 Gal.Milk when regionals have contracted milk to sell to you for $2.98 - $3.98 Gal. Or when Publix offered USDA Choice Top Sirloin Steak BOGO @ 12.99 lb. And Aldi’s had USDA Choice Top Sirloin for $4.99 lb. – Both are USDA Choice Grade (Best You Can Buy- Guaranteed by the US Federal Government Standards)
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out your best bargain for your hard earned money. Aldi sells Non-Branded names to USA consumers and some may be from European or other foreign suppliers.
Over the past year, the more I shop and try different Non-Branded Aldi items, the larger my percentage portion of my food bill is going to Aldi’s vs FoodLand, Hometown, BigStar, Walmart, Publix or Sav-a-Lot. Not all, but many are AsGood or Better than many Name Brand items. And of course we know why Kroger doesn’t have a store in Shoals anymore due to Unionism activity back in early 70’s, the unions force Kroger to close it doors and Kroger Never Ever came back in Shoals to Open new stores.
The other New German Discount Grocer coming to US is Lidi, opening its first 10 stores this Thursday as part of a multiyear expansion.
I try to keep shopping my local grocers for meats and other items. Will continue to do so in the near future. Many of the Name Brand items regional grocers carry, have priced themselves away from my budget. I typically see through efforts of Name Brand items that increase prices with less ounces of product, using improved/new packaging gimmicks to appeal to shoppers. I don’t take the bait like I use to some 20 years ago. If you are not a Quality Value/Bargain Shopper, then all this does not appeal to you. Do your own comparison testing; meanwhile, Happy Shopping Kmart Shoppers…
Who is receiving the larger dollar percentage of your grocery bill versus last years.