How to shop at Aldi: Tips and tricks for navigating the discount grocery store

Maddie Aiken, Salisbury Daily Times
·2 min read
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This week, Berlin gains its first Aldi on Thursday, Dec. 16, and the Eastern Shore sees its fourth installment of the discount grocery store chain.

We put together a guide to help you navigate everything Aldi.

Berlin's Aldi is open daily from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. and is located at 11328 Samuel Bowen Blvd.

What does Aldi sell?

At its core, Aldi's purpose isn't too different than any other grocery store. The German-based chain sells produce, meat, seafood, dairy, eggs, deli products, frozen foods, bakery products and more.

Aldi stores do not have delis, but the meats and cheeses in its deli products section are fresh.

ALDI employees continue seting up the new store in Berlin Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021, at 11330 Samuel Bowen Blvd before the opening. The store is part of the company’s national expansion plan to become the third-largest U.S. grocery retailer by store count by the end of 2022.
ALDI employees continue seting up the new store in Berlin Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021, at 11330 Samuel Bowen Blvd before the opening. The store is part of the company’s national expansion plan to become the third-largest U.S. grocery retailer by store count by the end of 2022.

Does Aldi carry name brands?

Over 90% of Aldi's products are Aldi-exclusive brands. Aldi often offers cheaper versions of nationally known products.

On its website, the chain said it may carry a national brand if it is is unable to "procure an exclusive brand product that meets or exceeds the quality and taste of the national brand."

Does Aldi sell alcohol?

Some Aldi stores sell alcohol, but the Berlin store will not, according to a public relations representative.

How can I find out about deals?

ALDI opened its new store in the Berlin area at 11330 Samuel Bowen Blvd. The store is part of the company’s national expansion plan to become the third-largest U.S. grocery retailer by store count by the end of 2022.
ALDI opened its new store in the Berlin area at 11330 Samuel Bowen Blvd. The store is part of the company’s national expansion plan to become the third-largest U.S. grocery retailer by store count by the end of 2022.

Every week, Aldi issues new deals in its stores. Paper copies of Aldi's weekly ads can often be found in the Worcester County Times and other newspapers and magazines.

The chain also posts weekly ads to its website.

What's up with Aldi's shopping carts?

Aldi shoppers like to save money — and so does Aldi.

To use an Aldi shopping cart, shoppers need to insert a quarter into a slot to unlock the cart. When shoppers are done using the cart, the quarter will be released once the cart is returned to the cart area.

Aldi uses this system to avoid paying workers to return carts to the store.

Should I bring reusable bags?

Yes, Aldi charges 10 cents per bag. If you need reusable bags, the store usually sells them.

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Do I need a membership to shop at Aldi?

No, Aldi doesn't offer memberships or rewards programs.

Does Aldi offer curbside pickup or delivery?

Yes, Aldi offers both through Instacart. More information can be found on Aldi's website.

ALDI opened its new store in the Berlin area at 11330 Samuel Bowen Blvd. The store is part of the company’s national expansion plan to become the third-largest U.S. grocery retailer by store count by the end of 2022.
ALDI opened its new store in the Berlin area at 11330 Samuel Bowen Blvd. The store is part of the company’s national expansion plan to become the third-largest U.S. grocery retailer by store count by the end of 2022.

Is Aldi actually cheaper than other grocery stores?

Typically, yes. Aldi consistently offers lower prices than other national chains like Walmart or Target, according to its website.

Maddie Aiken covers business for Delmarva Now/The Daily Times. Know of a local opening or closing? Send it her way at maiken@delmarvanow.com or on Twitter @madsaiken.

This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Berlin Aldi: Tips and tricks for shopping at discount grocery store