[imbrennan]

I loved Fresh Market - the selection of food was lovely - I could wander round there for a long time (but my husband was getting a bit frustrated because of the small aisles and too many people and trolleys - it was the second day of opening)! Lots of things seemed to be expensive but there were other things there that were not too expensive - for instance we bought a bottle of wine at around $9 that Publix have on sale at $12.99. I think they could really use a larger car park though - when I went we were having to park on the field on the other side of the road!

I'm definitely going back on my own and then I can wander round without having to worry about my husband getting fed up!!!

We also tried Aldis when they opened - unfortunately living near Lake Sumter Landing we don't always go down that area very often. However, the car park there was full too and it is obvious that it is going to be very popular for low priced foods. The store isn't particularly big and there obviously isn't as much choice and the brands might not be ones you have heard of but for quality and value for money it is excellent. Just a couple of instances - the cheapest Old Fashioned oatmeal I have found was an offer in Walmart and Publix for 2 for $5. Aldi have a very large carton for $1.79. Also I got 8 oz packets of walnut pieces and large pecan pieces for $2.99 each. That seemed quite cheap. We also bought bacon and turkey and ham slices which were good value. So give Aldis a try too if you are down that way.

We are from the UK and know Aldi quite well as they are a German company. Our main large supermarkets in the UK are Asda (owned by Walmart), Tesco, Sainsburys and Morrisons. In the recent financial situation it has been reported in the newspapers that the larger supermarkets are losing out to the companies such as Aldi and Lidl (also a German company I believe). We all have to be careful with our cash nowadays - even those of us who can afford to live in The Villages.