[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by Pairadocs

My take on this; 30 years ago I definitely did not care for Aldi's at all (we have family in the "north" who have had an Aldi's for years). When the Villages got their third Aldi's, I decided to give it a try. My thoughts, anything that has been around as long as they have must have something to offer !? While the basic floor plan seems not to have changed in 30-40 years, I have to admit the quality and variety have really changed. Can't believe their expansion lately, but keeping most of the European chocolate offerings, almond paste, etc.

I have been buying almost all my fresh produce there lately. We now have a location right by us and last week I bought avocados for $.38 and they were VERY high quality, limes were half the price I'd been paying at Publix and Walmart, bought pineapple, carrots with green tops (not the plastic bag types), etc. Now, we use a LOT of fresh fruit and veggies so this would make little difference to some, but I added up (from actual receipts) what I had paid in the last 3 weeks and my Aldi's purchases came to $9.37 LESS. Now this would make little difference for those who don't purchase a lot of fresh items, but since we now have an Aldi's close to us so it does not mean a lot of extra fuel and time, for a savings of about $40 to $50 a month (for our particular buying pattern) is significant. Bought a spiral cut ham there, the price was so low comparatively, I was hesitant. Can't tell you yet how that will turn out but friends who have bought them for many many years at Aldi's in Illinois tell me they are best ever and one half the price ? Seems too good to be true, we'll see this weekend !

If you think Aldi is good you would be blown away by its almost affiliated company Lydl which I believe is owned by the brother.