ALDI — Local services in Fort Smith

Probably the last time we'll be visiting this ALDIs. The employees here are never particularly friendly, but today pushed me past the limit. The lines were getting hectic because everyone is grocery shopping before the week, and only one line was open (like always) . Another line opened up by an INCREDIBLY rude woman named Rachel. She sat down without saying a word, had an airpod in, and had a nasty look on her face and I could tell she was inconvenienced by having to open the line. She then started to bark at the woman and the the family in front of us saying "CASH OR CARD. ARE YOU PAYING WITH CARD" the family in front of us was non-English speaking and didn't understand her, thankfully the woman in front of them spoke Spanish and translated, but they were paying in cash. We could tell the cashier was annoyed by this, because she had to get up (to stock the register with change I guess?) She came back after awhile, didn't apologize or anything, and started scanning the family in front of us groceries aggressively and was literally throwing them into the cart as least gentle as someone possibly could without it being technically a violation of something. They paid and started to walk away and she said "DO YOU WANT YOUR CHANGE" talking to them like they were dogs. She didn't treat our groceries much better and we were very ready to leave. I'm pretty sure she thought we were upset because she was taking a long time to come back to the register with the change, but really we just couldn't believe she had talked to the people in front of us like that. It's not OK at all. I understand that people are worked hard, but they did not do anything to her and were just trying to pay for their groceries. The card readers are always a little spotty, so our card didn't work a few times. She barked at us too, and said "SWIPE" well that didn't work either. We finally got it to work after a couple tries and she said, in the absolute most condescending and hateful way "see you next week" (not sure what she meant / was really trying to say by this) we told her no, you won't be. I can only tolerate so much but I have never left a store feeling so disrespected and unwelcome. I also don't normally leave reviews, but this type of treatment needs to be addressed. None of us deserved to deal with her. It was absolutely hateful and made...

This German store chain, mostly food but with lots of other items, is growing explosively in the USA by doing many things right that American stores get wrong. Like all German stores, they have carts that are released by a coin that is returned when the cart is brought back and linked to the other empty carts. This lowers prices. They carry usually ONE good kind of everything. Why offer dozens of kinds of cornflakes? This reduces the size and cost of stores and LOWERS PRICES. Aldi hires good people pays well, and has chairs for checkers, who place items directly in carts. Items are shipped in standardized boxes placed on shelves as-is with no need to unpack and stack them. All this increases productivity and LOWERS PRICES. The smaller stores get customers in and out faster. Much food is organic and much is free of substances banned in Europe. Stores open at 8am and close at 9pm most days. Bring your own bags, use the empty boxes, or buy a nice bag for a dime. Inconveniences are minor, easy to adjust to, and result in MUCH LOWER PRICES. I seldom need to patronize...

Aldi's is now my favorite place for groceries. Just be sure to have your quarter in hand to get your cart (I keep a few in my console). You get the quarter back when you return your cart. (Smart, helps save them money bc they're not chasing after carts. Nor do you have to worry about carts running into your vehicle!) Nice selection of produce and something is always on sale or the price is cheaper. Not as much selection as other grocery stores so may need to make a run to another store for non grocery items or your favorite brand of something. They scan really fast in the check out lines so have your groceries on the belt quickly and your method of payment ready. It's helpful to bring your reusable bags or grab empty boxes as you shop. I think you can buy bags but I always bring my own, so not sure on cost, etc. Yes, you have to bag your own groceries but it's getting that way in other stores. Rumor has it they are building another Aldi's in Fort Smith, then I won't have to drive...