ALDI — Local services in Peoria

I have shopped at Aldi before (not in Phoenix) and familiar with their store format. I was surprised to learn they have opened three stores in metro Phoenix in the last three months. This is a newly opened store at Lake Pleasant parkway and it’s their third store in Phoenix metropolitan area ( the other two are at Chandler and Gilbert I think). Aldi has been aggressively expanding their footprint nationwide. Unlike their older store formats, this new store has an expanded array of fresh produce and fruits, larger collection of organic produce and a bigger store footprint than their midwestern older stores. In general, Aldi prices are very competitive and slightly cheaper. Another unique aspect of all Aldi stores are it’s no carry bag (you have to bring your own bag or buy their Aldi carry bags, both plastic and paper are available for a price) and pay by cash or debit card. I don’t remember if they have started accepting credit cards at this store (need to verify this during my next stop) but I did remember seeing support for Apple Pay, Google pay, contactless pay, etc. Also note that you have to use a quarter coin to take the shopping cart from the cart rail. This is just to encourage you to return the cart from where you picked it up ( they don’t employ people to haul the shopping carts (one of the ways to save money and reduce the price of their products). 1/9/21 edit - Aldi does accept credit card payment. Just want to...

So I had been wanting to visit ALDIs For quite some time when I found out they had a location in Peoria. I heard they had low prices on a lot of items and gave it a try. Upon pulling up, it was actually smaller than I would have guessed considering how popular it was. Also you have to pay a quarter for carts! Like who carry’s change anymore right. Upon entering, it was a bit Karen-esque. It’s the neighborhood I suppose. I really liked prices on fruits and veggies. I did notice a lot if not most of the stores brands were generic meaning hardly any name brands except soda. That might be why their prices are so low but that’s not a issue for me personally. I got quite a few items mostly snack foods. I spent just under $100. The employees were very nice even though other customers were not. when checking out they did not have grocery bags! You must bring your own so I put everything into my trunk item by item and carried them home like that. Overall, I will not be visiting frequently due to distance from my home, Fry’s and Winco are closer, But it was a good change from my...

We're use to the Aldi's back East. This place was a nice surprise. Much larger than we expected. Wide isles fully stocked. The even have fresh fruit and vegetables! Great prices!

Remember all the carts are outside, so get one before you enter. Bring your own sanitizer to wipe it down. Also, bring your "Aldi Quarter" to get your shopping cart. Since Covid19, that's the only change I carry. Use that quarter to "unchain" your shopping cart from the cart train. When you're finished shopping, grab the key from the last cart in line and use that key in your cart to push your quarter back out. I love the 'Quarter Cart" system because there aren't a bunch of carts abandoned in the parking lot banging into your car. When it rains there are usually some enterprising kids happy to take your cart back to the store. (they get your quarter)

If you plan on buying a bunch, make sure you bring your own shopping bags or cardboard boxes for your groceries. Aldi's can sell you a bag... but does not have any free bags to give you. That's one way they keep their...