This is what it looks like at Aldi in the US

German opponent Aldi succeeded not only in Germany, but also in the United States. There, the chain competes with stores such as Walmart. Aldi opened its first store in Iowa, USA, in 1976. There are now more than 2,000 stores in 36 states. This is what it looks like in American Aldi stores:

Sales have doubled over the past year. The company has gained more than one million new customers.

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Also in the US, customers get a shopping cart by putting a coin in the cart.

Marie Messenzall / Insider

Unusual concept: there are usually employees there who give out carts and take them back.

AP Photo / Martin Meissner

In this way, Aldi saves on personnel costs and at the same time combats the shortage of skilled workers in the retail business.

Marie Messenzall / Insider

In American stores, too, fruits and vegetables come right after the entrance.

Marie Messenzall / Insider

Most products are shrink wrapped or plastic laminated.

Marie Messenzall / Insider

Many things are still in boxes or on pallets that were used for transportation.

Marie Messenzall / Insider

This also saves costs and working time, as employees do not have to unload and sort products on the shelves, as is customary in many supermarkets.

Marie Messenzall / Insider

The average size of stores is about 1,100 square metres, which is relatively small for the USA.

Marie Messenzall / Insider

Also in the US, Aldi mainly sells its own brands.

Marie Messenzall / Insider

According to the chain, about 90 percent of the products come from Aldi brands.

Marie Messenzall / Insider

Although there are well-known brands like Coca-Cola, an alternative to Aldi can always be found.

Marie Messenzall / Insider

There is also a meat department in the USA. Prices are much cheaper than other supermarkets.

Marie Messenzall / Insider

As in Germany, there is a freezing department with various products.

Marie Messenzall / Insider

And also a section where you can find household appliances, games and other miscellaneous items.

Marie Messenzall / Insider

Aldi also saves on the checkout staff: there are usually staff packing the purchases.

Marie Messenzall / Insider

As in Germany, customers have to do this on their own in the US Aldi.

Marie Messenzall / Insider

Aldi also appeals to customers in the United States who are budget-conscious.

Marie Messenzall / Insider

With the cost of groceries on the rise, Aldi can still attract a lot of customers.

Marie Messenzall / Insider

In 2020, Aldi was the fastest growing grocery store chain in the United States.

Marie Messenzall / Insider

By the end of the year, the company plans to open an additional 150 stores in the United States and another distribution center.

Marie Messenzall / Insider

This would make the chain the third largest supermarket chain in the United States, after Walmart and Kroger.

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This text has been translated from the English language and edited by Hendrickje Rudnick. You can find the original over here.