ALDI has a near cult-like following, with Instagram accounts and YouTube channels dedicated to helping ALDI novices uncover the magic of this discount grocery chain. But there are still questions lingering that many people have. The most commonly asked question? What time does ALDI close? Well, we have the answer to that question and a lot more. Check out these common FAQs about this beloved grocery store.
What are ALDI’s hours?
While holidays may impact regular hours, and certain locations may deviate, the norm for ALDI hours is 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
Does ALDI have any house brands?
Yes! Simply Nature is ALDI’s organic food line. Live G-free is the company’s line of gluten-free products. Specially Selected is the company’s line of gourmet food products. The Earth Grown line is entirely comprised of plant-based products. And the Never Any line of meats is sourced from producers that use no antibiotics, no added hormones, and no animal by-products.
How does ALDI keep costs low?
According to the company website, “We start by bargaining hard with our suppliers for the best deals. Then, we pass the savings on to you!” Additional ways in which they keep costs low is by putting food out in their original packaging (no re-stocking costs), eliminating the cost of grocery bags, smaller store footprint, and not offering things like a deli, bakery or pharmacy, all of which bring additional costs.
Who owns ALDI?
ALDI was founded in Germany by brothers Karl and Theo Albrecht in 1961, and it was the world’s first discount grocery store.
How many ALDIs are there in the United States?
While the company was founded in 1961, the first U.S. ALDI opened in 1976 in Iowa. Today, ALDI’s headquarters is in Batavia, Illinois, and there are more than 2,000 stores in 36 states.
What are ALDI Finds?
In addition to a vast offering of quality grocery products, ALDI also features a smaller selection of household and lifestyle products called ALDI Finds. FINDS change each week and appear on a “Here today, gone tomorrow” basis. Finds include things like doormats, baby pools, pet supplies, gardening supplies and more. Availability depends on the time of year.
Does ALDI carry name-brand products?
While you will see name-brand products from time to time, on average, more than 90% of the store’s inventory are ALDI-exclusive brands.
Does ALDI sell alcohol?
Yes, ALDI does sell alcohol at some locations, but it depends on your city and state rules around grocers selling alcohol. (Here are some examples of alcoholic beverages available at ALDI.)
Does ALDI offer online ordering?
Yes, certain locations offer online ordering and curbside pick-up. Click here to see if your neighborhood ALDI offers this service.
Does ALDI offer grocery delivery?
Yes, certain ALDI locations offer grocery delivery. Click here to see if your neighborhood ALDI offers this service.
Why doesn’t ALDI have grocery bags?
ALDI encourages shoppers to bring reusable bags to package their groceries after checkout. Simply not offering disposable bags is another contributing factor in keeping their everyday costs low.
Why do you have to use a quarter to access a cart?
The signature quarter-for-a-cart feature to access a grocery cart at ALDI is yet another way the chain keeps costs low. By returning your cart and getting your quarter back, shoppers collectively help the stores keep their carts in stock and in good working order.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Sean Gallup/ via Getty Images.