Want a no-frills shopping experience and Thanksgiving? Well, Aldi is where it is at. With its narrow selection and low prices, it has become one of the largest and most valuable grocery store chains in the world. It also has 10,000 locations around the world, including 1,600 in the U.S., which has made the founding family multibillionaires. So, how can such a wealthy chain offer such low Thanksgiving prices?
How It Began
It all started as a German family discount shop in 1913. It didn’t become what it is today until 1946, when two brothers took over the store from their mother. Karl and Theo Albrecht, in the aftermath of World War Two, were looking to reduce waste and costs post-war, according to CNBC. Refusing to spend money on advertising or any decorations for the store, they also removed poorly selling items from the inventory. Finally, in 1961, the name was changed to Aldi as we know it, though some might not know it is short for Albrecht Discount. It was around that time that the brothers disagreed on whether they should sell cigarettes, so they split the store in half. Karl Albrecht, in the south called Aldi Sud, was cigarette-free. Meanwhile, Theo Albrecht was in the north with Aldi Nord, which was not cigarette-free.
It finally expanded to the U.S. in 1976, with Aldi Sud expanding through Iowa, the Midwest, and Eastern regions. Today, the popularity has exploded; there is potential for it to become more popular, as SNAP benefits are no longer in effect, and people are going to be looking for a budget-friendly meal. It is known for fresh produce and meats at cheap prices and products displayed in the cardboard boxes they were delivered in. It helps cut costs by not hiring cart collectors and relying on the customer to use a quarter and get the quarter back after they return the cart. Shoppers are also encouraged to bring their own shopping bags and tasked with bagging the groceries themselves.
Thanksgiving Meal Deal
Aldi is offering a $40 Thanksgiving meal that can feed 10 people. With grocery prices rising but salaries staying the same, Aldi is offering the opportunity to worry less about what you have to do for the holiday. Here’s what customers can purchase to create the meal:
- Whole turkey (14 pounds)
- Chicken broth
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup
- Evaporated milk
- Hawaiian sweet rolls
- Miniature marshmallows
- Cut green beans (x2)
- 100% pure canned pumpkin
- Shells and cheese (x2)
- Brown gravy mix (x3)
- Poultry spices & herbs
- French fried onions
- Pie crust
- Chicken or cornbread stuffing (x2)
- Whipped dairy topping
- Yellow onions (3 pounds)
- Baby peeled carrots
- Celery
- Cranberries
- Sweet potatoes (3 pounds)
- Russet potatoes (10 pounds)
This is available between October 15 and December 24, and the reduced prices will be available online and in-store. Customers won’t need a loyalty card or coupon to cash in on deals. It is truly wonderful to see opportunities like this for customers who truly need it, so please make your way there and enjoy the feast!
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