10 things to know about shopping at Aldi before Thursday’s grand opening in Beaufort
Aldi will officially open its doors in Beaufort this Thursday at 9 a.m.
This opening caps off a two-year wait for local shoppers eager for its low prices and simple shopping style.
Located at 361 Robert Smalls Parkway and open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., here’s everything you need to know before you go:
Be among the first in line
On opening day, the first 100 customers will receive a reusable gift bag filled with a sampling of Aldi products and a gift card as part of the Aldi Golden Ticket gift card giveaway program.
Bring a quarter
You’ll need the quarter to unlock a shopping cart for use. The quarter will be given back to you when the cart is returned at the end of your shopping trip. Aldi says this practice saves it money because it doesn’t have to use employee time to collect loose carts.
Bring your own bags
Or, you can purchase reusable ones at the store. Aldi doesn’t offer single-use plastic bags, another way the company states it saves money.
Plan to bag your own groceries
A store employee will scan the items in your cart, but you’ll mostly be responsible for bagging them – another cost-saving tactic for Aldi.
Don’t expect name-brand products
Aldi states more than 90% of their products are Aldi-exclusive brands, including gluten-free, plant-based and dairy alternative items. This doesn’t mean they are of lesser quality. You’ll have to try them to see whether they stack up to the brands you are used to.
They also offer organic meats, fresh produce, gourmet cheeses, sustainable seafood, and more.
Why is Aldi generally cheaper?
Since Aldi largely carries exclusive brands, it often avoids the hidden costs associated with national brands, such as marketing and advertising. Other strategies like using quarters for carts, reusable bagging, the smaller store size, and limiting stock to just under 2,000 items help lower the overhead costs, allowing the company to offer lower prices on a curated selection of items.
Aldi also publishes a weekly ad and price drops where shoppers can see which items are on sale.
Leave the coupons at home
Aldi does not accept national manufacturers’ coupons or have a store loyalty card for discounts as other grocery stores do. Although they do offer regional promotions or coupons tied to an event, such as grand openings.
Don’t expect a fancy store
Aldi’s “no frills” locations aren’t as large as modern superstores. The Beaufort location has around 12,000 square feet of sales floor, around the same size as the existing location in Bluffton. For many, this makes the shopping experience quicker and more efficient. Some items will be stacked on pallets.
Look for specialty items
Aldi is known for its good selection of cheese, European chocolates and inexpensive wine. You can expect the Germany-based company also to stock some European-based beers and snacks.
Keep your receipt
If you aren’t satisfied with the quality of a product, Aldi states that it will replace the product and issue a refund under its “twice as nice” guarantee, but you must have a receipt to receive a refund. For customers who do not have a receipt, Aldi says they will receive an Aldi gift card that is equivalent to the retail price of the returned item.
