Why Some People Don't Like Shopping At Aldi

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Existing fans of Aldi may view it as the place for affordable, high-quality products, but not everyone is strapped into the bandwagon. Aldi anxiety is a very real thing among inexperienced customers, who often recoil at lack of disposable grocery bags and quarter deposits for shopping carts. Another thing that often vexes customers is that items sell out quickly, often before shoppers can get their hands on them. Or, as a Redditor put it, "Getting really tired of basic items being out of stock." 

Aldi focuses on its own private label goods, though shoppers will find a few name-brand items on the shelves. Additionally, the store is constantly swapping out its products to make way for new ones, particularly when it comes to the chain's popular Aldi Finds (which are special items with limited supplies). As such, finding products in the store can be challenging. In response to the Redditor complaining about not finding what they need at the store, another aggravated Aldi shopper had this to say: "I've had some of these problems with basics, too. ... It's not all the time but it's more common than in other grocery stores."

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Aldi's policies on specialty items aren't likely to change soon, so you'll need to be crafty if you want to secure sought-after products. We recommend that you shop at Aldi on Wednesdays, as that's the day when new finds are stocked (at most locations). We also suggest that you arrive right when the store opens if you want the best possible access to the new limited-time products. Many stores in our area open between 8:30 am and 9 am, but check with your nearest location to determine its specific hours of operation. 

You can also snag great items from Aldi's aisle of shame, which is an affectionate nickname given to the store's eclectic center aisle. While food-based finds pop up all over the store, the aisle of shame is where non-food Aldi Finds are often found. Because this section of Aldi is so popular (it even has its own Facebook fan club), you need a solid shopping strategy. Shoppers are encouraged to check out upcoming finds on the website, which Aldi shares before items are available in stores. The chain even provides a date range for when you can expect new items. In the event you miss a product, the store sometimes brings back popular finds that really resonate with customers.