April 6, 2010 | Story by: Community Contributor | Categories: Vox Populi
by Mary Katherine Smith
Cary, N. C. – As a weekly shopper of the previously forbidden Aldi on Maynard Road, I left this store chuckling last week about how busy it was.
When we first discovered Aldi (recommended by another Mom buying for teenaged appetites!), this place was nearly empty. We had no difficulty picking up certain low cost items that are jacked up at other grocery story chains like strawberries or cream cheese.
Now, the parking lot is packed and we have to ask what days certain foods are delivered to get a shot at purchasing these deals along with everyone else that has discovered this grocery store jewel!
For example, cream cheese (which I use in a favorite appetizer), is generally $1.75 or more at “regular” chains but at Aldi it’s only about a dollar.
I am an admitted “shop hopper”, always looking for the best variety and price. Aldi does not have organic foods nor do they carry a lot of variety but the prices are unbeatable.
Right across the street, I meet the same shoppers I saw at Aldi, now at the deli at Food Lion alongside me. Then, when I trek off to Trader Joe’s, I often see a lot of the SAME folks I just saw at Aldi or Food Lion.
Almost “Banned” – Thankful It Wasn’t
How blessed are we to be able to “hunt and gather” our groceries without even having to leave town? One of the reasons I LOVE Cary.
Wait, didn’t Cary try to vote Aldi out altogether? Funny! Now you may have to bring your own grocery sacks (but aren’t we already moving in that green direction anyway?) and you may have to pay a quarter to use a shopping cart (which you get back as soon as you RETURN the cart, something we should all be doing anyway!) but it just cracks me up to see the luxury SUV’s and European sports cars in the parking lot and also to see some of these same people show up at the other great grocery shops that Cary has.
Thanks, CaryCitizen for letting me “flog” (fake blog)!
————————————————————————————
Editor’s Note: Vox Populi, Latin for “voice of the people,” is an occasional series from reader submitted essays. If you’ve got something to say, contact Managing Editor Matt Young to pitch an idea. No guarantees, but we’re always on the lookout for new voices and interesting points of view. CaryCiitzen photo by Hal Goodtree.
Brent
April 6, 2010 at 9:49 pm
Cary didn’t try to ban Aldi altogether…there was a protest by citizens over its originally planned location at the outparcel next to Lowe’s Home Improvement (where Starbucks and Jimmy Johns now are) — there were a few people who didn’t care for the store itself, but many people (including me) objected to the change in land use for that outparcel (which, as part of the Lowe’s approval, was promised to be a sit-down restaurant).
I think some people still didn’t want the store at its current location, but most folks, as I recall, didn’t have a problem with the store but rather with its original planned location.
I’m glad to hear Aldi is successful at its current location, and thanks for the article!
Winston Hooker
April 29, 2010 at 11:22 am
occasionally there are real bargains of fresh vegetables. Diary products are a value, Liquid salad dressing are excellent. Coffee buys are good as are boxed cookies. Some bakery products are excellent. Prices are below those at Wal-Mart Superstore. If you are on a food budget, shop at Aldi’s first, then go to the others.