Aldi's discount grocery arrives in NYC

Aldi's the European discount grocery chain opened its first outlet in Rego Park,Queens and its already planning to set up more outlets in the city. Aldi's owners own the Trader Joe's stores in the US but are not involved in their US operations.
Considering we are so opposed to a Wal-Mart opening in the city do you consider this a good move?

http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20110217/SMALLBIZ/110219877
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21 Comments

JenMac 2yrs+
I've never heard of this store; but, I'm so obsessed with Trader Joe's it would be hard for me to dislike this.
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uptowngirl 2yrs+
@JenMac I have been to an Aldi's in London ..but like you I am a Trader Joe's girl in NYC..very keen to check out the 72nd street location when I am over ..
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JenMac 2yrs+
@uptown: I expect the full scoop when you get back!
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uptowngirl 2yrs+
@JenMac For sure can't live without it at least in NYC.
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Uraniumfish 2yrs+
@Everybody If the Aldi's is anything like it is in Europe, it's a good thing. Lots of middle class people go to Aldi's for basics, because who wants to pay $3 for a small yoghurt cup at a regular store. I think if Aldi's takes hold here, other stores will stop being so cheeky about their markups.
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uptowngirl 2yrs+
@Uraniumfish thank god for that to give you an example.. I recently bought some imported Alaska Pollock at my local supermarket and I paid the equivalent of $3.50 USD for four fillets. Just out of curiosity I logged on to D'agostino's site to see if it was available in NYC .. it is an it $9.99 you would think it would be cheaper since Alaska is a lot closer to NYC than HK!
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Uraniumfish 2yrs+
Every time I venture out of Chinatown for groceries I get sticker shock. There's a MET supermarket in Soho that is nothing special but everything costs twice as much as it does anywhere - at least Dean & Deluca's products are high-end and the prices are often justified, but really, $3 for a yoghurt?
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uptowngirl 2yrs+
@Uraniumfish that is quite outrageous!
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JenMac 2yrs+
I often have to go to D'Agostino's because it's a block away and if there's a blizzard I'm not walking 12 extra blocks. I'm always kind of horrified at how much I end up spending there for three things.
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uptowngirl 2yrs+
@JenMac In my neighborhood I have the choice of a Gristede's, a D'gostino's and a Morton Williams even then I make the hike to Trader Joe's because the amount I save is quite substantial.
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BroadwayBK 2yrs+
The only problem with opening huge retail stores in NYC is that not very many people have easy access to them. Without a car, there is no way I'm going to travel to Queens for a big grocery trip. Same thing with Wal-mart. I occasionally go out of my way to visit Trader Joe's, but I would much rather utilize my local options in a city such as this one.
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uptowngirl 2yrs+
@BroadwayBk I do go to Queens for a big South Asian grocery shop at least once a month.. we don't have a car so I do the lugging because the variety at the Queens store is way better. Maybe I should invest in a old lady trolley to make my life easier.. have a friend who lives in Hoboken which has no limited grocery stores, she makes the trip to TJ's ever so often with her trolley in tow.
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JenMac 2yrs+
@uptown: I agree. I often go to TJ's for groceries even though it's kind of out of the way just because you save so much money. But, it's too hard to carry a ton back. So, I end up having to bite the D'agostino's bullet every now and then.
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Uraniumfish 2yrs+
@BroadwayBK I know, people with cars shop in a completely different way. I feel like I shop like a hunter/gatherer, picking up a few small items every couple of days.
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uptowngirl 2yrs+
@Uraniumfish I would much rather do a once a week grocery shop than go out every few days but in NYC its just not possible is it but then again there is no way I am moving to the suburbs..
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BroadwayBK 2yrs+
I'm another hunter/gather over here; I don't think a day goes by that I'm not walking out of my way to go to a particular food vendor. I like my produce from the produce stand, but I have to head to the farmer's market for dairy, etc, etc...
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BroadwayBK 2yrs+
PS: Grocery shopping was much easier with a car: I just went to Fairway twice a week.
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uptowngirl 2yrs+
@BroadwayBK Whew! I am happy I am not alone in this hunting gathering thing for I always wonder what my doormen must think of me, given that I am always carting groceries.
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Uraniumfish 2yrs+
The hunter/gatherer method works for me since there are a few grocery stores where I can get specific items, and don't usually want to buy everything in one place. For example, I don't buy a ton of stuff at Whole Foods because who wants to pay $10 for a box of cereal - but I do stop in whenever I think of it, and pick up dried fruits from those bins (so so much cheaper than buying them packaged, and way fresher) and this green super-drink which only they carry.
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I like shopping daily (I live near a Covered Market with a greengrocer's, fishmongers', etc). I find I save more money if I only buy what I need on the day...and the food is fresher, too!
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Sailingsam 2yrs+
I went an Aldi's in Providence Rhode Island and it was great so I look forward to shopping here at the new Aldi's at the east river plaza. I have to take a cross town bus. I think it's owned by the same corporation that owns Trade Joe's.
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