Despite their relaxed mask policy, everyone at Aldi, this morning, was wearing a mask

[Siwsan]

And everyone, aside from the staff, fell well within the 'vulnerable' category so I figure, like me, they were likely vaccinated but still erring on the side of caution. One person I talked with said just the fact he hadn't gotten sick with ANYTHING, in over a year, is reason enough to stay masked inside of public places.

My county is still just at 36% fully vaccinated with about 46% having at least 1 jab. At this point that seems shockingly low, IMHO. The state numbers are closer to 60%.

[Yonnie3]

1. We have an Aldi opening up here next week

A bit of topic drift, but I've never been in one and want to ask if there is anything special or different for me to check out?

[Siwsan]

5. First thing - have a quarter ready for the cart.

If you've ever shopped at Trader Joes, Aldi will seem a little familiar. They bring in a lot of limited time specials.

I find the meat and dairy section to have exceptional deals. I buy their 'Simply Organic' Milk for $2.89. The same type product, everywhere else, is 1 to2 dollars more. Same with the half and half. I pay for a quart what Kroger charges for a pint. Even the produce is a great savings deal - I just picked up some baby bella mushrooms for $1.59. I saw them at another store for well over $2. If you are a wine drinker, they have a 'house' wine called Winking Owl that goes for $2.99 a bottle and it is really nice. At one time they knocked the price down to $2.49. If they ever do it, again, I'm doing a major stock up. They actually have a really big, nice and very well priced wine and beer selection.

They now have an expanded organic and vegan selection.

Actually, almost everything in the store is of equal quality to 'name brands' but at a substantial savings. The only thing I wish they had is a fresh bakery section but the baked goods they do sell have never disappointed me. And they have an aisle of non-grocery, seasonal and always changing items.

You bag your own groceries and if you don't bring your own bags, they have them at a reasonable price. And, one of the things I love most about Aldi is their staff. I've shopped several different branches, and have always been impressed by the friendly nature of their employees.

I could go on and on about Aldi. I do the vast majority of my grocery shopping there. I swear, if I don't show up at least once a week, they'd put out a missing person report on me.

[Yonnie3]

8. Thanks for the information.

I think I'll wait until the grand opening is over before checking it out.

[Siwsan]

10. Probably a good idea

When they did a major refit/expansion on my Aldi, the grand re-opening was insane. The line was wrapped around the parking lot! We went back, later in the day, and it was still packed but at least we found a parking place.

[Lars39]

6. Bring a quarter for the grocery cart.

And shopping bags if you have them. They sell those also. Be prepared to stay a while that first trip. Their website will show you the seasonal, special buys. Their organics are great.

[Yonnie3]

9. Important information

Thanks

[GoCubsGo]

15. A great place for staples, and they have really good chocolate.

Their "Choceur" brand is really inexpensive, but it is at least as good as high end brands like Lindt and Godiva, if not better. It's all imported from Europe. The same goes for their baking chips. High quality chocolate. It's a great place for baking supplies, in general, as long as you aren't looking anything too fancy.

And, speaking of Europe, they periodically have "special buy" and "seasonal" weeks where they feature imports from Germany and other places. A lot of their Christmas goodies are also imported from Germany, which isn't surprising, since it's a German company.

A lot of their house brands are basically the same as big name brands, and are produced in the same factory as Stacy's pita chips, etc. As I understand it, the Winking Owl wines are produced by Gallo, and I concur with the other posters who give them high marks. Hard to beat it for three bucks. I have also long suspected that some of their "Parkview" sausages and hot dogs are produced by Vienna Beef in Chicago.

Their "Vista" brand "hard seltzers" are highly touted, if you like that kind of thing. I tried 'em once. They're really good, but it's easy to forget they have alcohol in them. Their beer is good, as well, both the foreign and domestic brands.

[DanieRains]

2. I Haven't Been Sick For A Year Too Not One Day

Mask?

I think so actually.

[CurtEastPoint]

3. Same here.

[BlueIdaho]

13. I used to think it was funny

Seeing tourists trundling off sightseeing buses all wearing masks, but not anymore. I’m a believer.

[Irish_Dem]

4. I am in a red area, and I am seeing people still wearing masks in stores.

I am so grateful that most people seem to have some common sense.

[Thunderbeast]

7. Same thing at Home Depot

No mask requirement. Nearly EVERYBODY (customers and staff) was wearing a mask anyway.

[DURHAM D]

11. My Aldis has been the worse when it comes to masking from day one.

Staff has mostly worn masks as a necklace and shoppers can't be bothered. I only go there occasionally because there is just one item I buy there.

The staff is not vaccinated and one of them spent considerable time telling me how it is all a hoax.

[Siwsan]

12. Damn! That's the total opposite of the one I shop

They have been totally mask compliant, from day one. During the worst of the hoarding problems, they stationed an employee in the toilet paper aisle, making sure everyone followed the '2 per customer' rule. There's always hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes available at the entrance.

I have no idea about the mask situation at the other 2 Aldi in Genesee County but the times I have shopped there, the staff seemed as friendly, helpful and on top of things as the one, right up the road from me. I actually think they rotate the staff between the 3 branches.

Other than Trader Joe's, I've never shopped anywhere that has such great customer service.

[helpisontheway]

14. Most people are still wearing masks here..I was surprised to see a majority wearing masks OUTSIDE at

Lowes yesterday. We have been out of town for a couple of weeks so it was nice to see that most are still using some caution. Dollar Tree is still requiring masks. People were still wearing masks inside Harris Teeter.

[RobinA]

16. Most People Where

I live are still wearing masks. I don't and I'm often the only person I see without one in stores.

[Siwsan]

17. Last week I saw a woman who wasn't wearing one, but her toddler daughter was. It made me smile.

Frankly, I'm pretty surprised at the amount of mask wearing I'm still seeing.

We're going on the grave tending run, come Monday, and I won't be wearing one but I'll have one with me.