Aldi Opens in Woodbury
About two dozen people were lined up outside the doors Friday morning.
Photos
Monique Garza was among those who went through the doors Friday morning as Aldi opened in Woodbury.
“I was the first, I think,” said Garza, a Woodbury resident who has shopped at other Aldi stores and was excited to have one closer to home.
Aldi, a discount grocery chain, was giving away free samples and had a grilling station set up outside for its first day in Woodbury. About two dozen people were lined up for a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony. Raffles and free tote bags were also among the Day 1 promotions.
Company officials had been eyeing Woodbury for some time as Aldi looked to expand into more Twin Cities markets, said Matt Lilla, divisional vice president.
“We’re really excited to be here,” he said, noting the Woodbury location is one of Aldi’s prototype stores.
Briefly addressing the crowd, Lilla talked about the company’s ability to keep prices down by having mostly Aldi-exclusive brands and a 25-cent cart-rental policy. He also mentioned Aldi’s double guarantee: it will replace the item and refund the customer’s money for those not satisfied.
As for Garza, she said she liked what she saw, calling the store “beautiful.”
“It’s Woodbury. What do you expect?” she said. “Most things out here are pretty nice.”
Aldi is located in the former Borders space at 8427 Tamarack Bay.
Previous Coverage
Aldi to Open Grocery Store in Woodbury
National Grocer ALDI Brings New Jobs to the Twin Cities
Woody's Reaction, Woodbury Days, Aldi: Woodbury Patch Live
Aldi Looks to Improve Site for New Woodbury Grocery Store
Aldi Announces Grand Opening for Woodbury Store
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Sue B
9:46 pm on Saturday, October 6, 2012
I shopped the new Aldi today - a very nice store and well stocked. So BIG for an Aldi! A different layout from the one I was going to (Hudson).
It looks as if they only took about 2/3 of the former Borders space. Room for another store to go in next door.
Dan
6:32 pm on Monday, October 8, 2012
I have to say I never shopped to an Aldi store before. I didn't even know one opened in Woodbury, but I saw it on my way to Cub Foods, so I say why not, let's give it a try. I am all for business competition.
First of all, the selection is pretty limited. Not a big issue, but what really threw me off was the shopping carts for which you have to get a quarter in some locking device. What the heck is that ?? Is this Europe (is the only place I've seen something like this)?!? Then no credit cards accepted. Luckily I had some cash. No bags to pack your items. The cashier told us we are very welcome to bring our own bags next time. To be honest, it won't be a second time. I hate walking with quarters to get a shopping cart. Is quite idiotic. With all due respect.
Ursula Murphy
10:12 pm on Tuesday, October 9, 2012
I think it's great that you have to bring the cart back so you can get your quarter. No stray carts on that lot to hit my car! I grew up in Germany and we had to pay for bags over 40 yrs ago. Everybody brings their own bags or spends a few quarters to buy some.. NOBODY complains over there. Its just the way it is. Saves a few trees and less plastic bags in the dump. AND you can finally use all those reusable bags you have been getting for free the last few years! WOW... we can save the planet! Not so idiotic to me :O)
Kris Janisch
7:59 am on Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Thanks for the perspective Ursula!