The Best Times To Shop At Aldi And Avoid The Crowds

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We're huge fans of shopping at Aldi for both humdrum groceries and yummy treats like the best dark chocolate bar the store sells. What we don't love, however, are the teeming crowds that Aldi stores tend to accumulate with all those great prices and cult-favorite products. When you're trying to buy spices for some of the best prices out there or browsing the "Aisle of Shame," you don't want to be jockeying for position with the shopping cart that requires a quarter to use (which you, naturally, put in your Aldi keychain quarter holder). That might lead you to wonder when, exactly, is the ideal time to shop at Aldi to avoid crowds. Luckily for those of us who are beholden to a work schedule or an otherwise busy life, there are a few options that will most likely guarantee fewer throngs of other folks dashing for deals and, perhaps, a more peaceful trip. 

To nobody's surprise, Aldi employees attest that weekdays are better bets than hectic weekends and that morning, midday, and late evening timeslots attract fewer shoppers. Your best bet is to visit Aldi during the traditional 9 to 5 workday when many potential customers are tied up. The opposite of that logic is also true, which is that evenings are likely to be bustling ... unless you wait until right before closing. Many shoppers grab groceries right when they get off work or run out for missing dinner items, making the nighttime busy until shortly before Aldi shuts its doors for the day (though, for the employees' sakes, please don't linger after closing).

Knowing when to visit Aldi is half the battle in assuring you don't leave the store with a tension headache, but there are a few other tricks that seasoned Aldi-goers have shared that promote saner stocking up. First of all — yes, this is a very basic one — have your reusable bags ready. Aldi charges for plastic bags, which is only going to cut into your savings. Gather up your supply of totes, and don't forget some insulated bags if you are buying cold groceries and traveling a bit to get home. Speed is always valued at this store, and you play a part in that as well. "Be prepared" should be your motto: prepared to quickly unload your groceries, prepared with your form of payment, and prepared to courteously share the bagging area beyond the register. Looking alive in the store itself is also a virtue, as the cramped aisles can promote testiness among customers if they see you dawdling with your cart parked haphazardly.

Consideration for your fellow human goes a long way at Aldi, especially if you don't have the luxury of waiting for a quieter time to do your shopping. Remember that everyone in the store is there for the same reason, which is to get what they need for a good price. A deep breath and some good humor will save your sanity if you face a packed store when you shop at Aldi, so smile and stay patient.