Kathy Woods…The new ALDI Store at 1750 University Drive in Vista held an Open House on Sunday from 2 to 6 pm. Hundreds of guests waited in line to enter the store to see what all the excitement was about. We were greeted by several associates that offered pastries and juice to enjoy while touring the store. Today we could look, taste and enjoy, but just couldn’t buy…YET.
We asked for the Store Manager to get permission to take photos and inquire about the first and only ALDI grocery store in San Diego County. The company originated in Germany and moved to the United States 40 years ago in 1976. Their office headquarters and distribution center is in Moreno Valley, California.
Store Manager, Adrionna Marchman, has been in the retail grocery business for 12 years, she began working in Puerto Rico on her 16th birthday on a military base in the commissary.
District Manager, Media Representative and today’s store tour guide, Lindsey Beck, were hired in California 3 years ago with ALDI after attending UCLA. Relocating to the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas area for training, then returning to California. Lindsey started as an associate as cashier, worked the pallet jacks and loading trucks for a full year of training. Lindey now manages 5 store locations.
Most products have their ALDI exclusive private label. You may not recognize the name brand but you will recognize the quality. For instance, the chicken is marked Kirkwood, but it is made by Foster Farms. They have a double guarantee with excellent quality. If for any reason you try their product and do not like it, you can bring it back for a full refund, as well as an additional item to try because they believe in their products. Every product is tested in their test kitchen which has to meet or exceed the like brand or they won’t carry it on their shelves. Quality is the most important.
They are known for fresh quality produce and amazingly low retail prices. Some of the produce is locally grown and is marked. The other produce has the sticker showing where it was grown. There is a wide variety of Organic items and a fresh meat section. The fish is fresh and never frozen and the high quality steaks are USDA Choice. They also carry fresh drinks, pressed juices and high quality cheeses. The Bree cheese samples were delicious.
ALDI FIND Non-food section has one entire aisle of items and a frozen food section that changes every week. Ad items change Wednesdays and the produce has low prices every day. Check out their ALDI APP and see what is discounted each week and the upcoming week.
Over 90% of their items are ALDI exclusive brands but they do carry some major label brands have the side by side comparison pricing. They meet or exceed national brand quality, and cost up to 50% less.
“The most important asset to ALDI is our people,” Lindsey stated. “This location has between 20-25 employees. The store associates start at $13 per hour with full health benefits, vacation time and 401K, a really comprehensive benefits plan.” The company allows employees to stand or sit at the register which is better for their health and it improves their efficiency to move the customers through quickly.
Every store Manager starts as an associate shift manager or manager trainee, so all store managers are hired from within. The goal is to hire people from the local area in California instead of bringing new hires in from other areas.
The grocery cart system is very unique and cost effective. “Lend us a quarter and we’ll lend you a cart. Return the cart and get your quarter back when you leave the store and return the carts to their stored location outside.” This saves labor costs with having to pay an employee to collect carts in the parking lot or take up a parking space. This money savings is passed on to the customers. Packing your own groceries also keeps the line moving and saves you money.
Another unique display at each register is their Healthy check lanes, stocked with granola bars, nuts and healthier options. No candy is displayed for sale at the checkout lanes.
The Vista Press welcomes ALDI to Vista and we look forward to a long growing relationship with the Vista community. Store Hours are 9 am to 9 pm, 7 DAYS A WEEK.
