3-29-2022 8:41pm

Aldi is a Neighborly Place to Shop

Christine Larkin Editor

These days, food shopping has become more expensive with price increases showing no sign of stopping. But things are different at Aldi in Bay Shore. Located on Sunrise Highway and Brentwood Road, Aldi is a neighborly place to shop. Aldi is the common brand of two German family-owned discount supermarket chains with over 10,000 stores in 20 countries. The chain was founded by brothers Karl and Theo Albrecht in 1946 when they took over their mother's store in Essen, Germany. The business was split into two separate groups in 1960, that later became Aldi Nord, headquartered in Essen, and Aldi Sud, headquartered in Mulheim. Bay Shore's location was one of the first in Suffolk County.

With prices at a fraction of the cost of the bigger name brand of stores, Aldi is the place to shop on a budget. With fresh produce delivered daily, you can get delicious fruit and vegetables at great prices. One of my favorites is Nature Sweet Cherubs. These are grape tomatoes that are packaged in a small, plastic sombrero. Each one has a picture of a farmer and a link to his or her bio. You almost feel like they're your neighbor. Another great feature of Aldi is the shopping carts that are linked together by a small chain that cost a quarter to use. This clever concept has created a friendly connection to each other. People often offer you their cart when they're done shopping, and they don't take your quarter. It's small gesture of giving back. I do the same. When I return my cart, I try to find someone who is just coming to the store and let them have it for free. They always offer me their quarter, but I don't take it.

Aldi attracts all kinds of people from every background that make up our diverse community. We have one thing in common when we come to Aldi and that is to food shop at a discount. People know they are getting fair prices for an excellent brand. Before I leave the store, I always make sure to stop at the specialty isle. On any given day, you can find a variety of scented candles, gourmet candy and chocolates, household items, and special holiday treats. I call it "the fantasy isle" because it creates a sense of wonder as you gaze upon the many unique items that are colorful and whimsical from exotic places.

Don't miss out on the best bargain in town. I'll see you at Aldi.

Peace and Love,

Skylark

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I am a columnist with Skylark Live Town News (SLTN) and write short, poetic articles about human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, and daily life in and around Bay Shore. Please subscribe to my free newsletter that will be delivered directly to your email each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. To support the SLTN community, you can make a recurring monthly donation as a Friend ($5) or Advocate ($15). You can also advertise your business or event here. It's easy and convenient to do. I am also an advocate for people 60 and beyond. These years can be transformative, but they require focus, determination, and planning. I have a first Monday-of-the-month motivational vlog that is designed to inspire people to thrive as they age through knowledge and self-awareness. Please follow me on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Linkedin under my brand, Skylark Live. Thank you for your support.