What Exactly Is Aldi’s Beloved “Aisle of Shame?” A Superfan Explains
Aldi is not your standard grocery store. The company’s decades-old philosophy remains familiar to Aldi shoppers today: stock high-quality goods at low (and I mean, low) prices in a super-efficient, no-frills environment. To do this, the discount grocer does just about everything a little differently — all in the name of keeping prices down.
If you plan to shop with a cart (which I highly recommend), make sure you bring along a quarter. If you think an employee will bag your groceries for you, think again. You’ll also need to check your name-brand loyalty and give Aldi’s store brands a try.
Aldi must be doing something right. The chain has experienced explosive growth and is among the fastest growing grocery stores in the U.S., with 2,387 stores in 38 states. Its stores and products have amassed a huge social media following, with eager shoppers tracking new items, returning fan-favorites, and the ever-popular “Aisle of Shame.”
What Exactly Is Aldi’s “Aisle of Shame”?
Aldi shoppers may beeline for Mama Cozzi’s pizzas, but they can’t miss the notorious “Aisle of Shame.” Located in the center of the store, the aisle is packed with what the grocer refers to as “Aldi Finds,” a rotating stock of limited-edition, often seasonally themed items (think: a grill gazebo during summer or spooky mugs just ahead of Halloween). It’s also a prime spot to score dupes of popular name-brand products, at a fraction of the price.
Unlike the Aldi Finds found throughout the rest of the store, these items aren’t your typical groceries. Instead, the center aisle is filled with home decor, storage items, apparel, pet supplies, and more.
You truly never know what treasures you’ll find — that is, unless you snag a flier the week before or are plugged into one of the store’s massive fan pages. New products arrive on Wednesdays, and when an item gains favor among Aldi superfans it’s likely to sell out fast. With all of the hype around Aldi Finds, don’t be shocked if Aldi is busier midweek than you’d expect.
Why Is It Called the “Aisle of Shame”?
Even Aldi credits the “Aisle of Shame” to its store’s biggest fans. The “Aisle of Shame” — or AoS, as those in the know call it — may have earned its playful nickname from shoppers who enter the aisle, toss their shopping lists and budgets aside, and collect a “shameful” amount of limited-edition finds they absolutely needed. Other Aldi superfans — and we, at The Kitchn — believe there’s “no shame” in scooping up these very much here today, gone tomorrow items, especially when they’re such a great deal.
Roughly 3 million of Aldi’s biggest fans are a part of the ALDI Aisle of Shame Community on Facebook (and a whopping 1.4 million belong to a second FB group with the same exact name). Members gather virtually to talk about all things Aldi, which of course includes Aldi Finds and the “Aisle of Shame.” They post pictures of new and returning finds stocked in their local stores, express lament over missing out on a viral product, and compare opinions on the quality and value of their scores. It’s a great place for inspiration (and commiseration!).
Before You Visit the “Aisle of Shame,” a Few Tips
- Grab a cart. Even if your official grocery list is short, go ahead and pick up a cart. You never know what treasures you’ll uncover in the “Aisle of Shame,” and you don’t want to miss out on a great deal because your arms were already full.
- Join Aldi groups on social media. Whether your app of choice is Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube, there’s a group dedicated to Aldi and the AoS. Find a group and get the scoop on what’s new, what to buy, and what to skip. You can also follow your favorite Aldi shoppers on TikTok.
- Keep your receipt. If you find yourself regretting an impulse buy from the Aisle of Shame, don’t worry. All store-brand food items, including Aldi Finds, are eligible for a replacement and refund. (For non-food Aldi Finds, you’ll receive a replacement or refund. Keep your receipt or else the refund will come in the form of merchandise credit for the item’s current sale price.)
What are your favorite Aldi Finds from the “Aisle of Shame”? Tell us about it in the comments below.