Inside Aldi’s ‘aisle of shame’ – the weirdest section of the store, which customers say costs them hundreds of dollars per visit
The supermarket chain Aldi is known for its deeply discounted, good-quality groceries, but the superstore is also known for another unique quality.
Aldi enthusiasts come from far and wide to the German-born discount store, with many shoppers crossing state lines and traveling for hours to grab the bargains Aldi has to offer.
In addition to shelves of pantry items, refrigerators full of produce, and freezers full of other goods, Aldi has an aisle in the middle of the store with random items that usually have nothing to do with the groceries on sale.
Shoppers have dubbed the random selection ‘the aisle of shame’ as Aldi fans find the shelves of cheap finds irresistible.
“If you’re new to Aldi, you need to know about the Aldi Finds aisle,” one avid shopper shared on TikTok.
The supermarket chain Aldi is known for its deeply discounted, good-quality groceries, but the superstore is also known for another unique quality
In addition to shelves of pantry items, refrigerators full of produce, and freezers full of other goods, Aldi has an aisle in the middle of the store with random items that usually have nothing to do with the groceries on sale
Shoppers call the random selection ‘the aisle of shame’ – as Aldi fans find the shelves of cheap finds irresistible
“The Aldi Finds aisle is in the middle of the store and you never know what you’re going to find,” the TikToker explained.
Seasonal items and kitchen gadgets are some of the things appearing on the shelves, as well as toys, home decor and “just about anything else you can think of,” according to Kelsey Rank on TikTok.
Rank filmed the aisle in early January, as Aldi capitalized on New Year’s resolutions by offering fitness equipment, planners and meal prep items.
She said her favorite items from the Shame aisle are pet supplies and the Aldi three-wick candles – which cost just $5.
“You let the Aldi store tell you what you need,” she said.
Aldi has acquired a cult following – and people on social media love to share and view deals and vlog their shopping trips.
When an item found in the shame category goes viral online, shoppers swarm to the nearest Aldi to get their hands on the product – before it runs out and is never sold again.
The various items are replaced weekly, usually on Wednesdays, and the company told CNN: “Fans love our ALDI Finds aisle because it takes the average grocery trip from an errand to an adventure.”
Caitlyn Pratt is an Aldi superfan. She says, “In the South we call it the ‘aisle of sh*t’ because I probably spend like $150 on unnecessary things at Aldi every time I go there,” Pratt shared. CNN.
Her purchases range from outdoor rugs, patio sets, planters, lanterns, candles, cookware, pillows, pet beds and pet clothing.
‘When my friends come to my house, they don’t even ask me where I got new stuff anymore. They know it’s Aldi,” says Pratt.
There’s even a whole Facebook group where members of the Aldi community can share their weird and wonderful finds.
Recent posts include Bridgeton-themed coffee creamers, a pet hoodie that says “ALDI,” an RV cat bed, and an entire pizza oven.
Aldi lovers come from far and wide to the German-born discount store, with many shoppers crossing state lines and traveling for hours to get their hands on the bargains Aldi has to offer
One customer showed off his new earrings, picked up in the aisle of shame: little dangling, dazzling tequila bottles with tiny limes.
Aldi is quickly becoming a fierce competitor to other major chains, such as Walmart, Costco and Target.
The supermarket has taken over small and large cities with its no-nonsense marketing and low prices.
Selling cheap, unique, limited edition items is a great way to build a customer base that will want to come back every week to see what’s in store, and the cult following that Aldi has amassed makes it see the success the store has had.