Supermarkets in foreign countries - General Discussion Discussion

[–] Stratego (29545) 6 years ago

I LOVE going to foreign supermarkets and see all the different food we don't have. I'm especially interested in seeing local products of international brands.

reply

[–] [deleted] 6 years ago

Lidl I just love me some Lidl.

reply

[–] Stratego (29545) 6 years ago

I love the Lidl as well, especially when they have an international quisine week.

reply

[–] MovieManCin2 (26342) 6 years ago

You sound like a world traveler night, sort of like me. I'm from America (but don't hold that against me), and I've only been to Ireland (loved it!) on this list, but I've been to 27 other countries. I'll add three more in April and May: Hong Kong, China and Japan. I'm looking forward to that.

😎

reply

[–] [deleted] 6 years ago

France - there are three cheese aisles

reply

[–] ShogunofYonkers (73695) 6 years ago

Makes sense
How many Wine aisles i wonder

reply

[–] croft_alice (12180) 6 years ago

You know that wonders me the most? Everywhere i go in my country,the prices are not the same as in my hometown.

reply

[–] GlenEllyn (21241) 6 years ago

Are the prices higher or lower? I know from experience that stores in more upscale neighborhoods have higher prices, I imagine because the store chain assumes people who live there can afford to pay more. But also, in poorer neighborhoods where there's no competition they charge more, too.

reply

[–] croft_alice (12180) 6 years ago

In other cities the prices are higher then in my hometown,i quess because they are large cities and the residents have better income then those from smaller cities.

reply

[–] GlenEllyn (21241) 6 years ago

It makes sense, but I don't think it's fair. 😐

reply

[–] croft_alice (12180) 6 years ago

No,it's not.But this is how business is done in this country😢

reply

[–] GlenEllyn (21241) 6 years ago

Same here.

reply

[–] [deleted] 6 years ago

Lived in each and so here's my hot take.

America: Insincere sincerity by way of customer service. I don't like it and I don't want it.

Ireland: Fine customer service if you know the patter.

Chile: Best shopping in all of Latin America.

Argentina: Queue up for overpriced, poor value non-tasty food that you have to make from scratch.

Thailand: Can I possibly have more plastic wrapping on this item?

China: What's a queue?

reply

[–] [deleted] 6 years ago

Argentina, longest queues because of slow operators.

reply

[–] [deleted] 6 years ago

Well they all have to kiss each other as they start their shift and shiz, there's no getting over that.

reply

[–] [deleted] 6 years ago

I'm not fond of the "Have a nice day" thing either and we've started seeing it here too.It's usually "enjoy the rest of your day".
I like my supermarket checkout staff to look bored,fed up or grumpy,you know what you're getting and they're not insincere.

reply

[–] [deleted] 6 years ago

I once had a Sainsbury's member of staff say that I had a Bohemian air about me.

It took her three days to recall the term Bohemian but I knew that she meant it.

That's sincerity, whether I liked it or not.

It turns out I do like it, I wouldn't get anything near that from an American cashier though.

reply

[–] Chomsky89 (366) 6 years ago

Netherlands:
What is up with hiding the entrance? I've noticed it many times in Amsterdam.
some Supermarkets that is close to a popular tourist area, have the entrance at the least visible part of the building.
Like they don't have an incentive to maximize profits.

reply

[–] [deleted] 6 years ago

Vietnam is good for that too!

That's why Aeon malls are actually useful.

reply

[–] Stratego (29545) 6 years ago

I studied in Amsterdam and I remember some tourists asking me where the supermarket was, while we were standing right next to it! It was bright blue, I don't know how they could've missed it! I personally never really had a problem with finding the entrance of any supermarket in Amsterdam.

reply

[–] Chomsky89 (366) 6 years ago

I wasn't looking for the supermarket, but still, fond it when just checking out if a certain alley leads somewhere. The entrance was in that alley which contained zero signs, logos etc.

There is a building called "Autoriteit financielle markten". The entire first floor was a super market(2013), but you cant tell that. if you walk past it, which felt seriously weird.

reply

[–] Stratego (29545) 6 years ago

I just took a look at it on Streetview. The building probably wasn't designed to house a supermarket. I think they just decided to fill up the space. The front entrance still seems to be the entrance to the Authority for Financial Markets. Is this really a place where a lot of tourists come?

reply

[–] Chomsky89 (366) 6 years ago

I was just mentioning the only hidden-super market example where I remembered the exact location(also using streetview to get the name of the building). A lot of people walk past it, but not primarily tourists I think.
the supermarket is located approximately 10 feet inside the main entrance. You couldn't see it though because the curtains were drawn. And you couldn't spot any supermarket logo outside, anywhere on that building.

reply

[–] Stratego (29545) 6 years ago

The main entrance of the supermarket seems to be at the side of the building, though, and there's a Aldi sign above to it. It's probably not one of those stores that rely on passers-by.

I guess the Authority for Financial Markets doesn't want to share its entrance at the front.

reply

[–] Catbookss (13664) 6 years ago

Aldi? There's an Aldi's in Amsterdam? And here I thought that was an American thing. For all I know, it's a European thing, that's now in the American marketplace. Probably so.

We don't have them where I live, but I have heard of them.

reply

[–] Stratego (29545) 6 years ago

Aldi is a German thing. There are actually two different Aldi chains because the brothers had a disagreement.

reply

[–] Catbookss (13664) 6 years ago

I didn't know it was a German thing. Are both the different chains over here?

reply

[–] Stratego (29545) 6 years ago

The US seems to have Aldi Süd. We in the Netherlands have Aldi Nord. It seems Aldi Nord does own Trader Joe's. Check out the different logos on Wikipedia.

reply

[–] Catbookss (13664) 6 years ago

Aldi bought Trader Joe's? Trader Joe's is a *great* chain! I wouldn't want to move anywhere where they have no Trader Joe's. (I'm serious.)

reply

[–] Stratego (29545) 6 years ago

Apparently they already bought it back in 1979. We don't have that chain over here, so I have no idea what it's like.

reply

[–] Catbookss (13664) 6 years ago

You'd love it! By the sound of it, it's similar to your Aldis. Great food, unusual food and other stuff you can't get anywhere else. From vitamins, to organic produce and other organic stuff, in addition to unusual and tasty other things. Great cheese and wine selection. Plus, great prices.

You can't get everything there either, so going to a regular grocery store is necessary.

Eons ago, Trader Joe's was best known for their outstanding meat, cheese, and wine departments.

I'll also say their management is outstanding. I know this because no matter which store I go to, the people who work there are happy, and because they're happy, they also give outstanding customer service.

reply

[–] GlenEllyn (21241) 6 years ago

I agree - employees always look happy and are very friendly and helpful. I keep hoping one will come to where I live now. The closest TJ's to me now is about 40 miles away. Luckily, I'm in their neighborhood about once a month so I can shop there. We're getting a Costco so maybe in the not-too-distant future...

reply

[–] Catbookss (13664) 6 years ago

Such smart management. Not the usual short-sighted corporate greed model that so many companies here use. They've developed a strong and loyal following in their customers as a result, and employees too!

In 'n Out burger is similar in that way. Also in delivering consistently good, high quality stuff (fast food, in its case) that you don't feel *too* guilty about eating, once in a while. They treat their employees well, and it shows 👍

I hope you get a TJ's there soon. When I first moved here, one of the things that gave me pause was there was no TJ's :(. Nearest one was about 25 miles away, which is better than 40, but not close enough to make my former usual weekly or bi-weekly shopping trip there.

I've never been in a Costco, although we did get one a while back. My impression was it's great and worth the yearly fee if you buy things in bulk. Otherwise, not so much. Is that your experience?

reply

[–] GlenEllyn (21241) 6 years ago

I think Costco is great for families with children. I had a membership for about a year. I liked the store but my kids were grown and gone by then so the only things I was buying in bulk were non-perishables and I didn't feel the membership fee was worth it, so I let my membership lapse.

reply

[–] Catbookss (13664) 6 years ago

That's what I've assumed -- great for families with children, and the more kids, the more appealing Costco is.

I can see buying non-perishables there, provided you've got the space to stock up. Things you know you'll always use, like paper towels, toilet paper, etc.

Thanks for telling me your experience. Now I know it's really not worth it for me either, and I've wondered about it.

reply

[–] sslssg (30416) 6 years ago

My membership fee more than pays for itself with my savings on fuel. My car only takes premium and Costco is always the cheapest, and usually by quite a bit.

reply

[–] GlenEllyn (21241) 6 years ago

This is something I'll revisit when Costco comes to my current small city. Like I said before, I really do like the store. But as a single person, I have a hard time justifying the cost of membership. I'd settle for a wash if the savings equal the membership cost. I'm not ruling out buying a membership - but I do want to see whether it makes sense for me.

reply

[–] sslssg (30416) 6 years ago

I agree. Gas is the only reason I can still justify paying for a membership.

reply

[–] Stratego (29545) 6 years ago

It does sound very good. I'd love to visit some American supermarkets. I always look for chocolate, candy, snacks and soda when I'm abroad and you guys seem to have some very interesting things to offer in that department!

reply

[–] Catbookss (13664) 6 years ago

It's the best. When are you coming to visit? We can have our girls' night! I'll supply plenty of soft and fluffy goodness :)

I'm sure the candy, snacks and so on are blazé to me, while the same types of things in *your* grocery stores would be exciting!

reply

[–] Stratego (29545) 6 years ago

That sounds like a date!

I'll bring along some "drop" and watch your face while you try to eat it!😈

reply

[–] Catbookss (13664) 6 years ago

What is "drop"? And why are you sounding kind of like Hannibal Lecter when you say that, you ebil thing you!

reply

[–] Stratego (29545) 6 years ago

"Drop" is dutch licorice. Let's just say it's...an "acquired" taste. 😋

reply

[–] Catbookss (13664) 6 years ago

Hmm, that sounds intriguing. I like licorice and am always up for trying new tastes :)*

*My keyboard emoji thingy is broken and won't come up anymore! Dammit. [sad face]

reply

[–] Stratego (29545) 6 years ago

Well, that's just stupid!☹

reply

[–] Catbookss (13664) 6 years ago

Darned emoji menu anyway!! [angry face]

reply

[–] Stratego (29545) 6 years ago

So no more fluffy bunnies?!🐰🐰🐰

reply

[–] Catbookss (13664) 6 years ago

No! [mournful wail] I'll have to wait until they decide to return. This happened once before and I'm not sure what I did that brought them back. Maybe a restart? Still, shouldn't have to do that.

#givemebackmyfluffybunnies!

reply

[–] Stratego (29545) 6 years ago

This is terrible, I can't live without my weekly dosage of fluffy bunnies!!!😱😱😱

reply

[–] GlenEllyn (21241) 6 years ago

Chocolate! Yes! I am definitely a chocoholic.

reply

[–] Stratego (29545) 6 years ago

Especially in Germany they have some amazing chocolate! I love Lindt!

reply

[–] db20db (16573) 6 years ago

I used to walk by a chocolate factory every morning on my way to my school bus stop. Strong fumes !

reply

[–] Stratego (29545) 6 years ago

I'm jealous!

reply

[–] db20db (16573) 6 years ago

If you had smelled it, I don't think you would be.

reply

[–] Stratego (29545) 6 years ago

Well, that's disappointing to hear! I always thought chocolate factories were exactly like that of Willy Wonka!

reply

[–] db20db (16573) 6 years ago

As a kid, I loved the German bakeries. Every neighborhood seemed to have one. Mine was just a block from my home. A ritualistic, daily snack for me there was, a fresh brotchen halved, with a couple of pieces of dark chocolate in between;a tasty treat for just a few pfennigs.

reply

[–] Stratego (29545) 6 years ago

I kinda grew up without any bakeries nearby. But I did occassionally eat chocolate sprinkles on white bread with butter. Yummy!😋

reply

[–] db20db (16573) 6 years ago

We have one in my community. I like it but don't get there often because it's all the way across town. It's a German based company, which is one reason I like it. It features a lot of German food and is economically competitive to boot.

reply

[–] Stratego (29545) 6 years ago

Sometimes the quality is a bit lower than in the more expensive supermarkets and there's no way I can do all of my shopping there. But they do have some very tasty products, especially during the holidays.

reply

[–] db20db (16573) 6 years ago

Here they're known for good prices on quality produce and yes, they have some great stuff during the holidays. Also, there's no mistaking that it's a grocery store. It's strategically located between two malls in the most expansive part of town.

reply

[–] Stratego (29545) 6 years ago

I wonder if you guys have the same stuff as we do over here. In Germany they have a lot of different things.

reply

[–] db20db (16573) 6 years ago

I lived in Germany for 7 years on two separate occasions, grew up on that food and developed a love for it. One of the first things I recognized at Aldi's was German cheesecake.

reply

[–] Stratego (29545) 6 years ago

You mean Käsekuchen? Because they don't sell that one over here. Only sometimes when they have German week.

reply

[–] db20db (16573) 6 years ago

Yes, and now I also remember Black Forest chocolate cake. When I decide to go to a movie at the mall is when I usually contemplate stopping there for a few items. But like I said previously, those occasions are few and far between.

reply

[–] Stratego (29545) 6 years ago

Now that Black Forest Cake is one you can get just about everywhere over here. Used to be my favourite as a child after the mocha cake. Yummy!😋

reply

[–] db20db (16573) 6 years ago

Also, how are you able to use an umlaut with Kasekuchen ?

reply

[–] Stratego (29545) 6 years ago

I'm on my smartphone. When you hold down the letter "a", different accent marks pop up.

reply

[–] db20db (16573) 6 years ago

I've got a PC and I've always wondered how people were able to do that. It's a uniquely European thing. I just made a note of it, to maybe look into it further.

reply

[–] Stratego (29545) 6 years ago

The Alt code on your keyboard is Alt 132, I believe.

reply

[–] db20db (16573) 6 years ago

Cool ! I'll experiment; thanks for the tip.

reply

[–] Stratego (29545) 6 years ago

Unless American keyboards are totally different! I hope it works!

reply

[–] Catbookss (13664) 6 years ago

Stratego is right, the alt codes on your PC keyboard should work. I don't know how to access them on a PC, only on a Mac, but I'd think holding down either the option (do PCs have option keys?) and/or control keys and the letter you want with the special character, should bring it up for you.

... Here you go. Alt key, not option.

http://sites.psu.edu/symbolcodes/windows/codealt/

reply

[–] db20db (16573) 6 years ago

Thanks for the link. I'll look into it and add it to my experimentation.

reply

[–] GlenEllyn (21241) 6 years ago

There's an Aldi here in town but I've never been in to check it out. Maybe some day...

reply

[–] MissMargoChanning (6630) 6 years ago

We have an Aldi just 2 blocks away, so I go there at least once a week. I like the fact that they have special foods during different weeks in addition to the regular stock. I also like the low prices. You get a lot for your money. They also have many nice non-grocery items. As Stratego said though, you can't do all of your shopping there. They don't have everything I want in one stop. There are other items I can get elsewhere that Aldi just dosn't carry. They do help to cut our food expenses though.
This is an interesting thread. It's interesting to find out what everyday things are like in different countrys.

reply

[–] GlenEllyn (21241) 6 years ago

Maybe I should push a trip to Aldi farther up my list of things to do. We also have Fresh Thyme here. Have you had any experience with them?

reply

[–] MissMargoChanning (6630) 6 years ago

Fresh Thyme? No I can't say I've ever heard of it.... other than to cook with.😁
Seriously though, is that a health food sort of store?

reply

[–] GlenEllyn (21241) 6 years ago

It's a regular grocery store, as far as I know. I think their focus is on fresh and organic foods. One of these days I'll stop in to see what it's like.

reply

[–] MissMargoChanning (6630) 6 years ago

I like those. our son manages that sort of store. It's actually a sort of super store that only sells fresh produce and products with no preservatives. They even sell products made from recycled materials. I have a handbag that is made from recycled rubber. LOL! It's actually very cool! Very soft, like a big satchel.
Every time we go visit him in Madison I have to stop in where he works so I can check out the things in that store. It's called The Co-Op. I love the cosmetics too! All natural.

reply

[–] GlenEllyn (21241) 6 years ago

I'm all about recycling!

reply

[–] db20db (16573) 6 years ago

I never do all of my grocery shopping in one store. I always comparison shop.

The Aldi's here doesn't have baggers at the checkout. Shoppers are expected to provide their own means of packing and transporting them. It's one way they keep costs down. I don't know if that's a universal policy with the chain.

reply

[–] GlenEllyn (21241) 6 years ago

My mom did that. She had about three or four different stores she patronized. One for meat, one for fresh produce, etc. I never really got on to that wagon, although there are some things I buy that I know it's significantly cheaper to buy them at a different store. But it has to be enough to make it worth the extra stop. But my mom was buying for a family of eight so it made sense. I'm buying for just myself these days.

reply

[–] db20db (16573) 6 years ago

I am too but it still makes sense to me to comparison shop. I'm strategic in my shopping and make it work. That's why I mentioned "economically competitive " earlier. During this past holiday season, I left the store with completely free items, didn't even pay tax.

reply

[–] GlenEllyn (21241) 6 years ago

I've never come close to pulling that off - free items.

reply

[–] db20db (16573) 6 years ago

It involved my credit card, Thank You Points as an incentive to shop, additional points added by the store chain because it was the height of the holiday season and then finally, just the right timing.

reply

[–] MissMargoChanning (6630) 6 years ago

I think it really is a universal thing as far as bagging your own groceries.
A couple of years ago, my husband was watching some documentary about the store. I know that it's very much the same in the UK. I started watching the show too. I was very much surprised to know that Aldi wasn't just an American chain. Another day of learning something new!

reply

[–] GlenEllyn (21241) 6 years ago

I never minded bagging my groceries since it meant I didn't have to rely on a bag-boy who didn't know you should put all refrigerated items together or to not put all the heavy items in the same bag, etc. The grocery store I most frequent these days has bag-boys unless you use the self-checkout lanes.

reply

[–] MissMargoChanning (6630) 6 years ago

I prefer bagging my own as well, and I really don't have a problem taking my cart back to the building. You have to be sure to take the cart back for the quarter. Of course, you have to remember to have a quarter before you go to get a cart to go shopping!

reply

[–] GlenEllyn (21241) 6 years ago

😬 Yes, having the quarter in the first place would be my problem.

reply

[–] db20db (16573) 6 years ago

So apparently, that quarter does seem to be part of a universal policy. I managed to adapt. 😁

reply

[–] MissMargoChanning (6630) 6 years ago

Me too! I always have a few quarters in that little console tray in my car.

reply

[–] Catbookss (13664) 6 years ago

Now I'm wishing we had an Aldi here! Low prices, good food, interesting inventory. Sounds great.

reply

[–] db20db (16573) 6 years ago

I always manage to get a lot of bang for my buck there.

reply

[–] Catbookss (13664) 6 years ago

I just Googled and there is one somewhat near here. It'd be a bit of a trek, so I'd have to have some other reason to go to that area. Looked at the web site and was surprised to see they carry a much wider variety of items than I'd expected!

reply

[–] db20db (16573) 6 years ago

A typical scenario for me would be: a movie at the mall, a stop at Aldi's for some items, a stop at the fuel center to fill up on gas and a final stop at Domino's for fresh pizza on the way home. Then it would be pizza and beer,more movies on tv and MovieChat. I would call that a good day. 😃

reply

[–] Catbookss (13664) 6 years ago

That sounds like a very good day to me! 👍

reply

[–] MissMargoChanning (6630) 6 years ago

It really is a nice place to shop. They have seasonal stuff there too. In the spring they sell nice patio furniture. Also lawn and garden things. At Christmas time they sell lots of fun gifts and decorations. Once January hits, you have all of this exercise equipment. gotta work off those holiday pounds!(I'm still working hard at it as you can see from my computer....)
You get the idea though. It isn't all food. they sell lots of cookware and small kitchen appliances as well. It's all at very reasonable prices too. I bought someone a nice infinity scarf for Christmas. It's cable knit. I got that at Aldi. Later, I sort of wished I had gotten one for myself. They were only $12.00. I thought for sure that they were all gone. One day in late January I noticed a few left. They were marked down to $3.99! I grabbed a couple!

reply

[–] Catbookss (13664) 6 years ago

Ha, I was probably off Googling Aldi as you were posting this, discovering what you're saying. I'd thought it was a grocery store.

I may have to plan a trip to the closest one. Am in need of some of those things you mentioned, and am always interested in reasonable prices for good stuff.

Congrats on scoring your infinity scarves for only $4 apiece!

reply

[–] Catbookss (13664) 6 years ago

There's no half and half in Australia? That seems like semi-blasphomy. I think of drinking it with tea rather than coffee (although, good in either). Is it an American thing?

Really, really weird about Chile's dental floss being locked up. Here (the States) spray paint cans are held hostage behind locked doors, the idea being cutting down on graffiti. Not a foodstuff, but worth mentioning.

Only other country's supermarket I've been in was one in Mexico. Once. The only thing I remember was they had canned jalapeños stuffed with tuna. Who knows why that stood out to me; it was hardly surprising. Just not something I'd seen before.

reply

[–] GlenEllyn (21241) 6 years ago

My dad always used half & half in his so-called coffee. Even after percolators and eventually Mr Coffee hit the market, he stuck with his drip-method of brewing coffee. He made his coffee rather weak, I think. Added half & half and sugar so I'm not sure he was really drinking coffee. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Me? I prefer green tea with lemon, no sugar, no cream.

reply

[–] Catbookss (13664) 6 years ago

Old habits die hard, I guess, although I admit half and half is much, much better than "non-dairy creamer," powdered or otherwise. But I'm not much of a coffee drinker either. If I do drink it, I like a little bit of coffee with my cream and sugar :)

I like macha. Have you had it? Like green tea, but fuller bodied.

reply

[–] GlenEllyn (21241) 6 years ago

No, and I had to look it up to learn what it is. I may have to check it out. Do regular grocery stores carry it?

reply

[–] Catbookss (13664) 6 years ago

Some grocery stores carry it, some don't. My favourite was a powdered version, vs tea bags. Haven't yet been able to locate that in any grocery store. Probably a health food store type of thing.

reply

[–] GlenEllyn (21241) 6 years ago

Thanks for the tip. I'll look for it.

reply

[–] [deleted] 6 years ago

No half and half! I have no idea why nobody has tried to launch it here. Maybe they did and it didn’t catch on? You can buy flavoured syrups for your coffee but that’s about it.

reply

[–] Catbookss (13664) 6 years ago

That could be, they tried it there and it didn't catch on? It's always been a standard here, ever since I was little, so I must have assumed it was the same most everywhere else. I wonder if they have it in NZ?

reply

[–] [deleted] 6 years ago

NZ is very similar to Australia so it’s doubtful.

reply

[–] [deleted] 6 years ago

Is grocery delivery popular anywhere? It’s starting to catch on in USA. I rarely go to the supermarket anymore. The stuff comes to my door.

reply

[–] GlenEllyn (21241) 6 years ago

I think it's a nice service to have available, but I doubt I'd use it. I prefer to choose for myself - especially things like fresh produce and meat.

Well, if I get to the point where physically I can't get to the grocery store anymore, I would definitely consider it.

reply

[–] [deleted] 6 years ago

The produce and meat are better quality than the local markets. Have to be else nobody would pay more for the service.

reply

[–] GlenEllyn (21241) 6 years ago

One would think that you get the best quality of produce and meat, otherwise very few people would use the service. What part of the country do you live in? Do you live in a big city? A suburb of a big city? Or a small city or town?

reply