BELLINGHAM NEWS : THE GERMANS ARE COMING!

And many Bellingham residents are saying it's about time!   Germany's grocery giant ALDI will be opening a Bellingham outlet in spring of 2007 in what was once the old Red Apple Market on James street.    ALDI- which stands for Albrecht Discount, has over 5,000 stores in sixteen countries and is known for its low prices and unique one-of-a-kind products.    ALDI purchased Los Angeles area Trader Joes in 1979 which has now grown to more than 250 stores in 21 states, with 14 in Washington state.     In some areas, ALDI stores carry a stigma because many of their locations tend to be in low rent areas in order to take advantage of the low property values.     Some people don't like to admit to shopping at an ALDI market and will sneak in and out, hoping not to be seen by a neighbor or friend.    The fact is, most of their neighbors likely shop there as well.  Even though their prices are low, their quality is generally considered to be excellent.

What's In A Name?     

ALDI stores under the Trader Joe's name enjoy a completely different reputation.   Trader Joe's shoppers are like a cult that almost borders on fanaticism---Ask a TJ shopper for their opinion of Trader Joes and you will likely get a 5 minute infomercial about their favorite TJ products.    Each store has a fun nautical-beach theme with Hawaiian shirt wearing employees that seem to really love their job.   

Winners & Losers

Food Co-op shoppers celebrating their recent victory in stopping Walmart from adding a food section to their Bellingham location might want to put away their party hats.   Trader Joes is likely to be a far greater competitor in their market niche than Walmart due to their excellent selection of natural and organic food items.     You're going to see granola munching, sandal wearing, sustainable connectionists in their Toyotas and Hondas waiting for a parking space to open up right along side everyone else.