Does Aldi Own Trader Joe’S In 2022? (You’Ll Be Surprised)
A cult brand, Trader Joe’s is known for its Californian laid-back vibe, affordable prices, and unusual goods. Many have created Facebook groups or entire websites to support the more than 500 locations located across the United States.
Aldi Will Own Trade Joe’s in 2022
Aldi owns Trader Joe’s but this isn’t the Aldi store that North American customers are familiar with. Trader Joe’s is owned by Aldi Nord, which was formed when the two brothers who founded the Albrecht Discount chain in Germany parted ways. Aldi Sud oversees Aldi US operations.
Are There Two Aldi’s?
There are two Aldi entities. Before we start to get into the details on how Aldi took over Trader Joe’s – it’s essential that you understand a little history about the Albrechts.
You see, the Albrecht matriarch opened the family’s first grocery store in the early 1900s in the city of Essen, but after two World Wars, Germany was not in great shape. The Albrecht brothers, Theo and Karl, returned from the latter war and took over the running of the store.
The Brothers saw the very poor conditions around them. They decided to make a business out of pantry basics at ultra-low prices. They were eventually able to expand the company and open more stores in Germany.
They had been getting along quite well until they could not agree to buy cigarettes. Karl was against the idea. He believed that it would draw shoplifters.
They split and Theo took control of Aldi Nord, while Karl took over Aldi Sud.
Aldi North Takeover of Trader Joe’s
Aldi Sud ended up expanding to the US in 1976, which is significant to note because within three years, Aldi Nord had acquired Trader Joe’s.
If they had to guess we would have to assume that they were trying to find an entry point to America that wouldn’t confuse consumers by sharing the name of a already existing chain.
Joe Coulombe, founder of Trader Joe’s (yes there is a Joe!) founded the business in 1979. Theo Albrecht, Aldi Nord CEO, purchased his company.
AldiReviewer.com’s writer reached out to Trader Joe’s in order to find out how closely Aldi Nord’s and Trader Joe’s operate. The TJ representative replied that they do not work independently.
Aldi Nord’s subsidiary Trader Joe’s operates in its own territory.
What is Trader Joe’s?
Theo Albrecht considers buying the California chain Trader Joe’s a smart investment.
Joe Coulombe was a Stanford University graduate and founder of Trader Joe’s. Coulombe started Trader Joe’s in 2006 after working at convenience stores and drugstores. Coulombe bought six Pronto Markets that he managed and sold them to him.
In the mid 1950s. Coulombe was to change his business model and make his stores stand out in a sea of 7 Elevens filled with eclectic, unique finds.
In 1960, the chain got renamed Trader Joe’s. This was in reference to a Los Angeles tiki joint (“Trader Vic’s”) Aldi Nord soon followed suit.
It’s not hard to understand why. Coulombe’s business model was more than just finding random objects and putting them together.
No, he rather curated high-end goods out of items that had been discontinued or constituted overstocks , and because he was able to obtain them so cheaply, he could pass the savings into the customer. Does this sound familiar to you?
Whether or not that type of product (high-end/gourmet foods at low prices) made the Aldi Nord purchase of Trader Joe’s intentional, today it’s one of the biggest draws for both Aldi Sud and Trader Joe’s stores, and part of the reason middle-to-upper-class shoppers flock to both.
What Do Aldi and Trader Joe Sell?
Although some people claim Aldi US and Trader Joe’s source some of their product from the same wholesalers, we haven’t seen any proof of this. However, they do sell similar products, with one exception being that Aldi copied.
The most well-known example is Trader Joe’s cult favorite Everything But the Bagel, which was launched in 2017. Aldi produced their own version two years later, using their Stonemill seasonings name, called Everything Bagel seasoning.
There are other similar products, though, like cheap wine (Trader Joe’s sells Two-Buck Chuck, while Aldi has their Winking Owl brand for about $2.50/bottle), fancy-looking cheeses, naan bread and almond butter.
However, it appears Trader Joe’s stores carries a wider variety of these similar items, as Aldi’s stock is limited by space (and by design). Imagine granola, fruit pickles, and spreads that are more gourmet.
The pantry staples section at Trader Joe is less extensive than the one on the website. However, you can find a few basic items by looking online at the “For the Pantry”. Their 5-lb bag of all-purpose flour sells for $3.99, while the same item sells for $1.15 at Aldi.
Yes, there is some overlap in product offerings between the two; they both compete for those disposable income dollars, and they have both made it their mission to sell at surprisingly low price-points.
It could also be said that Trader Joe’s or Aldi occupy very distinct niches while occasionally crossing over to each other’s lane.
Is Trader Joe’s Better Than Aldi?
Aldi’s inventory is 90 percent store label, and Trader Joe’s 80 percent. Many people are left wondering how they compare in quality.
Aldi wins almost automatically in one area. The reason? Trader Joe’s is known for producing poor quality produce.
TJ’s Fresh Fruits and Vegets were the subject of an entire article written by a writer from thekitchn.com. The author commented on the excess packaging and the way that things are bulk packed (potentially leading waste at home).
Aldi Produce has its critics but they have improved in recent years. They now source locally and receive shipments every day.
Aldi and TJ’s have similar produce quality, but we think they are almost equal. Both shops deliver on the food category of fun, unusual foods. Shoppers are fond of Trader Joe’s Black Truffle Cashew Pasta, Vegan Bolognese and French Onion Mc & Cheese.
On the Aldi side, shoppers can’t get enough of the Girl Scout cookie dupes, super affordable center-cut bacon (only $4/package!) and pineapple mimosa jars.
Aldi Nord operates Trader Joe’s and other stores throughout the United States.
The distinction can sometimes be confusing, and even misleading. at first, ultimately the differences have led to some fierce competition, and the resulting innovation on both sides has made grocery shopping a lot of fun.
Aldi’S Owned Trader Joe’S
Aldi Nord owns Trader Joe’s in the States, but the Aldi stores that you see in the States are run by Aldi Sud, which is separate from Trader Joe’s. The chains are kind of like estranged cousins.May 1, 2019
Aldi to Open New Stores by 2022
Aldi U.S. aims to increase its U.S. store count by 150 in 2022. Its expansion along the Gulf Coast regions will see the deep discount retailer reach the 38th US state. Aldi U.S., based in Batavia in Illinois, announced Tuesday that they plan to open a Lafayette location on February 10th. It will be the first Aldi store opened in Louisiana.
Brothers own Trader Joe’S & Aldi
Aldi U.S. BB#.116756 has a common myth that it is a sibling or even a relative to Trader Joe BB#.162286. This is false. While the two chains have some similarities, with both following a low-price, private-label-dependent strategy, they are independently owned and operated.Jul 19, 2019
.Does Aldi Own Trader Joe’S In 2022? (You’Ll Be Surprised)
