Someone suggested to me that Aldi products have increased in price over the last year. I have noticed one or two products have increased, but I'm quite slack at observing prices these days. Anyone noticed this phenomena?
[update]
"Some products, absolutely."
"Bumped up the prices for almost everything by 25 cents or 50 cents."
"They stopped advertising their prices online, so obviously they are hiding something."
Thanks everyone for your contributions.
So. The info submitted to my post is:
Price increased: (13)
Flying Power energy
Deli originals Gherkins European style
Australian Carrots
Tinned tomatoes
Sprinters chips
3L Australian milk
Australian Shredded chicken
Australian chicken Duets (Alfredo, Mushroom and Black Pepper, Cordon Bleu)
Australian Brannons cheaper range burger patties (4pk)
Australian cheap range of thin sausages (12pk)
4 pack salami
Weekly specials (hardware, etc.,)
Maybe: (3+)
Tinned spaghetti
Nuts, prunes, etc
Price decrease: (1)
Australian Soft drink bottles
Mostly Australian, so currency should be a big issue in these price increases.
13 + 3? - 1 = 15+? Price Increases
From the data it's starting to confirm my hypothesis. There seems to be an overall price increase, but it's not definitely uniform.
Finally, something to give hope for the future:
"The cheap competition is about to join them from Europe (Lidl) so they are maximizing margins while they have the opportunity. Prices will drop again only once Lidl forces them to."
Not until 2018/2019 apparently.
I'm not sold on Aldi. I agree that they're everyday prices are cheaper, however I do the bargain hunt and stock up from Coles or Woolies when they are doing their 50% off prices or two for one offers. I rarely if ever buy anything that doesn't have some kind of discount attached… except for a few staples like bread and milk. If the product lasts longer than a month or can be frozen I only buy it on special, and Aldi never has 50% off sales. Invariably I get sucked into buying some tech or entertainment crap in the middle of the local Aldi store too…
I guess if you have to buy a large amount of perishables every week then Aldi may seem more appealing and their fruit and veg is typically ok. I do occaisonally stock up on the Premium Pasta from Aldi, the Dark Choc and some of the Just Organic stuff which is great value.