Customers fuming after ALDI's 'overnight' price surge: ‘It's getting ridiculous!’
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For years, thrifty Australian shoppers have lauded the affordability of ALDI's products.
But recently, a group of shoppers have turned on the cult supermarket chain after a series of price hikes they say are 'ridiculous'.
ALDI, which consistently ranks as Australia's cheapest major supermarket, attracted criticism this week when a popular product was hit with a big price increase, seemingly 'overnight'.
Apparently, the cost of the store's skinless salmon fillets surged by $4, leaving customers frustrated and disappointed.
'So explain to me, ALDI Australia, how do you justify a 28.5 per cent overnight increase on fresh salmon?' one person fumed on the ALDI Australia Facebook page.
'This is outrageous. Last week, it was $13.99 for four pieces, this week $17.99. Guess where it stayed? On your shelf, NOT in my trolley.'
And unfortunately for ALDI, their customers weren't willing to overlook such a drastic price increase. The post quickly lit up with comments from fellow disgruntled shoppers, many threatening to go elsewhere.
'Everything is so expensive at ALDI now that you might as well shop at Coles and Woolies,' one person pointed out, while another suggested making the leap to more budget-friendly venues. 'Off to the markets we go. It's getting ridiculous!' they vented.
The reviews didn't stop there. Shoppers also noted similar price jumps for pantry staples such as frozen lasagne, cheese, whisky, cooking bacon, and even cans of baked beans.
'Well, why did a can of baked beans price rise by nearly 50% and the same with small tins of tuna? Ripping us off—not happy with the excessive price rises! I think it may be time to shop elsewhere,' wrote another shopper.
This comes just a month after ALDI achieved the remarkable feat of being named Australia's favourite supermarket for the sixth consecutive year in Canstar's highly regarded Supermarket Satisfaction Awards.
In this competition, the retailer demonstrated its dominance in price-based categories, including 'value for money' and 'deals/specials available', outperforming competitors such as Coles, Woolworths, and IGA.
But with the recent customer reviews and backlash, is ALDI still the most budget-friendly supermarket around?
ALDI insists that their commitment to 'cutting out unnecessary costs' still stands and that they champion passing savings on to their customers. However, their recent price hikes reveal that taking advantage of ALDI's products may not be as cost-effective as we had once thought.
An ALDI spokesperson told a news source that these price jumps can be attributed to the current market conditions, which have driven higher producer input costs. This, in turn, has driven up prices for consumers.
They stated they remain committed to keeping prices low and continue monitoring meat and seafood pricing.
'We remain absolutely committed to delivering the best value for our customers,' they said.
We understand how important it is to save money on essential items at this time, and by extension, budget-minded shoppers will often flock to a retailer like ALDI with the idea that they will get the best deals.
But if even ALDI is crumbling under the same market forces, making nearly everything else expensive, it might be wise for you to consider shopping away from the big supermarkets and into more affordable alternatives like local grocers. Make sure to do your due diligence first and compare prices; you could save more next door!
What are your thoughts? Have you noticed these price hikes in your local branch, too? Happy shopping, members!
But recently, a group of shoppers have turned on the cult supermarket chain after a series of price hikes they say are 'ridiculous'.
ALDI, which consistently ranks as Australia's cheapest major supermarket, attracted criticism this week when a popular product was hit with a big price increase, seemingly 'overnight'.
Apparently, the cost of the store's skinless salmon fillets surged by $4, leaving customers frustrated and disappointed.
'So explain to me, ALDI Australia, how do you justify a 28.5 per cent overnight increase on fresh salmon?' one person fumed on the ALDI Australia Facebook page.
'This is outrageous. Last week, it was $13.99 for four pieces, this week $17.99. Guess where it stayed? On your shelf, NOT in my trolley.'
And unfortunately for ALDI, their customers weren't willing to overlook such a drastic price increase. The post quickly lit up with comments from fellow disgruntled shoppers, many threatening to go elsewhere.
'Everything is so expensive at ALDI now that you might as well shop at Coles and Woolies,' one person pointed out, while another suggested making the leap to more budget-friendly venues. 'Off to the markets we go. It's getting ridiculous!' they vented.
The reviews didn't stop there. Shoppers also noted similar price jumps for pantry staples such as frozen lasagne, cheese, whisky, cooking bacon, and even cans of baked beans.
'Well, why did a can of baked beans price rise by nearly 50% and the same with small tins of tuna? Ripping us off—not happy with the excessive price rises! I think it may be time to shop elsewhere,' wrote another shopper.
This comes just a month after ALDI achieved the remarkable feat of being named Australia's favourite supermarket for the sixth consecutive year in Canstar's highly regarded Supermarket Satisfaction Awards.
In this competition, the retailer demonstrated its dominance in price-based categories, including 'value for money' and 'deals/specials available', outperforming competitors such as Coles, Woolworths, and IGA.
But with the recent customer reviews and backlash, is ALDI still the most budget-friendly supermarket around?
ALDI insists that their commitment to 'cutting out unnecessary costs' still stands and that they champion passing savings on to their customers. However, their recent price hikes reveal that taking advantage of ALDI's products may not be as cost-effective as we had once thought.
An ALDI spokesperson told a news source that these price jumps can be attributed to the current market conditions, which have driven higher producer input costs. This, in turn, has driven up prices for consumers.
They stated they remain committed to keeping prices low and continue monitoring meat and seafood pricing.
'We remain absolutely committed to delivering the best value for our customers,' they said.
Key Takeaways
- ALDI customers have criticised the supermarket following a significant increase in the price of certain products.
- A complaint about the skinless Tasmanian salmon fillets was raised, which experienced a $4 increase.
- Customers have noticed price hikes across a range of everyday products and expressed dissatisfaction on social media, with some threatening to switch to other supermarkets.
- In response, an ALDI spokesperson said they keep their prices as low as possible and that the current pricing is due to market conditions that have led to higher producer input costs.
We understand how important it is to save money on essential items at this time, and by extension, budget-minded shoppers will often flock to a retailer like ALDI with the idea that they will get the best deals.
But if even ALDI is crumbling under the same market forces, making nearly everything else expensive, it might be wise for you to consider shopping away from the big supermarkets and into more affordable alternatives like local grocers. Make sure to do your due diligence first and compare prices; you could save more next door!
What are your thoughts? Have you noticed these price hikes in your local branch, too? Happy shopping, members!