Here's why. Bulk vs. By November 2019, Trader Joe's had over 503 stores nationwide in 42 states and Washington, D.C.. Individual Items. You don't have to spend a bundle to find a good bottle of wine when Aldi, Costco, and Trader Joe's each sell their own exclusive vintages. A Trader Joe’s representative told us, “Trader Joe’s and Aldi Nord operate independently.” For those reasons, we think it might be fair to say that Trader Joe’s is more of a free-spirited adopted cousin: while technically owned by part of the Aldi family line, it … Most sell for $10 or less but taste like wines twice the price. Here’s How Much I Spent at Trader Joe’s. Choose: Millville Rolled Oats: $2.39 for 42 ounces ($0.05 per ounce) at Aldi vs. A decade later, more locations opened across the state. The first Trader Joe's store was opened in 1967 by founder Joe Coulombe in Pasadena, California. In 1979 Aldi Nord acquired all Trader Joe’s in the United States, but continued to let them “operate independently.” On the other hand, Aldi Süd is the parent company of Trader Joe’s in Europe and Aldi locations in the United States. Shopping at Costco means having to buy in bulk in order to get that price. We will sell high-end brands, quality not quantity, best products only." There is no option of buying just one single item. Lidl has been building smaller stores from scratch. Things to Consider 1. Which is Cheaper Costco or ALDI? "Unlike Aldi, the Lidl will be a hybrid similar to Trader Joe's or Harris Teeter, but closer to a Trader Joe's. Shopping at ALDI means buying individual items for the price listed, and you can buy more if you’d like. Aldi Nord also has an American presence through Trader Joe’s, which it acquired in 1979 — but its growth is less ambitious than that of its cousin company. In addition, Lidl is entering the market with a model and a store experience that will require a certain amount of retraining for customers not already accustomed to shopping at Aldi, or Trader Joe's. Which one is cheaper for everyday grocery shopping? Unfortunately, many Trader Joe’s shoppers will also have to shop at conventional supermarkets: It carried fewer than half of the items in our market basket. Trader Joe's is an American chain of grocery stores headquartered in Monrovia, California.By 2015, it was a competitor in "fresh format" grocery stores in the United States. These 15 red and white wines are not only store exclusive; they're also a hit with critics and consumers. Let’s find out. Aldi and Trader Joe's may seem like two completely different grocery stores that cater to two very different clienteles, but they actually both stem from the same family. Our readers have shared their love for many a grocery store, including the big-hitters like Costco, Whole Foods, and Aldi, but there’s a new store coming to the United States that might just be the new favorite in town. But with Aldi taking America by storm, it’s time for another duel: Aldi vs. For produce, Trader Joe’s prices were 24 percent lower than the average prices at all surveyed stores. Many might think TJ's is superior, but Aldi is actually the far better place to shop. Grocery stores are the stuff of cults and obsessions — just ask anyone who has ever stepped foot inside of a Trader Joe’s. Like its fellow German rival Aldi, Lidl focuses on discounted prices on private label products. Trader Joe’s Rolled Oats: $3.99 for 32 ounces ($0.12 per ounce) Bananas The famously low price of bananas at Trader Joe’s makes it a go-to for many health nuts, and definitely has Aldi beat. For meat, Trader Joe’s prices were about eight percent lower than average. Trader Joe’s – which is one of the holdings of a branch of the family that owns Aldi – likes existing strip and lifestyle center locations. Trader Joe’s. If you’re a fan of novelty snacks like pumpkin butter and mochi rice nuggets, you may be a Trader Joe’s …