Speaking of Walmart: What is always overlooked is that before Walmart's trip to Germany, there were already department store chains (in my youth time): Hertie, Horten, Kaufhof, Karstadt, Woolworth, Kaufhalle and more in prime city center locations with underground parking. All also had food departments. In the cities and larger villages there was an EDEKA food market everywhere. (Over the years, Kaiser and Spar markets were added.) There were also weekly farmersmarkets in the cities. There were local wholesale markets that were in direct competition with Walmart, e.g. the HIT markets in the Cologne area, or Lidl (Schwarz Group) operates the Kaufland department stores, which were also in direct competition with Walmart. Even before Walmart (1997-2006), Germany was a "cheap food" country for decades thanks to Aldi, Lidl, Netto and Penny. Well, there were/are also these “special” markets with e.g. only electronics or only clothing (Saturn/Mediamarkt/H&M/C&A etc) or only Hardware stores (Obi/Bauhaus etc.) which are/were very popular. So Walmart's business model was neither new nor competitive and Walmart´s habitus didn't suit German tastes either. By the way, there are other supermarkets here that no longer exist: Plus, Wertmarkt, Interspar, MiniMal, Kaisers, Tengelmann and in the Rhineland: Stüssgen. Special markets are also gone, e.g. Schlecker, allkauf, ProMarkt, Praktiker, ... there are certainly many, many more. And soon the last department store chain will be history: Galeria Kaufhof, thanks to another, this time more successful, American company: Amazon
This makes a lot of sense, thank you for shedding some light on it. We also had lots of other discount stores before Walmart (K-Mart, Ames, Caldor, Woolworths, etc) but now only Walmart remains. I guess they thought they could do the same here but without success.
I wouldn't necessarily say that they don't exist about some of them. For example Minimal has been part of the REWE group which renamed all of its members in one action to reduce marketing. Just like Saturn and Mediamarkt are parts of the same group and could be turned into one chain.
I remember when Walmart opened in Munich (Euro-Industrie-Park) they wanted to do something special and offered free valet service for cars. Pretty much no-one used it because Germans feel uncomfortable to give their car keys (and their car) to a random person... In general I believe it failed because german discounters (Aldi, Lidl, Netto, Penny, Norma etc.) were still more affordable than walmart in germany on groceries. The second reason was that to get your 10-20 grocery items you spent 3-4 times the time in a walmart than in a smaller sized discounter, just because these stores were so big. If germans want to buy big in bulk, they usually go to Metro (comparable to Costco) however it is mostly small businesses (or owners of small businesses) who are shopping there
In the US the biggest discounters are Dollar General and Walmart and they directly compete. Here, there are a lot more options and I can see why Walmart struggled. Thanks for sharing :)
In general I find the discounters very organized, only the "treasure isles" are messed up since they get stuffed with random seasonal stuff twice a week
And the aisle with the Felgencleaner and so on is also some kind of a leftover random area where you can find a lot of different stuff without much order. Apart from that the stores are quite similarily organized so it is easy to find something if you are accustomed to that. Aldi has some new shops with a different layout which is not nice for people who know the usual system. My mother had some problems finding stuff. The seasonal isles usually are nearly the same in shops. But especially the smaller ones need to have a different layout which mixes things up. And sometimes the new stuff is already sold and the area is used for other stuff.
People wear Lidl/Aldi branded things ironically. Especially common among artsy guys. Historically,(in the 1990's) well off Germans would park their Mercedes in a side street rather than the Aldi parking lot not wanting to be caught shopping "at such a place". Over time, perceptions have shifted. "Saving" is viewed as being smart rather than being cheap, with people first loosing the shame and then even bragging about their favorite discounter brand. In recent years, inspired by Lidl, Aldis have upgraded their look significantly and have moved to being more upscale. The philosophy of "no compromise, low cost" has shifted towards "some compromise, rather low cost". If you want to experience what Aldi felt like in the 1990's visit a Kik now. While Kik only sells clothes it caters to the parts of society that are struggeling most. As did Aldi back before it became cool.
okay that makes a lot more sense. I was so confused as to why anyone would have a grocery brand as a fashion label. I’m pretty new to both brands but I would agree that there isn’t really a stigma to shopping at either. in fact, as you say, it’s seen as being smart with your cash :)
I'm a German, but I would never wear a Lidl shirt in public even if they give it away for free. Same for Aldi or other grocery stores if they sell such things.
@@MattSuozzo To be honest I just don't know. For me it would be understandable either if it's about a fashion brand or one for sports clothing, but for groceries? It would also be understandable if it's about a business you work for and where you are proud to be an employee of. But besides this you will need to ask those who are wearing it. I would request to be paid a fair amount for to act as an ad for a business if you know what I mean.
I was very sad when Walmart closed down here in Germany, because they were the only store here in my area that ever had a Monster-Truck-Show on their parking lot. I don't know if it was just there because they did close, or if it was there in the years before I found out about it, but that was a very nice event. About 20 years ago already😔
I didn't know Aldi also did branded clothes!! I've only seen Lidl out in the wild. Thanks for the tip, I will be looking for those sweet sneakers! Look even better than the Lidl ones ;)
Lidl UK stores don't seem so "random", or maybe I've gotten acclimatised to them. They have their standard food aisles with the specific types of food, like frozen desserts, cheese/butter/dairy etc then in the middle of the store are the displays of the more random "hardware" & clothing items. Maybe that is what makes Matt say it is random. It's a fairly similar store formula to Aldi UK btw
the wheelcleaner next to juice is not really! That’s the price reduced section from later promotion weeks! Lild is well displayed. And we love Lild cuz the good prizing of named Brands also the high quality of their own Brands. There’s nothing wrong about „silvercrest“ or some hiking or running Shoes. Also some Clothing or living area Fabrics.
I kinda figured that since the cereal boxes had orange tags on them. I think also the central non-food isles also add to the sense of disorganization: children's clothes, tools, toys, knives, etc. And each store has a different selection. I am going to explore more Lidl stores (and check out some Aldi too)!
@@MattSuozzo Aldi (cuz you’re in Munich ALDI South - same as me from Lake Constanze) is far more different from Lidl. They’re less in common Brand Products and very poorer of the varsity of their own Brands. But quite good in Foods and fresh Foods Secrions. Let us know your opinion please 🤘🏻💙😘
I’ll have to check that out. But having lived in both countries, I would agree with what Christoph said, Germans and Americans have different shopping habits. In Germany I go to the shop 2-3 times per week, American is more like once a month (to big stores).
totally, especially when you don’t know what’s there to begin with. i think it’s actually closer to a BJ‘s or Sam‘s Club than a normal supermarket imho
Hi. I think the whole Lidl branded clothing and stuff is highly ironical. When I was a teen buying at Lidl or Aldi was considered a bit embarassing. Then it turned to be the reasonable option and now we did the whole 180. Happy holidays everyone.
It seems bizarre to me as well, but obviously their marketing team is doing a brilliant job if they can move t-shirts and sandals as limited releases 😂
I mean, these promotional items are always specific promotions with a limited period of time. These shoes, socks, etc. I saw it for a short time last fall.
Hello Matt, cool video. I made a couple of videos on my channel for Aldi and a couple scenes for LIDL in different videos lol. HEheheee, "LIDL" they make you suffer", lol lol. Wow, I never noted the LIDL gear but I will look for it on my next trip lol. How does the pizza sauce taste? The LIDL slippers at the end killed me, lol lol lol !!!!! Matt, I am having a UA-cam meetup in Munich on 15 June 2024 at the English Garden if you could make it, that would be awesome :).
For special offers - even in the advertisement handout - beware: some are for the whole week, some from Thursday, some only Friday or Saturday and some "online only" For a bigger list of grocery shopping it's a good advantage as mentioned if you know your shop and where the stuff is placed. So I change rarely but I joined several brands. Even Walmart Freising was once a favorite. I knew the store before Walmart bought the facility. Walmart ran a cheap prices campaign and the store was ok, but it felt not cozy German to me. ALDI + LIDL + Traders Joe have success in the US. One point for me was nice: If you miss the milk or something else in a Walmart, you have to go back half a mile 😞- advantage for smaller shops. Lidl's owner owns Kaufland as well which might be half the size of a US-Walmart
@@MattSuozzo no really boutique grocery here. Rewe + Edeka are the ones (supermarkets) with more effort in presenting groceries. Than the organic only ones ("Bioladen"). And all the small shops e.g. for fruits. ALDI USA = Aldi Süd (one brother), ALDI Nord (other brother) is owner of Traders Joe.
🙈😱😂 Other people wear ADIDAS, PUMA, NIKE etc. so … Please don't tell the world all Germans wear this stuff. I haven't seen anyone in Berlin yet. Schöne Weihnachten gewünscht. 🎄🙂
I never saw someone with a lidl-shirt in my whole german life.
Speaking of Walmart: What is always overlooked is that before Walmart's trip to Germany, there were already department store chains (in my youth time): Hertie, Horten, Kaufhof, Karstadt, Woolworth, Kaufhalle and more in prime city center locations with underground parking. All also had food departments. In the cities and larger villages there was an EDEKA food market everywhere. (Over the years, Kaiser and Spar markets were added.) There were also weekly farmersmarkets in the cities.
There were local wholesale markets that were in direct competition with Walmart, e.g. the HIT markets in the Cologne area, or Lidl (Schwarz Group) operates the Kaufland department stores, which were also in direct competition with Walmart.
Even before Walmart (1997-2006), Germany was a "cheap food" country for decades thanks to Aldi, Lidl, Netto and Penny.
Well, there were/are also these “special” markets with e.g. only electronics or only clothing (Saturn/Mediamarkt/H&M/C&A etc) or only Hardware stores (Obi/Bauhaus etc.) which are/were very popular. So Walmart's business model was neither new nor competitive and Walmart´s habitus didn't suit German tastes either.
By the way, there are other supermarkets here that no longer exist: Plus, Wertmarkt, Interspar, MiniMal, Kaisers, Tengelmann and in the Rhineland: Stüssgen. Special markets are also gone, e.g. Schlecker, allkauf, ProMarkt, Praktiker, ... there are certainly many, many more. And soon the last department store chain will be history: Galeria Kaufhof, thanks to another, this time more successful, American company: Amazon
This makes a lot of sense, thank you for shedding some light on it. We also had lots of other discount stores before Walmart (K-Mart, Ames, Caldor, Woolworths, etc) but now only Walmart remains. I guess they thought they could do the same here but without success.
I wouldn't necessarily say that they don't exist about some of them. For example Minimal has been part of the REWE group which renamed all of its members in one action to reduce marketing. Just like Saturn and Mediamarkt are parts of the same group and could be turned into one chain.
I remember when Walmart opened in Munich (Euro-Industrie-Park) they wanted to do something special and offered free valet service for cars. Pretty much no-one used it because Germans feel uncomfortable to give their car keys (and their car) to a random person...
In general I believe it failed because german discounters (Aldi, Lidl, Netto, Penny, Norma etc.) were still more affordable than walmart in germany on groceries. The second reason was that to get your 10-20 grocery items you spent 3-4 times the time in a walmart than in a smaller sized discounter, just because these stores were so big.
If germans want to buy big in bulk, they usually go to Metro (comparable to Costco) however it is mostly small businesses (or owners of small businesses) who are shopping there
In the US the biggest discounters are Dollar General and Walmart and they directly compete. Here, there are a lot more options and I can see why Walmart struggled. Thanks for sharing :)
In general I find the discounters very organized, only the "treasure isles" are messed up since they get stuffed with random seasonal stuff twice a week
Those isles were different at each store, seemed to be the most popular with shoppers looking to see what they had to offer
And the aisle with the Felgencleaner and so on is also some kind of a leftover random area where you can find a lot of different stuff without much order. Apart from that the stores are quite similarily organized so it is easy to find something if you are accustomed to that. Aldi has some new shops with a different layout which is not nice for people who know the usual system. My mother had some problems finding stuff.
The seasonal isles usually are nearly the same in shops. But especially the smaller ones need to have a different layout which mixes things up. And sometimes the new stuff is already sold and the area is used for other stuff.
People wear Lidl/Aldi branded things ironically. Especially common among artsy guys. Historically,(in the 1990's) well off Germans would park their Mercedes in a side street rather than the Aldi parking lot not wanting to be caught shopping "at such a place".
Over time, perceptions have shifted. "Saving" is viewed as being smart rather than being cheap, with people first loosing the shame and then even bragging about their favorite discounter brand.
In recent years, inspired by Lidl, Aldis have upgraded their look significantly and have moved to being more upscale. The philosophy of "no compromise, low cost" has shifted towards "some compromise, rather low cost".
If you want to experience what Aldi felt like in the 1990's visit a Kik now. While Kik only sells clothes it caters to the parts of society that are struggeling most. As did Aldi back before it became cool.
okay that makes a lot more sense. I was so confused as to why anyone would have a grocery brand as a fashion label. I’m pretty new to both brands but I would agree that there isn’t really a stigma to shopping at either. in fact, as you say, it’s seen as being smart with your cash :)
I'm a German, but I would never wear a Lidl shirt in public even if they give it away for free. Same for Aldi or other grocery stores if they sell such things.
Is it like an anti-fashion thing or just a marketing strategy you think?
@@MattSuozzo To be honest I just don't know. For me it would be understandable either if it's about a fashion brand or one for sports clothing, but for groceries? It would also be understandable if it's about a business you work for and where you are proud to be an employee of. But besides this you will need to ask those who are wearing it. I would request to be paid a fair amount for to act as an ad for a business if you know what I mean.
I was very sad when Walmart closed down here in Germany, because they were the only store here in my area that ever had a Monster-Truck-Show on their parking lot.
I don't know if it was just there because they did close, or if it was there in the years before I found out about it, but that was a very nice event. About 20 years ago already😔
Lidl branded socks and shoes are an online only offer and they get sold out immediately. Though i was able to grab a pair of Aldi socks from a store.
You should have gone to ALDI. They had the full Monty this year with boxers, socks, sweaters, scarves, gloves and snow hats starting at 99 Cent.
I didn't know Aldi also did branded clothes!! I've only seen Lidl out in the wild. Thanks for the tip, I will be looking for those sweet sneakers! Look even better than the Lidl ones ;)
Lidl UK stores don't seem so "random", or maybe I've gotten acclimatised to them. They have their standard food aisles with the specific types of food, like frozen desserts, cheese/butter/dairy etc then in the middle of the store are the displays of the more random "hardware" & clothing items. Maybe that is what makes Matt say it is random. It's a fairly similar store formula to Aldi UK btw
the wheelcleaner next to juice is not really! That’s the price reduced section from later promotion weeks! Lild is well displayed.
And we love Lild cuz the good prizing of named Brands also the high quality of their own Brands.
There’s nothing wrong about „silvercrest“ or some hiking or running Shoes. Also some Clothing or living area Fabrics.
I kinda figured that since the cereal boxes had orange tags on them. I think also the central non-food isles also add to the sense of disorganization: children's clothes, tools, toys, knives, etc. And each store has a different selection. I am going to explore more Lidl stores (and check out some Aldi too)!
@@MattSuozzo Aldi (cuz you’re in Munich ALDI South - same as me from Lake Constanze) is far more different from Lidl.
They’re less in common Brand Products and very poorer of the varsity of their own Brands.
But quite good in Foods and fresh Foods Secrions.
Let us know your opinion please 🤘🏻💙😘
There are several vids on YT why Walmart failed in Germany :). And Happy Holidays btw.
I’ll have to check that out. But having lived in both countries, I would agree with what Christoph said, Germans and Americans have different shopping habits. In Germany I go to the shop 2-3 times per week, American is more like once a month (to big stores).
@@MattSuozzo american food is chemical waste ... that's why it doesn't spoil
I have a Lidl Christmas hat, they were cult last year. I’m definitely more of an Aldi woman. Merry Christmas 🎄
WOw, thats cool. The next time that I am in Germany I will look for a ALDI and LIDL hat if they have one :). Merry Christmas.
I’m sad I missed out on the Christmas sweaters. I’ll be prepared for next year :)
Maybe Lidl fashion is cooler ... but some of the clothes I've bought from Aldi have been the most long-lasting & well-made I've ever had.
When you have to search you usually buy more than planned. That is part of the strategy.
totally, especially when you don’t know what’s there to begin with. i think it’s actually closer to a BJ‘s or Sam‘s Club than a normal supermarket imho
Hi. I think the whole Lidl branded clothing and stuff is highly ironical. When I was a teen buying at Lidl or Aldi was considered a bit embarassing. Then it turned to be the reasonable option and now we did the whole 180. Happy holidays everyone.
It seems bizarre to me as well, but obviously their marketing team is doing a brilliant job if they can move t-shirts and sandals as limited releases 😂
Yes, I know the “embarrassment of shopping at Aldi” too, my mother always gave me carrier bags with the EDEKA label when I shopped at Aldi/Lidl ;-)
I mean, these promotional items are always specific promotions with a limited period of time. These shoes, socks, etc. I saw it for a short time last fall.
I bought Lidl and Aldi christmas socks just for fun. The Aldi socks were comparably normal, but the Lidl socks scream with the Lidl colors.
Hello Matt, cool video. I made a couple of videos on my channel for Aldi and a couple scenes for LIDL in different videos lol. HEheheee, "LIDL" they make you suffer", lol lol. Wow, I never noted the LIDL gear but I will look for it on my next trip lol. How does the pizza sauce taste? The LIDL slippers at the end killed me, lol lol lol !!!!! Matt, I am having a UA-cam meetup in Munich on 15 June 2024 at the English Garden if you could make it, that would be awesome :).
Next time I will check out Aldi, although we had those in NY as well. Sounds great, let me know about June. I have a contact email on my About page :)
I visit AlDI all the time here in Florida and of course when I visit Germany :). Awesome, I will send you the information :)!!!😀😀@@MattSuozzo
PS- I fixed your name in my original comment lol lol !!!@@MattSuozzo
For special offers - even in the advertisement handout - beware: some are for the whole week, some from Thursday, some only Friday or Saturday and some "online only"
For a bigger list of grocery shopping it's a good advantage as mentioned if you know your shop and where the stuff is placed. So I change rarely but I joined several brands. Even Walmart Freising was once a favorite. I knew the store before Walmart bought the facility. Walmart ran a cheap prices campaign and the store was ok, but it felt not cozy German to me.
ALDI + LIDL + Traders Joe have success in the US. One point for me was nice: If you miss the milk or something else in a Walmart, you have to go back half a mile 😞- advantage for smaller shops. Lidl's owner owns Kaufland as well which might be half the size of a US-Walmart
Trader Joes is super popular in the US. I don't know if there are 'boutique grocery' chains here? Maybe Basic? Although I've never been.
@@MattSuozzo no really boutique grocery here. Rewe + Edeka are the ones (supermarkets) with more effort in presenting groceries. Than the organic only ones ("Bioladen"). And all the small shops e.g. for fruits.
ALDI USA = Aldi Süd (one brother), ALDI Nord (other brother) is owner of Traders Joe.
Its just a store to us.
🙈😱😂
Other people wear ADIDAS, PUMA, NIKE etc. so …
Please don't tell the world all Germans wear this stuff. I haven't seen anyone in Berlin yet.
Schöne Weihnachten gewünscht. 🎄🙂
Of course not. They are hard to get ahold of 😂. Frohe Weihnachten 🎄
Try Aldi next time.
I will :)
@@MattSuozzo They are better organized and their bakery products are way better.
😁
:)
1:01 Who also always has to think at 100SekundenPhysik when this song plays?
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