We might've been passing ships yesterday! I had Aldi on my list of 'stops', but was too pooped and it was starting to really rain so decided to put it off until later in the week. We probably shopped at different HEB stores yesterday, although I think I know which one you probably hit when here in town. I like the one on Villa Maria because it's a bigger store with more variety but the one that's handier for me is closer to campus and is usually less busy and it's easier to get in and out. I like the 'new' Kroger at Longmire and Rock Prairie, too. There's a brand new HEB I've not set foot in yet near the 'corner' of Welborn and Harvey Mitchell Parkway (FM 2818) that's bigger and nice, so says my good friend. Have been meaning to take a look-see for myself, just haven't yet.
ANYWAY... HEB for me today was pretty well stocked. Some sections were a little thin, but there was product being put out by the stockers as we shopped. Had nice looking chuck roasts for $2.77/lb, which was my main reason for going today. I've always preferred the HEB meat and seafood departments. I mostly shop HEB because I like it better and their prices are usually better than Kroger (unless Kroger is running a loss leader sale or similar). I've not noticed many price increases since the first of the year with the exception of fresh meat prices being volatile.
We also decided to stop in at one of the Dollar General stores in Bryan. It had been quite a while since I'd looked at their grocery offerings and I was very pleasantly surprised, not just that they were stocked to the max, but with the variety and prices. No limits on anything. Green beans, their store brand, 50 cents a can, good quality, no limit. Green beans are one of the vegetables that is usually thinner at both HEB/Kroger. Plenty of canned meat and fish, good variety of canned soups and chili, etc. Plenty of tomato products, condiments, etc. The canned fruit section didn't have as wide of a variety as HEB or Kroger, but they had applesauce, peaches, pears, fruit cocktail, cranberry sauce, etc. Paper stuff was plentiful, even TP, no limits. For the basics, they were great. Not sure if it was a fluke, but am going to make a point of stopping in more often.
As far as Aldi... I love that store chain. I remember when their slogan was "The Stock-Up Store." Yes, the one in Bryan is one of their smaller ones, but for pantry basics they're still as good as when I started shopping them in the early 1980's. Their selection of cheese and deli type meats is great and we've always enjoyed that they carry many German foods. At Christmas time they have THE most delicious stollen I've ever had in my life, OMG. Their chocolates are very good. Have not tried their wine, but have heard many people rave about them. Over the years only a handful of items I was not thrilled with. This location can get picked over pretty quick, the best time to shop is usually in the morning right after they open. I've been hearing rumors for the last year that they're trying to secure a location in CS, too.
