Trader Joe's: Owned by secretive, ultra-conservative German family

What a nothingburger of an article. Everyone knows the relationship between Aldi and TJs and the rift between the two brothers. They are privately-owned - they don't have to talk to the press.

What a bunch of bullshit - that writer should be fired.

That article is eight years old.

I live near the TJ's HQ in California. The article is right about the lack of signage. There is absolutely nothing to indicate who the occupants of the buildings are. (Fun fact: there's a fairly new Aldi just around the corner from the HQ.)

I wonder why they're so secretive?

R2 I read an article in Los Angeles magazine about eight years ago, don’t know if it’s the same one here but it was interesting.

R3 I seem to recall there was a kidnapping or at least an attempt of one of the family members for $, probably the reason for being secretive

Why are they secretive? Because that’s how rich people are in Germany. Only newly rich folks flaunt their money there.

And R4 is right, people with old money keep a low profile for security reasons. The culture is also very different, you don’t flaunt your wealth.

Those are all probably valid reasons. I think there's also the possibility that the mystery adds to the lure of the brand. It's probably smart from a marketing standpoint -- no one gets to peak behind the curtain.

The brand and the family have been around forever and there is nothing secretive about them. They just live their lives and expand their businesses and that is all. Billionaires do not act like Kardashians in Germany. They are (for the most part) normal, hard working people. Aldi has been divided into Aldi North and Aldi South forever but the products are basically the same. Just the colors and names are different. Someone here already pointed out that the brothers didn't get along and so they divided it into a north and south branch. It is also a family business without shareholders and there is no need for interviews or publicity.

I don't give a shit about their private lives, I just want to know if what they claim to be organic really is or isn't.

R8 is asking all the right questions. It is organic!

The brothers got along, they owned an island in the Baltic where they vacationed together. They split the company over a disagreement about whether or not to sell cigarettes. That was back in 1960 when it wasn't much of an issue, so if nothing else you have to give them points for sending by their convictions.

What do they secrete?

Their bottled water consistently tests filthiest of all the bottled waters and even tap waters in the country.

I love these! Have you tried the ones with almonds?

Never bothered with this place, another hyped up 'food emporium', like Whole Foods.

I shop at Costco. The CEO seems decent, the workers get a living wage/health insurance and the prices are low. Plus, I get cash back on my Costco card and also with the credit card associated with Costco.

After all these comments on the secretive, contentious billionaire family, I'm imagining kinky, murderous, Girl-With-the-Dragon-Tattoo style family dynamics.

Yes, I know the family in the book/movie was Swedish, but its similar fucked-up Aryan bullshit.

R12 any proof to your allegation?

I'm strictly Trader Vic's ALL the way!

That was...an article-ette.

"Much of their product is made by conventional food producers"

What does that mean? It may be a somewhat unique store, but nothing they sell is crazy. Why would anyone expect that their product was made by anything other than conventional food producers?

Theo Albrecht is dead, the trust he established for the family still owns Trader Joe's.

In 1971, Albrecht was kidnapped for 17 days. A ransom of seven million German marks (approximately US$2 million at the time) was paid for his release.[7] He was held at gunpoint by Heinz-Joachim Ollenburg, a lawyer, and his accomplice Paul Kron. The ransom sum was delivered by the Bishop of Essen. His kidnappers were eventually caught by authorities, but only half of the money was recovered.[6] Albrecht later successfully[8] claimed the ransom as a tax deductible business expense in court.[6] Personal life

During World War II, Theodor was conscripted into the Wehrmacht where Theodor served with Rommel’s Afrika Korps in an army division.[4] During World War II (1943?) Theodor was captured by the Americans in Tunisia as a prisoner of war, but in 1946 he returned to Germany.[3] It was said that his humble and harsh childhood formed Theodor’s early appreciation for the value of money.

Theodor’s kidnapping in 1971 partially explains his and the family’s hermit-like manner of existence. The kidnapping caused him to drive to work using a different route every day in an armored automobile. Little is known about Theodor Albrecht and the Albrecht family’s personal life. The Albrecht family are known to be very reclusive and described by Forbes as ‘more reclusive than the yeti’.[6] Theodor was rarely pictured by photographers and he never made a public statement. He was also claimed to be a devout Roman Catholic.[3] The last published photo of Theo Albrecht dates to 1971, one day after his kidnapping. Another photo of the two Albrecht brothers together was taken in 1987 by journalist Franz Ruch.[9]

Theodor and his brother Karl were once said to own an island located in the North Sea where they would indulge in their hobbies such as golf and pastimes including the collecting of antique typewriters.[10] Theodor had, as do members of the Albrecht family now, a highly secure estate overlooking the Ruhr valley. Obsessed with frugality, Theodor is said to have collected and used pencil stubs frequently. He was also known to wear cheaper, poorly fitting suits and preferred plain meals with many potatoes.[10] When he was asked to approve the plans for a new store in the Netherlands, he stated that the design was good but the paper it was drawn on was too thick: "If you use thinner paper we will save money." [7]

Theodor Albrecht died 24 July 2010, in his home town of Essen, Germany.[1]

R19 It basically means that often big brands produce their products and they have the same quality but they don't use the brand name or packaging. That is why they are often cheaper than the competitors. You don't pay for a brand name or fancy packaging, you just pay for the product.

In Europe the shops also have limited service. Often the products are just placed on a palette or in boxes.

No one seems to care that they're ultra conservative. There's a 10-year-old thread on DL where someone pointed out both Albrecht brothers were Nazi soldiers and everyone is livid because it's such a "PC thing to say".

Exactly what I was talking about in the recent "PC culture" thread: no one wants to be inconvenienced, and Trader Joe's and Aldi are popular, so it's all "Who cares that their owners were Nazis and the family continues to be conservative? That's ruining my fun! Fuck you for trying to take away my Trader Joe's!"

Exhausting. Our loyalty to brands over everything else will be the death of us.

Well, I'm glad I only shopped there once. It was an odd experience. Everything was Trader Joe brand. There were only a few customers in the store and a couple of employees were staring at me like I was going to steal something.

[quote]Often the products are just placed on a palette

Must be an awfully large palette! (But extra points for artistry!)

Brilliant, counter-intuitive business model: LESS CHOICE -- the basics we all want, good quality and at good prices. No bullshit sales, promos, coupons, loyalty cards, etc etc etc.

Jesus we've lost our fucking way in the US when it takes WWII-era, PTSD minds to ground food-shopping for us.

R24 You must be deep flyover? Get out more, frau.

r27 Why would that make me deep flyover? No, I'm not a frau. You're a fucking idiot!

The trolls think if they say things like "you must be a frau" or "I'm a real DLer, unlike you" that you'll be fooled into thinking they're not trolls.

Do they have Nazi ancestors and a frugal lifestyle or are they major donors to ultraconservative political causes? One of those things is worse than the other.

No, R29, I say that shit to actual trolls all the time and I've been here for a couple of decades.

Naturally, "The Atlantic" has to insinuate "Trader Joe's" is a cover for some international, covert Nazi conspiracy.

When the truth is probably that one of the owners promised his Uncle Kraut he'd find a way to sell his stubborn buddy Gustav's cheese, so long as he doesn't show up one day proudly in folk clothes, giving local American politicians a piece of his mind, ranting about the trade hurdles for German small scale dairy farms to enter the market.

Fail, R32.

R33 Your goal is noble, Gustav. There's just a diplomatic way of approaching these things that works best.

R30 They're just a normal family. You never hear anything about them at all. I've never heard anything about them being ultra conservative or supporting a particular party. If the brothers were involved with the Nazis, that really was a looooong time ago. You never hear anything about them in tge news. People just enjoy the cheap prices and products and you should do the same. Nothing mysterious here.

They're old-school German conservative supremacists.

R35, a Nazi is a Nazi is a Nazi. It's not as if it magically goes away and it can never be forgiven.

It doesn't matter how long ago it was, the only good Nazi is a dead Nazi.

my impression when I have shopoed there is most of their food is snack /appetitzer/party type food and I also feel the portion sizes are smaller than regular supermarkets thus the lower prices. Plus I dont drink///// so 2 buck chuck has no appeal....

I've never heard they were Nazis. They were drafted into the German Army during WWII, but so was damn near every other German male in their age group.

After WWIII is over you don't want people calling you a Republican just because you were drafted, so give them the same courtesy.

No, R39, we will not give Nazis the same courtesy but thank you so much for dropping in to visit.

I’ve never shopped there and live right next door. Will never, ever shop there now.

Exactly r15. I smell a Nazi from space.

Why are there no American entrepreneurs starting an all-American TJs? Why are we letting the goddamn Krauts take over supermarkets?

I just lapsed into becoming my irrational 89 year old father. Great.

Here's more fuel for the fire: TJs does not allow photography in their stores. And it's an enforced rule.

In their Hollywood store, they had to incorporate dumb looking 3-D glasses on that gigantic decorative cut-out mural of the stars from the Golden Age (Judy Garland, Gary Cooper, Charlie Chaplain, etc.) due to copyright laws.

^ and look, when there is photography, it’s to harass and humiliate a has-been TV actor.

Trader Joe’s employees have a fairly good job for low-rung retail, and most of the products are affordable for people who definitely can’t swing a similar purchase at Whole Foods.

Why all the hand-wringing about dead Nazis?

Most multi-billionaire families are very private. Why should these people be any different?

Can anyone tell me about Trader Joe's organic hashbrowns ?

I read somewhere that the Albrecht boys served in the Wermacht in WWII. That unit was the worst of the Nazi war criminals.

Trader Joe’s food is tasteless cardboard and Aldi’s are ghastly hellholes. They’re both for the poors. Why would any American care what the Germans think about groceries or food? Have you been to Germany? The food is fucking terrible. I wouldn’t step foot in either of you paid.

^ if you paid me. The DL obsession with cheap food is beyond bizarre.

R47 Wehrmacht was the name of the German army during WWII you dumbass. Just like you call the American army "US army". If you have no fucking clue what you are talking about, it is better to shut up sometimes. All young men were drafted during that time. It does not mean they were all Nazis or they supported them. There was just nothing they could do about it. Not everyone voted for Trump or is a Trump supporter, but you all have to live him right now too. Not everyone was a Nazi or supported them in Germany. WWII ended more than 70 years ago. Educate yourself or leave your country sometimes to see for yourself if you don't know even basic stuff about other countries.

I'm guessing all the Nazi phobes also avoid Volkswagons, Bayer aspirin and Hugo Boss.

(Note: I do avoid Hugo Boss...I mean, they made the damn SS uniforms! Fuck that shit!)

R48 our food is not fucking terrible.

We have some of the best non GMO food on the planet. Yes many restaurants can be boring with their Schnitzel and potatoes, but when you have access to the finest ingredients at a good cost you can make great food.

r48 Germany does have good food, especially in the South, and Aldi food does score well in tests, regarding health et al; of course their interior is very bad, which is part of their business strategy, but the products are quite good and relatively healthy; of course men who don't have a woman to make their food always eat so well, so the hating on dl against all kinds of shops, food et al is so justified; dl is filled with men who spend 60, 80 hours a week on grocery shopping, cooking, etc. or go to restaurants or food delivery 6 times a week.

Speaking about "knowing basic stuff," r50, you should read up on the popularity of Hitler and the Nazi Party sometime. It's statistically very likely that a soldier in the Wehrmacht supported the cause he was fighting for, at least until about the time of the invasion of Russia.

The idea that the Wehrmacht was full of innocent boys who hated the Nazis is mostly fantasy.

As for the Albrecht brothers, we know almost nothing about their service because the family, like so many others, simply refused to comment on what they had done or even acknowledge it. We only know they served, they both got injured and were discharged, then basically hid their past.

That's right, R54. Bingo.

The Atlantic's standards are slipping with this article. Almost like click-bait. I think both TJ's and ALDI do a fine job, one is niche, one is great value for money. Many of us like fewer choices, as many markets are overwhelming. I don't buy buy they are "German Supremacists" either as I shop both, and there are plenty of French and Italian offerings at both stores, in addition to many other European products. I also don't buy the idea these retailers are for "the poors". If there is one thing I find the most annoying and tiresome on DL is this ridiculous superiority and pretentiousness.

It's okay that you "don't buy it", R56. Keep your head firmly planted.

I do not need to "read up" on this. I'm very well aware of my country's history. What most people seem to forget or are unaware off is that Germans were not all Nazis and some were tricked into voting for them with false promises (employment). They then gradually built a regime of terror, fear and denunciation that no-one could escape. Even and especially among their own population. The percentage of "true" Nazis and believers was actually quite small.

You guys currently have a president who calls all Mexicans (most are even citizens) and immigrants rapists, murderers and criminals. A president who wants to build a wall, puts children into cages, calls other countries shitholes and proclaims 'America First' at every opportunity. A president who obviously thinks people of color, gay people and even women are inferior. This is how it all started in Germany more than 80 years ago too. You guys still have a voice though. You can all still vote them out in November and still get rid of Trump in 2 years. Germans did not have that opportunity after Hitler came to power and rapidly changed the laws.

Boycott TJ's and Aldi if you really think they're evil and supremacists (they're not), I don't care, but also take care of your own problems.

R58, methinks you doth protest too much.

I don't give a shit what you think R59.

Hollywood has made Americans sooooooo dumb, sooooooo ignorant. And here we sit.

I do believe there are enough devoted and fierce fans of ALDI & TJ's here on DL that this sham article hardly matters to most.

r58 you realize you're indulging in Whataboutism, a tactic often practiced by Russians and lately the Republican right.

I refuse to shop there.

No, r63, r58 is showing a parallel political situation with a key difference. We still have a shot at salvaging the country.

There won’t be any Marshall Plan to put us back together if we don’t.

The acceptance of Nazis is happening in the US with no condemnation from our leader.

That should be the focus of concern, not supermarket chains that offer okay benefits to workers and lower prices to people on a budget.

What a bunch of nonsense. "Selling" to the poor is big business in the USA and around the world. One major US political party has made the appearance of "supporting" the poor their trademark, the Democrats. By providing just enough money for those who don't work to stay home and watch TV, drink carbonated sugar water and smoke cigarettes, enough of the general population has voted them into power many times. The rethuglicans do the same thing only they deny that they do it too, and try to keep the spotlight on their adversaries power base as being unAmerican. There is little difference in other countries, it's all designed to keep the massive majority comprised of genuinely stupid dumb shits divided into two camps hating one another while the rich steal the country's wealth for themselves. There's no denying it works, and all the working dumb shits will never figure it out.

Sometimes we need to make comparisons and ask WHAT ABOUT, it is okay so fuck you.

Nice post, r58. You spelled out perfectly what I think is happening in the states and it scares the hell out of me that people like r59 exist.

[quote]The Atlantic's standards are slipping with this article.

Did you not notice that the article is EIGHT YEARS OLD?

R66 Again, only "the poor" shop at TJ's & ALDI is balderdash. I cannot take anything you type with any seriousness after your faulty premise. I just bought a fresh rack of lamb at ALDI on sale for $12lb, down from $16.... a bottle of wine for a few bucks under $20, and a small amount of Lustenberger Swiss cheese for $6.99... I doubt they are offering these items for poor people. Same for TJ's.... Poor people surely do better shoppping there, but this idea these stores are only for the poor is quite comical to me.

I’m poor and shop at Aldi. Example, skim milk $1.89, Ralph’s $2.89. Pasta sauce $1.39 vs $3.29 per jar. Necessity.

r70, you're missing the point, you and I are the poor. Just because we can afford a favorite cheese, a decent bottle of wine etc., we still have work. Many like you I hate those poorer than we, and that's what the current political system needs to survive and allow the minority rich to fuck us over. You and I are dumb stupid fucks in the equation.

I'm just not comfortable spending my money there.

A couple of years ago people had the same mentality in Germany: no-one wanted to be seen near an Aldi. It was uncool and only for "poor people". Today no-one gives a shit anymore. People with Mercedes, Porsches and Jaguars shop at Aldi. Why pay more for the same products somewhere else? You guys will get there eventually too.

I shop both Costco and Aldi. I find it amazing how many products are the same and cheaper at Aldi. example: 6 ciabatta rolls at Costco cost 4.99 and the same six at Aldi cost 2.49. I was really surprised yesterday at Von's (Safeway elsewhere) they were charging 3.49 for store made baguette that one month ago was 1.49 at the same store. Even Costco is pricy for the same bread, charging 4.99 for two baguettes.

They seem to test new Trader Joe's products at Aldi first, especially the frozen stuff, so you'll occasionally stumble on something really great there. What bothers me about Aldi is that as soon as I find a product I really like it's almost guaranteed to vanish (yes, I'm talking about you, Rum cake).

Yes..... rum cake. Total yum. I grieved for weeks with that loss.

R72 Sorry you are poor, or struggling. I am not though. I'm British, and nearly doubled my resources moving to the states. I'm retired at fifty. While still living in London I knew several rich friends who shopped at ALDI. Living in Chicago, several affluent friends shop at TJ's. There are great deals to be had at both stores certainly, but I object to the idea only poor people shop there. I shop two other markets and have food delivered as well (peapod & Amazon).

I never was stupid enough to shop there.

Kinda weird how a few people on here are so quick to defend Trader Joe's and the family that owns them. For me, there are too many unanswered questions. It's a bit like buying organic produce - there are too many unanswered questions about conventional produce that is sprayed with pesticides, etc, and I have choices as a consumer. So until those questions are answered, I'll shop how I shop. I won't be shopping at TJ's or Aldi's for the same reasons.

When we start not one but two fucking world wars that result in the literal extermination of millions upon millions, including the most repulsive genocide in history, you can talk R58. Until then keep your fucking Nazi mouth shut, you fuck. Your country is always a breath away from totalitarian right wing loons running it. It’s happening right now, in front of your stupid face. No doubt, the world will have to come kick your ass into submission AGAIN, since you can’t seem to control your violent racist urges.

And also, YOUR COUNTRY’S FOOD AND SUPERMARKETS ARE GARBAGE.

R81 Thank god the U

[quote]no one gets to peak behind the curtain.

Oh dear.

R81 Thank god the USA never started any wars or killed innocent people in the process....oh wait the Indians, Korea, Vietnam, Irak, Afghanistan. But right, you were only there to help or protect your values. I bet the Vietnamese children are still thrilled that you sprayed their country with Agent Orange and they're still suffering from the consequences. Or the Japanese and the two Atomic bombs you dropped on their country that killed a couple hundred thousand people. The US is such a wonderful country they never caused harm to anyone.

R80 Just for the record, the ALDI I shop has a huge selection of organic produce, and other foods. I'm sure there are organic offerings at TJ's as well. I think this is some urban mythology they are Nazis. The war ended seventy three or more years ago. To believe in some boycott of all things German is ridiculous. I say this as a Jew who had ancestors murdered in three different camps. I have German friends, and Germans who have married into my family. I'm not sorry I do not share this faulty logic.

Bbbbutt, we white Americans killed more American Indians/NA than the Nazi's killed Jews. Right, we did it subtlely so that doesn't count. Oh, the righteousness of the more subtle killers.

R85, I'm not pretending this is about logic.

I'm saying that there are too many unanswered questions about TJ's and Aldi, and until those questions are answered, I won't shop there. It isn't about logic for me, but gut instinct. I don't feel good about it. I feel something insidious about the owners, and there too much secrecy for my taste. I prefer to shop with a company that has more transparency. We all make our own choices. These are mine.

I encourage others to ask questions as well. There's nothing wrong with it, contrary to your insinuations. It's okay to ask questions and be thoughtful about where you put your money. It really is.

People can make numerous accusations of Bezos, Amazon, and Whole Foods. WF's previous owner was not above reproach by many either. Some of us are pragmatists and have better things to get needlessly worked up about. The wine selection at TJ's rivals most, the selection of fancy frozen canapés, the pâtés and cheeses are marvelous. The value for money at ALDI cannot be denied. Brioche imported from France for 3.99 a loaf vs crappy "American" Brioche made in the bakery at Mariano's for $6.99 a loaf, I don't need to think twice. There is grass fed beef and organic beef at both TJ's & ALDI. The lamb I usually buy is NZ or Aussie and just as good as COSTCO. The grocery business is quite competitive, and smart people who don't waste money shop where the deals are period, whether they be rich or poor.

R88, thanks for the PR shilling for TJ's and Aldi. However, for some people it is about more than cost. I live on a budget like most everyone but I'm not willing to put my money into a secretive company with former Nazi ties.

No one here has shown any evidence there are contemporary Nazis running the business R89. Furthermore no one has brightly articulated what exactly those concerns are regarding secrecy. To each his own, but I see a serious lack of any credible evidence to support any of these claims.

The wines at Trader Joe’s are pedestrian and not worth review regardless of price. Two Buck Chuck is an abomination and is actively bad for local California vineyards - no one should be puchasing that evil swill.

R89 I'm neither a shill nor a PR person; I'm just giving a common sense approach to defending two stores I shop with frequency. I prefer to buy European frozen vegetables, chocolates, sausages, wine, pasta, pesto, and a myriad of other products is all. I'm glad to find them at TJ's & ALDI at great prices.

R91 That's not the wine I purchase there. I buy Bordeaux, Medoc, Margaux, and Tempranillos.

I haven't had a terrible cheap red wine from TJ's ever. Big difference, TJ's would take it back if I did.

There must be huge differences in the offerings of certain locations of these two markets. Both the TJ's and ALDI I shop are in affluent neighbourhoods and have very good upmarket selections, albeit still at discount prices.

[quote]Hollywood has made Americans sooooooo dumb, sooooooo ignorant. And here we sit.

[quote] it scares the hell out of me that people like [R59] exist.

What scares the hell out of me is that somebody can post accurate, substantiated facts about Nazi Germany, German citizens, and the Wehrmacht, and people will reply by saying those who have the facts are the truly scary, ignorant people.

It's just so astonishing, even though it's probably human nature, to see ignorant people accuse someone with actual knowledge of being the truly ignorant person.

TJ’s has a knack for purchasing poor but easily available wines from those regions and there are certainly unpallatable wines made with any grape variety, so I am not sure if you really made a point there, r93

I'm morally obligated to shop at Trader Joe's because white Europeans committed genocide here in the United States r86? Get the fuck out of here with that.

R97 My point was I do not buy two-buck chuck. In Chicago it has never even existed. The least expensive Charles Shaw wine which was available in the nineties was $3.99 pre-tax... Was almost $5 after our exorbitant taxes. I was always curious where this two buck swill was sold.

Please post this evidence then R96. I don't see any of it here linked, and The Atlantic is completely devoid of any. I keep an open mind and would seriously read what you can share. After lunch I plan on doing an internet search, so would appreciate any hints/links.

Trader Joe’s was such a disappointment. I’d heard how essential certain people in my life found it and then I go there and... it all snack food brands.

And now Nazis. No thanks.

Fucking hell, there is no Nazi connection. If there is one, please provide a link already.

I just read an article about ALDI and the two companies at Jewishworldreview.com NOTHING WHATSOEVER about fucking NAZIS. Their either are paranoid dumbkopfs here or trolls spewing this venom. Karl Albrecht may have been conscripted to serve in the army during the war, but there is no evidence to be found they were members of the Nazi party. Big difference people! Nothing comes up with two search engines regarding contemporary Nazis running the two companies.

It’s Trumpian R96. Facts don’t matter any more. It’s about getting shit frozen European crap at bargain basement prices.

^ self correction: they're either...still patiently awaiting evidence of Nazi conspiracy with bated breath.

Like 80% of Americans claim some German heritage. Are all 80% Nazis? I'm sure someone will say "Yes" but come on, now. Being German or having German ethnicity does not make you a Nazi.

Yes of course you make sense too R106.... welcome to the party. This thread is clearly for nutters and conspiracy theorists.

R104 Wherever did you post your facts? Don't turn this into we are Trump supporters because we shop TJ's & ALDI. You couldn't be more ridiculous!

I don't feel comfortable shopping there any longer. Thanks for all this info, guys.

R96, where are the accurate, substantiated facts in r59's post?

R109 What info exactly are you talking? The facts are: they're NO Nazis, there is NO Nazi connection, the family is NOT secretive (it is a family business and they own a grocery chain, the family has no need or desire for interviews or a flashy lifestyle), you get good products and a good quality for a fairly low price. What exactly is wrong with that information? What questions exactly do you have for a family that owns a bunch of grocery stores and sells food? Do you need a tour through their house, see what's in their fridge, the size of the pool? Do you need to know if the owner likes to play golf or if they have pets, supports charities? They own grocery stores and sell food for God's sake.

I’m so tired of conservatives. They are the new Nazi party. Enough is enough. You have to denounce them at every turn.

I just find it so interesting how just a couple of posters are going out of their way to defend TJs/Aldi. You'd almost think they're PR shills, wouldn't you?

[quote]Kinda weird how a few people on here are so quick to defend Trader Joe's and the family that owns them.

As opposed to the truly evil Walton's of War-Mart fame? Or maybe warm and cuddly folks who own Safeway and Albertson's, Cerberus Capital Management? Whole Foods now that it's part of the Amazon Empire? Compared to a lot of our home grown grocery store owners Aldi is pure as the driven snow.

Again! See! R114 is logged in, ready and aimed to fire off another missive on why this secretive German family with past Nazi ties is better than an American company.

There ARE no Nazi ties R115.... Surely Jewishworldreview.com would have mentioned that! I have done my utmost to see where there may be evidence... It is not ANYWHERE. Either post evidence or give up the ghost.

R110 I guess you're refering to what I wrote about Nazi Germany. What fact or sources do you need? What I wrote is some very basic stuff everyone with a decent education learns in school. Just Google Hitler or NSDAP for example and you'll find all that info very easily. Here are some excerpts from Wikipedia: Hitler rapidly established a totalitarian regime[12][13][14][15] known as the Third Reich. [....] Despite these strengths, the Nazi Party might never have come to power had it not been for the Great Depression and its effects on Germany. By 1930, the German economy was beset with mass unemployment and widespread business failures. The Social Democrats and Communists were bitterly divided and unable to formulate an effective solution [....] Germans voted for Hitler primarily because of his promises to revive the economy (by unspecified means),[...] On 23 March, the parliament passed the Enabling Act of 1933, which gave the cabinet the right to enact laws without the consent of parliament. In effect, this gave Hitler dictatorial powers. Now possessing virtually absolute power, the Nazis established totalitarian control as they abolished labour unions and other political parties and imprisoned their political opponents [...] During June and July 1933, all competing parties were either outlawed or dissolved themselves and subsequently the Law against the founding of new parties of 14 July 1933 legally established the Nazi Party's monopoly.

I think it's just safer and more morally sound to shop elsewhere.

Yeah who needs a mystery when it comes to food shopping?

I need to know who’s in charge and what there doing.

You can add me to the didn’t know this/not shopping there anymore group.

This is so disturbing. Never again.

As a matter of fact, I want my money back. To think MY money went to repugs when TJs is marketed to liberals is so disgusting.

I feel like I have been had. You better believe I’m going to go up there and demand ALL my money back. This makes me so sick.

I think they treat their employees better than many other grocers. Not only do the checkers at ALDI get to sit down, they are paid between fifteen and sixteen dollars per hr. in my city. Compared to the other markets I shop, the staff overall at TJ's and ALDI seem happier and more polite. The other thread kvetching about TJ's was rife with, "they talk too much... engage me in conversation about by selection..." etc, etc... Now the companies are accused of being run by Nazis is just crazy. It seems there is one main THEY ARE NAZIS troll on this thread. I want to hear which particular American companies selling groceries are better. Certainly not Cerberus. If these families are conservative, I don't see how that affects Americans.

R118, R119, R120, R121 You can't argue with stupidity. Good luck at Wal-Mart.

I refuse to shop at Wal-Mart, too, R123. You talk as if we have limited options in this country.

Well what are the most ethical grocers above reproach R124? I'm genuinely curious...

I love TJs and go there almost every day. The employees do seem happy and I think it's smart that they rotate the work tasks so they don't do the same task all day. They have medical benefits and the pay is better than most of the competition.

For those of you outraged, where are the facts to support the Nazi association?

Everyone I know, especially native New Yorkers, call this place Trader Blows.

I want to give a standing ovation to r81.

I want to punch r58 in his stupid Nazi apologist mouth.

Trader Joe's just gives me the creeps.

[quote]Again! See! [R114] is logged in, ready and aimed to fire off another missive on why this secretive German family with past Nazi ties is better than an American company.

I love how R115 thinks that DataLounge has some sort of weird Odessa File style operation monitoring threads and working to hide ancient Nazi links to discount grocers. I bet he goes nuts every time he sees an old Mercedes in his rear view mirror.

Germans sure luv them some Nazi green grocers

I back Mr Bill Davola and his beautiful VONS empire

Do Americans still think German = Nazi?

No... German = tard

R133 see R106 . If an American is claiming everyone with German heritage is automatically a Nazi, they're running low on battery power to the brain.

Is that the white supremacist 80%?

R136 That's everyone. There are especially lots of Americans with German and Mexican heritage in Texas.

R35 that’s like saying the family was KKK and lynched several people but it was a loooong time ago. So let’s forget about it.

R138 You don't forget about it but you eventually move on bc the next generation maybe has a different mindset. What exactly do you expect from them if their great-grandfather killed someone but the family now has different values?

Reading this thread it is unfortunately very obvious that a lot of Americans are still very uneducated, narrow-minded, know very little about history and care even less about facts. Just wow. I can now perfectly understand why people like Trump lie and lie and no one gives a fuck. People are just too dumb to think for themselves and everything is just black and white. Germans=Nazis, Mexicans = Criminals, Women=Prey, America=Amazing, Rest of the World = Shitholes

If you want to know what’s wrong with the US these days, you just have to look at this thread. People running a “don’t shop at Germans” campaign, because apparently the present day Albrecht generation is at fault for what their ancestor did, while at the same time turning a completely blind eye to what’s CURRENTLY happening in their own country, i.e. their elected president actively working on turning the US into a fascist state.

I don’t understand how one can possibly be able to look at things that selectively, but here we are. Baffling.

Good to know so I can make sure I never spend money their again.

The pay is not better than the competition R126. They barely make 9$ an hour, substantially less than Wegman’s or Whole Foods. Their wages are embarrassingly low.

Yes, we heard you the first time R141.

quit hiding behind ALL germans.

The thread is about ULTRA CONSERVATIVE Germans who give money to the right wing. so stop pretending that anyone here is insulting Germans at large.

Learn how to debate without resorting to cheap tricks and dishonesty.

What is the point in working for $9 an hour. It’s literally a waste of time. Humans only get so much time on this earth, each hour is worth at least $20.

R141 who are you talking about “don’t shop at Germans” in this thread. Point them out. Do you mean from another thread? Another site?

Nobody said they won’t shop from Germans. You can not debate the merits so you make stuff up from whole cloth?

This is about CONSERVATIVES. If you’re a normal German who’s we’ll adjusted then nobody cares. If you’re sick, aka republican, then the crunchy granola hippies have a right to not shop at your store.

Quit confusing everyone just because you have no leg to stand on. It’s an assault on the senses.

“Do Americans still think German = Nazi?”

Nobody said this. It’s called a red herring. It is used when the debater is weak and unprepared. They got nothing.

But we do, however, think that conservatives = nazis. because they are, in fact, one in the same.

Stop twisting things to meet your low intellect. You need to rise up and meet the challenge and stop expecting others to carry you through life and do all the heavy lifting.

It’s time to evaluate your IQ and decide if you’re better off keeping quiet than revealing your shortcomings to the world.

R147/145

Maybe go back and read the thread again. What certain people spew out here is in no way related to “ultra conservative Germans that give money to evil causes” only. Besides, you have enough Americans of that kind, no idea what you try to accomplish with specifI ally boycotting a foreign owned brand.

Also, where are you even getting the “ultra conservative” bit from? Seems that it was added to the title to make it sound more sinister, since we can’t say what that family is even doing politically these days.

Wow, I'm glad I read through this thread. No more Aldi for me!

TJs most certainly does pay a starting wage of $15 an hour, plus medical. Much better than Walmart.

Read this r143

LOL at the thirsty German on this thread flailing her arms and spewing her ignorance

But, but, but... don Dump called Mexicans rapists do who cares if these douche bags were Nazis?

R142, you only read the title of this thread.

As one of the first replies pointed out, this article is a nothing burger. The only thing it says is that the family is very private. Someone else pointed out one of the brothers had been kidnapped. That is quite likely the reason for the privacy.

If you are looking for fascists, look no farther than Washinton, D.C.

R153 - Please don't compare my previous Donald to Nazis or even dare to compare the hate he spews to past fascist. I would still lick is ass on my scaffold. - Please bitch, come up with something better than calling people "her", "thirsty" or "Nazis" for having an opinion or stating facts you don't like.

R155 is thirsty

She sure is.

I just can't believe I used to shop there.

R156, R157 Damn, you hurt my feelings.

R158 Thank God we never have to see you there again, I guess.

Some German tard is going all nationalist over a cheap grocery chain?

And they say Americans are silly about nationalism...

OBVIOUS this thread is infested by "Russian Trolls" or whatever the post WW II German equivalent would be, lol. LOVE me some TJ products- the Better Than Clean general All Natural cleaner- really works and lovely, fresh scent. Their vanilla creme cookies - OMG- SO GOOD- AND THE PEPPERMINT CREME at Christmas time! Buy three! Their pre- packaged salads and meals to go for one or two are really nice healthy options and cheaper than Whole foods. They also have nice selections on stock ingredients like spices, sauces,etc that I find work well in recipes. I don't go there all the time, but when I do, I'm never disappointed with the money I've spent.

[quote]Humans only get so much time on this earth, each hour is worth at least $20.

Each of my hours is worth at least $300.

[quote]Good to know so I can make sure I never spend money their again.

Good. Save your money so you can take some grammar classes.

Technically the article does not specify that he is conservative. But if he is, count me out.

They do NOT start at 15$ an hour, there is zero verification of that. Glassdoor is not a source. Cashier is a minimum wage job. The actor who played Elvin on The Cosby Show was just talking about how he made barely 9$ an hour in a NJ TJs. It is a grocery store non union job. And you certainly are NOT getting medical in the first day of your job, or for a year after, for that matter. Benefits and six figures are for store managers, not cashiers and stock boys.

You people are fucking delusional. Wegmans, which is listed at the very top of the list of places that people like to work, starts at 10$. TJs is nowhere near that.

Well, if you have an article that's better than what is linked at r152, then I'd like to read it, r166.

Google it, cunt.

Lots-O-Recalls

Do the people who boycott TJs also boycott Ikea?

Someone slap r166 until he learns how to use dollar signs properly.

I feel icky about the whole situation. No more TJ's for me.

I'm CA, beginning salaries are $15- $18 depending on the area. You can see it on their website.

What R1 said is true. Trader Joe's and Aldi's are the same store and sell the same products under different names.

someone should do a major expose on them. suthin smells fishy bout them bet theyr uber right wingers... how much did they donate to Drump

Looks like tr joe's minions are here clamin its all bull. hmmmm

R81 types jew / nigger

Yeah, I've almost completely stopped shopping there.

There's no channel for feedback, and they discontinue stuff at the drop of a hat. Same with Aldi.

And Whole Foods is now part of Evil Empire, so there's that.

I'd rather pay an extra buck or two and find a store that's more local in supplying stuff, and give them money.

R178 You type worthy of a red troll tag you racist cunt.

R180 you are r81 you fucking doucheswine.

Wee, being they are German billionaires they’ve probably somewhat conservative. That doesn’t concern me as much as our own homegrown Conservatives, like the religious nuts that own Hobby Lobby, Chik Fil A, Urban Outfitters, etc.

[quote] ThisIsMoney business article, 2018: "German assault: Aldi ... to face scrutiny over sales and tax as part of Sainsbury's-Asda merger: ... Aldi could be forced to reveal details of the inner workings of their growing empires as part of the investigation into Sainsbury's merger with Asda. Pressure is mounting on the German discounters to reveal precise details of sales at individual stores, company structures and the amount of tax paid in UK

Shop local, people. If possible, support local little (liberal) family-owned shops and farmers' markets. They are, after all, your community and your neighbours. They lend neigbourhoods charm and character. Huge Aldi and TJ parking lots look sterile and don't bring unique character to towns and cities. They also often don't pay their workers well either.

These behemoth companies are putting everyone out of business, by undercutting prices. Similar to the infamous Chinese business model. Aldi has been operating at a LOSS for 3 CONSECUTIVE YEARS in Britain. Why? Because they can afford to take a temporary hit and trade at a loss, as long as it serves their long-term strategy of attaining complete market dominance (via increased sales and market share). They're doing it so they can kill all their competition - and THEN afterwards, when they have the market under their full control, they can finally increase prices. So for consumers, saving a few bucks just isn't worth it, given what's at stake. By supporting behemoths like Aldi and TJ, we are supporting multi-billionaires shrouded in secrecy. There's no TRANSPARENCY about the person to whom we're handing over our consumer savings (and what kind of political future he supports), which is never a good thing.

[quote] The Guardian: "The UK arm of Aldi has announced a 3rd consecutive year of falling profits as the German discounter struggles to maintain cheaper prices against its supermarket rivals ... The company said half its fall in operating margin had been the result of keeping prices low or cutting them, the rest came from investing in new stores and distribution centres as it geared up for FUTURE GROWTH. Matthew Barnes, chief executive of Aldi UK and Ireland, said: “Since 1990 when we arrived in the UK our approach has been based on the LONG GAME, not short-term ..."

r175 is an idiot. Stop making shit up.

R181 I am not R81. I don't bandy about the word Nazi. Don't you have the mental capacity to figure out ignore-dar? Stop promoting hate and lies here. Get your ass back to Stormfront, as I'm sure they miss your candy ass.

R74

My mom lives in a fairly wealthy part of Florida. She has seen folks heading for their Jaguars and Mercedes after shopping at the dollar store.

Enjoy that red tag and banning R180 you disgusting piece of shit.

Sorry, meant that for R178, R180.

Trader Joe and Aldi are not the "same" thing at all.

- Aldi Nord (Aldi North) owns Trader Joe's in the US;

- Aldi Süd (Aldi South) owns Aldi-brand stores in the US.

178 - Not doing very much to prove 81 wrong. Probably of the "Nazi Regalia and uniforms were so "classic" such is the "style at all costs" shallowness of a small, deluded minority of gay men. I bet you wouldn't have so much chest in real life, though, would ya? As a woman I know I could beat your arse just with the anger you elicit in me, so I don't rate your chances around grown men. Wasteman. And all over Trader fucking Joes which my relatives across the pond have told me isn't all that.

Saying that, there is a non hidden mentality in Germany that is "if it's good enough for us, it's good enough for everybody". That is the provenance of the any "problems" in that land. Probably the provenance of a lot of prelims in the U.S , considering the large German origin contingent, but I won't go there.

Old time people used to say "thief don't like to see next thief with long bag."

[quote][R96], where are the accurate, substantiated facts in [R59]'s post?

R59 didn't say anything much at all, let alone anything worthy of R68 saying he's scared shitless that people like R59 even exist. R68 was also dismissing actual information and links posted in this thread, including claiming that neither of the brothers served in the Wehrmacht when they definitely did.

All of what's claimed, without any actual proof, in the original article and the false claims people are making here have been refuted many times by the German media. If you cannot read German translate the articles.

Very true R50 next thing you know these fools will call Günter Grass a 'nazi' because he was drafted into serving during WWII, and spoke out against the modern day hypocrisy and holocaust in Israel.

R179 that's because you don't realize that both Trader Joe's and Aldi's have seasonal items, and that if you go on the company's websites there are channels for feedback.

I don't trust them how much did they make off trumps tax cut why wont the CEO ever speak at all to public

WHY ALL THE SECRECY

I CALL FOR A CONGRESSIONAL INVESTIGATION OF THE MATTER