Aldi Grocery Now Open 12 Hours a Day in Chesterfield Valley

Aldi discount grocery store opened Halloween in Chesterfield with a taste-testing comparison for shoppers, then closed up at 4 p.m.

The new Aldi is next to The Home Depot in Chesterfield Valley—and across THF Boulevard from Lowes.

One of the store's marketing themes is "Switch & Save” that encourages head-to-head taste comparisons of Aldi brands with national brand foods.

Cost savings for customers often reach 50 percent on staple items, and 25-45 percent on other things.

Aldi is open 12 hours a day, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., except Sunday when it is open 10 hours, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.

They don't accept credit cards—only cash and debit cards. Saves on costs.

Bring your own bags, or pay a few cents to buy bags. Or grab free boxes there. Pack them yourself or just take your groceries out to your car as is, in your cart.

Also, be prepared with a quarter (coin) to borrow a shopping cart while you shop. The quarter goes into a mechanical device on the cart, to unlock it from the other carts. When you return it, your quarter pops right back out of the device.

It's surprising how customers return the carts to their rightful place, to get back the quarter. Since these carts can cost $150 each, this is definitely a cost-cutting device in every way.

Aldi supplies a listing of typical holiday items, comparing them to other brands. For example, Italian spice seasoning costs 99 cents at Aldi, McCormick brand of the same $3.89. Aldi pure vanilla extract costs $1.99 while McCormick can cost $4.65.

Aldi minced garlic costs $1.99 while Spice World Organic $3.52. Extra Virgin Olive Oil $3.49 compared to $6.07. Ham, Brie cheese, wine, crescent rolls, pies, juices, salad, crackers—the list goes on and on.

Aldi officials said it has a double guarantee with its private label products. Not satisfied? Aldi refunds the price and replaces the product.

Aldi has some 1,100 stores in 31 states between Kansas and the East Coast.