ALDI and Lidl are using a handful of tricks to entice shoppers to spend more amid the cost-of-living crisis.
And it’s not the first time The Sun has revealed the secret mind games big chains use to lure shoppers in.
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Earlier this year, a senior insider shared six key tricks used by big supermarket chains to encourage spending.
And now Aldi and Lidl are pushing layout hacks and popular deals harder than ever as the cost of living drives up spending.
Figures from the Office of National Statistics show that our meals cost an average of 12.7% more than this time last year, adding pressure to already stretched family budgets.
According to the Office For National Statistics, inflation reached 9.9% in August.
The Bank of England now forecasts that inflation will peak at 11% in October and then stay above 10% for a few months thereafter.
But shoppers can keep their grocery costs low if they know the tricks of the supermarket trade.
The Sun spoke to Jordon Cox, who describes himself as Britain’s “Coupon Kid”.
He said: “Since I was 15, I’ve been working to help people across the country save money through coupons, deals and money-saving tips.
“Now, at the age of 24, my goal is to help everyone keep earning their money.”
Jordon has shared top five tricks Aldi and Lidl use to get shoppers to spend more in hopes it doesn’t scam them in the future.
1. Supermarkets place items strategically
Aldi and Lidl strategically place items in specific locations to encourage shoppers to buy more than they bargained for.
Jordon said: “Have you ever noticed the bakery section right at the entrance so that as you enter you are enveloped in the smell of fresh bread?
“This is not a mistake, but a well-known trick to entice a purchase.
According to Jordon, the milk is also placed at the back of these stores – and usually next to the enticing “Mitte von Lidl” aisle.
Here, Lidl showcases its offerings of products ranging from tech to furniture and toiletries to DIY equipment—items that those who walk into a grocery store don’t necessarily need.
Jordon also said that alcohol’s strategic positioning encourages shoppers to spend more.
He said: “When you’re queuing at the register, you may often find yourself surrounded by alcohol, as the alcohol department can be strategically located for snagging an adult treat after a hard day’s shopping.”
If you want to beat this trick and cut your bills, don’t let your goal purchases distract you and stick to what’s on your shopping list.
2. Fresh products make you want more
According to food experts, fresh produce and meat at Aldi and Lidl are usually prized for taste and quality.
But Jordon says one reason could be the lower amount of preservatives added to these products, which would normally keep them longer.
And fresh food can have a negative impact on shoppers in this regard.
Jordon said: “That pack of chicken or ground beef may only have a few days left until the best before date when you buy it.
He said: “Quite often when cooking, shoppers find that things are already out of date, which means another trip back to the supermarket to buy some more.”
Here the customer can save by choosing to buy frozen meat or if he insists on fresh meat – this can always be frozen before the best before date.
3. Popular items encourage you to spend more
Being fooled by “mega” offers posted online often leads shoppers to make an extra grocery purchase when they don’t have to.
Jordon said: “That £99 summer barbecue you saw on HotUKDeals, the Kevin the Carrot stuffed animals and the Wagyu beef steaks.
“All of these deals are widely advertised but when you get to the store they may not have them or they may be completely sold out.
“Rather than just pack up and leave, most stay here and do their weekly grocery shopping while they’re there anyway, when maybe they wouldn’t have done it any other way.”
To avoid spending more in these situations, look elsewhere for a better deal.
4. Price tag placement attracts buyers
According to Jordon, price tags can have a huge impact on our supermarket spend.
Jordon said: “For some items in the store you may find that the price tags on certain products are up rather than down.
“At first glance, you usually see the huge price tag and think you’re getting something cheap, even though the actual price was different.
“This can scare shoppers away and lead to a higher bill when you get to the checkout when the muffins you just bought 5 of were actually £2 each… not 75p like you thought.”
In situations like this, it’s important to peruse the shelves and read the labels fully – if it looks too good to be true, ask around.
5. Aldi’s Super 6 and Lidl’s Pick of the Week will make you spend more
Jordon said shoppers should be wary of Aldi’s Super 6 and Lidl’s Pick of the Week deals.
With Aldi’s Super 6 program, the supermarket sells six fresh items every two weeks at super low prices.
Lidl’s Pick of the Week often features 12 deals announced every Thursday for fresh produce.
Jordon said: “You will see regular offers and savings on fruit and veg at both supermarkets.
“It can be a pack of potatoes for 50p or a bag of carrots for 19p. While these appear cheap, some offerings may be just a few pence cheaper than the usual prices.
“Doing your entire shopping spree for a small saving on your fruit and veg is a sneaky way to get you to spend.”
To beat this trick, only visit the store if you really have to.
Other ways to reduce the cost of your supermarket business
Research what you need before you go. Prices always vary depending on the supermarket and it may be worth changing your shop.
One shopper avoided going to supermarkets altogether in favor of his local wholesaler, allowing him to stock up in bulk at lower prices.
You can also redeem discounted groceries such as bargains with yellow stickers – these items are being discounted because they are approaching their sell-by date.
They’re still safe to eat or freeze to make them last longer, but it means you can buy the same products at an even cheaper price.
Sometimes even timing your store will help you stock up when items are on sale on the shelves to grab the best bargains – many shoppers have said this is usually in the evening.
But smart shopping isn’t the only way to cut spending.
Especially as prices continue to rise, there are programs designed to help those most in need buy essentials.
Parents can get healthy start vouchers worth up to £442 to use on things like supermarket, groceries and more for their children.
Also, many municipalities offer supermarket vouchers as part of the household support fund – so you can continue to earn money with the additional support available.
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