Who doesn’t love a bargain? Well, asides extreme anti-capitalists and anti-consumerists perhaps? (which obviously I am not – although I’m all for stakeholder capitalism)
LIDL and ALDI have changed the UK retail scene and from my narrow consumer perspective, they have changed it for the better. Before I switched away from the “big four” I was sick to death of some of the obscene oligopoly abuses I saw – e.g., £2 for six kitchen sponges? In 2007/08!? How much does it really cost to manufacturer and distribute a kitchen sponge?
I switched 10 years ago and never looked back. I do not doubt that considerable exploitation is involved in some of the low prices we benefit from as consumers at LIDL and ALDI, but it’s not like the “big four” were model corporate citizens with ethical supply chains. The latter charged more and profited more but seemed as eager to squeeze suppliers whilst overlooking their means of cost minimising as anyone else.
My latest happy bargain was this neat black metal cabinet from LIDL for £15, whereas competitors are charging £70-£100+ for pretty much the same thing. I bought 5 of them because they will be useful when I rent in or near London soon.
Bargain.
Dr Martin James 