Aldi’s Narrow Aisles Spark Creative Shopping—and Frustration

Aldi stores are intentionally compact (about 16,400 square feet) to keep prices low, but the narrow aisles can become cramped during peak hours as carts and restocking traffic clog passages. Shoppers share tactics like using their own baskets, tote bags, or boxes, timing trips for off-peak hours, and even coordinating carts to reduce confusion, with some avoiding Sunday visits. Delivery or pickup could ease the hassle for many customers.