As a savvy shopper and retail industry expert, I‘m always on the lookout for ways to save money and time on everyday purchases. One common question I hear is, "Does Aldi sell stamps?" It‘s a fair question – after all, the discount grocery chain is known for its low prices and efficient shopping experience. Surely they would offer a basic necessity like postage stamps, right?
I did an extensive deep dive to get to the bottom of Aldi‘s stamp situation. I‘ll give you the inside scoop on whether you can buy stamps at Aldi, and provide helpful, expert-backed alternatives so you know exactly where to go to stock up on stamps for the best price.
What Is Aldi?
Before we get into the nitty gritty of Aldi‘s stamp selection (or lack thereof), let‘s review what makes this grocery chain so unique.
Aldi is a German-owned discount supermarket that has exploded in popularity globally in recent years. Founded in 1946, Aldi now has over 10,000 locations worldwide. There are actually two Aldi companies – Aldi Nord and Aldi Sud – which were originally a single family company that split in the 1960s. In the US, Aldi Sud operates as Aldi, while Aldi Nord operates as Trader Joe‘s.
Aldi is able to offer rock-bottom prices on high-quality items by utilizing a no-frills approach to grocery shopping. Stores are smaller and more streamlined than a typical supermarket. Over 90% of the items stocked are Aldi‘s own private label brand, rather than name brands. Shoppers bag their own groceries and pay a small deposit to use a cart, which helps keep prices low.
According to Aldi, shoppers can save up to 50% on their grocery bill by switching to their store brand products. With food prices on the rise, it‘s no wonder budget-conscious shoppers are flocking to Aldi.
What Does Aldi Sell?
A typical Aldi store stocks about 1,300 items, compared to 40,000 at a traditional supermarket. Though the selection may be limited, the store manages to pack an impressive variety of products in its small footprint.
At Aldi you‘ll find all your grocery essentials, including:
- Fresh produce
- Meat and dairy
- Breads and baked goods
- Snacks and cereals
- Canned and dry goods
- Frozen foods
- Beverages
- Household essentials like toilet paper and cleaning supplies
- Health and beauty products
In addition, Aldi offers a rotating selection of seasonal items and "Aldi Finds" – deeply discounted, limited-time products that range from gardening tools to clothing to furniture. These special deals are one of the main reasons shoppers get hooked on Aldi!
Does Aldi Have Stamps?
Now to the million dollar question – does Aldi sell stamps? Unfortunately, the answer is no. You won‘t find postage stamps for sale at Aldi stores. If you‘re looking to mail a letter, you‘ll have to make a separate trip to the post office or another retailer.
While it may seem strange that a store that carries such a wide array of products doesn‘t have stamps, it actually makes perfect sense when you consider Aldi‘s business model. Remember, Aldi is laser-focused on offering the lowest possible prices on a curated selection of items. Every product stocked needs to pull its weight in terms of profitability and consumer demand.
Why Doesn‘t Aldi Sell Stamps?
So why has Aldi chosen not to offer stamps at its stores? There are a few key reasons.
It Doesn‘t Align With Aldi‘s Streamlined Model
Aldi‘s entire philosophy revolves around simplicity and efficiency. Selling stamps at checkout would require a separate process and slow down the lightning-fast transaction time that Aldi has worked hard to master. It would also require staff to be trained on selling stamps and the store to maintain a stock of different stamp denominations and designs.
Stamps Have a Low Profit Margin
Grocery stores and big box retailers don‘t actually make much money from selling stamps. The US Postal Service sells stamps to retailers at a small discount off the face value, but the profit margin is very low compared to other products. Aldi is able to keep prices so low by stocking products with healthy margins – stamps just don‘t make the cut.
There Isn‘t Enough Demand
While most of us still need stamps on occasion, overall demand has been steadily declining for decades. The volume of first-class mail has plummeted by over 45% since 2001 due to the rise of email and other digital communication. Given the limited space in Aldi stores, stamps may simply not be a good use of precious shelf real estate.
It Goes Against Aldi‘s Quick Checkout Model
Aldi cashiers are known for their speed and efficiency. There are no baggers and the checkout process is highly streamlined. Anything that would slow down the line is against Aldi‘s model, including selling stamps which would require fishing them out of a drawer, ringing them up separately, and securing them for the customer.
Stamps Don‘t Fit Aldi‘s Main Goal
At the end of the day, Aldi‘s goal is to "provide high-quality food and household products at the lowest possible price." Stamps simply fall outside of this core objective. While it may be slightly inconvenient that the store doesn‘t carry stamps, Aldi is being consistent in its mission and business model by choosing not to sell them.
Stamp Sales and Mail Usage Statistics
To further put Aldi‘s stamp situation in perspective, let‘s take a look at some key statistics around stamp sales and mail usage in the US:
- The USPS sold 15.5 billion postage stamps in 2020, down from 19.1 billion in 2019 (a decline of nearly 19%)
- Stamp prices have increased by 29% in the past decade, from 44 cents in 2011 to 58 cents in 2021
- First-Class Mail volume has declined by 45% since 2001
- In 2020, 52.6% of First-Class Mail was sent by businesses, while 47.4% was sent by households
- The USPS relies on the sale of postage to fund its operations, as it does not receive taxpayer money
As you can see, overall stamp sales and mail volume have been on a steady decline as consumers shift to digital alternatives. Businesses still rely heavily on the mail, but the average household‘s need for stamps has dropped significantly.
Where to Buy Stamps Other Than Aldi
Luckily, you have plenty of options for purchasing postage stamps beyond Aldi. Most national retailers, pharmacies, grocers, and convenience stores carry stamps, as well as banks and of course, the post office.
Here‘s a comparison of stamp prices and availability at various retailers:
| Retailer | Stamp Availability | Book of 20 | Pane of 20 | Roll of 100 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USPS | Always | N/A | $11.60 | $58.00 |
| Walmart | Widely available | $11.00 | $11.00 | $55.00 |
| Walgreens | Widely available | $11.00 | $11.00 | $55.00 |
| CVS | Widely available | $11.00 | $11.00 | $55.00 |
| Costco | Limited availability | N/A | N/A | $57.75 |
| Staples | Widely available | $11.00 | $11.00 | $55.00 |
Note that prices and availability may vary by location. Always call ahead to confirm your local store carries stamps before making a special trip.
For the widest selection and to ensure the retailer isn‘t out of stock, buying stamps at the post office is your best bet. You can purchase stamps at any USPS location, either from a clerk at the counter or at an automated postal center kiosk. Most post offices are open six days a week with convenient hours.
Buying Stamps Online
If you want to skip the store altogether, you can easily buy postage stamps online through the USPS website. You‘ll find an incredible array of stamp designs, from seasonal themes to licensed characters to commemorative designs. Stamps purchased online ship for free via First-Class Mail and should arrive within 3-5 business days.
Other websites like stamps.com also sell valid US postage. You can even print stamps yourself if you sign up for an account. This allows you to print the exact postage you need and avoid a trip to the store or post office.
The Future of Stamps and Mail
With stamp usage declining year after year, many people wonder about the future of postage stamps and snail mail in general. Will we even still need stamps 10 or 20 years from now?
While it‘s true that email and other digital communications have largely replaced letters, there‘s still a significant amount of mail sent in the US each year. Until secure digital options exist for things like government documents, paychecks, legal notices, and formal invitations, physical mail will continue to play an important role in both business and personal life.
Postage stamp enthusiasts and collectors need not fear – the USPS has no plans to discontinue stamps anytime soon. Stamps are still a profitable product line and an important part of American history and culture. However, it‘s likely that we‘ll see a shift towards more specialized and collectible stamps being issued, rather than everyday stamps for mailing letters.
Expert Buying Tips
As a shopping expert, I‘m always looking for ways to save money and make life a little easier. Here are my top tips for buying postage stamps:
- Stock up when you buy. Stamps never expire, so you might as well buy a few books or sheets at a time so you‘re never caught empty-handed.
- Choose Forever Stamps. These stamps retain their value no matter how much postage rates increase in the future.
- Buy online. Purchasing stamps online is fast, easy, and saves you a trip to the store. Plus, you‘ll find the widest variety of fun designs.
- Hit the ATM. If you‘re already at the bank, check to see if your branch sells stamps. It‘s a convenient way to pick up a book while you‘re banking.
- Get creative. If you find yourself in need of a stamp while you‘re out and about, don‘t be afraid to ask at places that sell cards and stationery, like gift shops, bookstores, and drug stores. You may get lucky!
Key Takeaways
We‘ve covered a lot of ground in this ultimate guide to buying stamps at Aldi. Here are the key points to remember:
- Aldi does NOT sell stamps at its stores
- Stamps don‘t align with Aldi‘s streamlined business model
- Most other grocery stores, pharmacies, and large retailers sell stamps
- Buying stamps at the post office offers the best price and selection
- You can easily order stamps online for home delivery
- Forever Stamps are a smart choice as they maintain their value indefinitely
- With mail usage declining, stamps are becoming more of a specialized purchase
- Stock up and be creative about where you buy stamps to avoid multiple trips
I hope this guide has been helpful in your search for postage stamps. While you may be disappointed that Aldi doesn‘t carry stamps, their decision to skip selling them probably helps keep your overall grocery bill lower. And with so many other convenient places to buy stamps, you won‘t have to go far to find them.
