"Buy ‘em cheap and stack ‘em high!"

A review of Edinburgh Herald & Post by Patricia Robson written on Tuesday 4th of March 2008

Not long after Waitrose replaced Morrison’s on Morningside Road, it was noticeable that although the quality of its fare was, and remains, excellent, older shoppers reached the checkout with only a few items in their baskets. It’s possible that most of the things they sought were just out of their price range.

As a woman of a certain age on a fixed income, I sympathise with these shoppers. However, whilst Waitrose and neighbouring Marks and Spencer’s can provide for my special treats, at least two retail outlets can protect my purse and deliver serious savings. Anyone living on the Lothian bus routes 10 or 16 can find good quality food and household items by door-to-door shopping at Lidl in the Kirkgate Centre at the bottom of Leith Walk. It’s one of those love ‘em or hate ‘em places. I love it.

Lidl, a German-based food chain was created during the 1930’s when the country was in the midst of an economic slump. The company’s idea was to provide basic food items and household goods for cash-strapped families in the midst of the rampant inflation that eventually brought the Nazis to power. After the war, Lidl consolidated its operation in Germany and from the 1960’s onward expanded throughout Europe. There are at least four Lidl stores in central Edinburgh. They seem to do best in high density urban areas although others are already operating, or planned for, in outlying districts.

The business model is buy ‘em cheap and stack ‘em high. And it works. Its aim is to bring low cost food and household items to today’s cash-strapped households. The stores keep their prices down with a minimalist approach to shelving and a rapid turnover of very fresh fruit and vegetables. These, tinned food, confectionary, dried goods and other items are usually stacked on pallets and offered from the boxes they arrived in. The produce comes mainly from Europe although a certain proportion of fresh fruit, vegetables, salad items and dairy products are from within the UK. There’s also a small but growing range of Fairtrade products. If you prefer frozen food, there’s plenty of good quality stuff in the freezers.

As with most retail outlets, the perceived quality of the operation depends on the managers, friendly staff and how much physical space they have to play with. Some stores look cramped with narrow aisles and crates whilst others, with neatly stacked products in wide aisles, make browsing positively enjoyable.

Here are a few examples of what I paid for last weekend:

Iodised salt 500 g

Heinz baked beans X 4 tins £1.00

Tin plum tomatoes 400g 19p

New potatoes 545g 15p

A very large and very fresh Cos lettuce 49p

Broccoli 500g 39p

Large green celery 59p

The store also have seasonal ranges, barbecues, back to school items, some limited clothing and other selected goods. On March 3rd they started their gardening event with more items coming in over the next few days:

Pack 20 potted bulbs, choose from Daffodil, Iris, Crocus, Hyacinth etc. £2.49

Rhododendron bushes, varied colours £ 4.99

Packets of 40 to 50 selected bulbs, Gladioli, Dahlias, Lillies etc

Various plant containers, window boxes, flower pots all with trays and all between £1.99 and £4.99.

Poundland plc has branches all over the UK with a large number in Scotland. If you live on the 11, 16, 15, 15a or 17 Lothian bus routes, a bright and spacious branch is based in St James Centre. It also takes a minimalist approach to display. Some items are end of range but a lot are branded goods, such as Nescafe (100g) Revlon cosmetics and Rose’s Chocolates. Nothing is over £1: this includes everything from, under-bed storage to underwear, window cleaner to writing materials. Many items come in multiple packs, stationary for example, and there’s no shortage of 2 for 1 and even 3 for 1 items available!!! I use Poundland mainly for kitchen, bathroom and stationary items, 10 cotton dishcloths, 90 good quality A4 envelopes and a pack of two 133 ml tubes of Fluoride Total toothpaste complete with a toothbrush! It’s cheap and you may have to sacrifice some quality, for example in buying their thermal gloves and hats. But then, I’m not proud.

Lidl and Poundland take chip and pin cards and where Lidl have always charged for plastic bags according to their size, so far, Poundland’s are free.

If you don’t live on the bus routes mentioned above, you can find a Lidl near you by going to www.lidl.co.uk and entering your post code. Otherwise just call 0870 444 1234 Similarly, Poundland can be found at www.poundland.co.uk or call 0800 731 5622

For everyone wanting to protect their pocket, head out today.

© Patricia Robson

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