Did Lidl and Aldi know it was going to crash here?

[Digout]

Seems they had the correct number of shops at exactly the right time to be able to clean up where when everything went nuts. Most smart people knew it was going to crash here, but nobody knew when it would happen, so , is it fluke they arrived here at the right time?

[Geckko]

I think they simply identified the fact that food retail prices in Ireland were unjustifiably high. Beyond that, they would benefit at any time when the economic cycle turned.

[Digout]

I think they simply identified the fact that food retail prices in Ireland were unjustifiably high. Beyond that, they would benefit at any time when the economic cycle turned.

People did not shop there so much before the recession kicked off, we were all happy to get ripped off by the cartel here.

[Digout]

But they'll be given credit for more foresight than that.

That's the way such things are.

So, it was just a fluke?

[slx]

Aldi and Lidl have been steadly growing for the last 6+ years. They have had a growing loyal suburban audience for quite a while.

I think what's really had a big boost in sales for Aldi has been they've gone a tiny bit more upmarket, not drastically, just a tiny bit.

They beat Tesco and Dunnes flat out for things like organic vegetables, deli items etc. Some really amazingly nice stuff ...

Also, their household products beat the major supermarkets hands down. There's no comparison between Tesco or Dunnes own brand products and Aldi's. The Aldi stuff compares with the mainstream brands, while the Dunnes and Tesco stuff is often inferior to the mainstream brands.

If you want proof : try aldi vs tesco cheapo toilet roll!

[Digout]

I'd say so. An inspired one. As I say, worked out on a spreadsheet. I think they work like that, those two great German institutions.

Seeing as property was so expensive over here, esp 6 years ago when they arrived, it needed a massive captial investment, which is a risk. Those Germans dont like risk.

[Lefronde]

Never underestimate the Germans especially when it comes to business. Its simple they enter a market where the multiples and local retailers are overcharging. Inevitably the locals catch on. Initially they focus on migrants and gradually extend their reach into the price conscious middle class. When a downturn comes their value for money model becomes contagious requiring the overcharging multiples to reduce their prices or withdraw from the market. Simple but brilliant.

Now hopefully retail space will come down in price and the likes of Tchibo and Nordsee will enter the market.

[Digout]

Now hopefully retail space will come down in price and the likes of Tchibo and Nordsee will enter the market.

This means more write downs for the banks ?

[Middleaged]

I just love the "stuff", I have a "circular saw" I don't know how to use a "circular saw" but I have one. And I only buy the Sunday Newspapers so that I get the Lidl magazine.

Lidl for indian treats to go with my lamb gosh, perfect, and a hugly cheaper, than everyone else.

Did notice, Dunnes now stocking the same cheeses, and meats that are in Aldi and Lidl.

It probably was a fluke, but a fortunate one for all involved.

[Lefronde]

Ah so true, but do the Irish honestly think they're the only cute hoors in the world?

Every country has them. Ask someone from Munich about chancers from Passau, or Berliners about Swabians and you'll get the same reaction.

Vorsprung durch technik as they say in Stuttgart: Foreskin dick technique as they say in Cork