Ruler Foods

Ruler Foods is a Kroger-​owned discount store that currently has locations in five different states. The Highland store is located in the Northtown Shopping Center and is directly behind Mazzio’s Pizza.
If you’ve ever been to Aldi, you’ll probably find Ruler Foods to be quite similar:
–The inventory at each store consists predominantly of non-​perishable goods. However, each store has small produce, meat, dairy, and frozen departments.
–Both stores carry mostly store-​brand products, but you will see a few name brands. Brands I saw during my visit at Ruler Foods included Smart Ones, Pringles, Reese’s, and Dr Pepper.
–Mmm, Reese’s and Dr Pepper. .. Oh, sorry. Back to the list.
–At both stores, you need to bring a quarter if you plan to use a shopping cart. The quarter releases the cart and is returned to you when you return the cart. (See picture.)
–You bag your own groceries at both stores.
–Bags aren’t free at either store, so you might want to consider bringing your own. Otherwise, you’ll have to purchase bags in the store (if you need them).
As you probably can surmise, shopping at Ruler Foods is not a luxury experience. It’s like shopping at Aldi, but instead of Aldi brands, you’ll see Kroger brands. It might seem odd to need a quarter in order to use a shopping cart or to bag your own groceries in your own bags, but such policies are how the store can afford to offer goods at lower prices. The idea is that by requiring customers to be a bit more self-​sufficient, the store does not need to hire as many employees as a typical grocery store. The store saves money, and subsequently, the customers save money.
If I had to pick between Ruler Foods and Aldi, I’d probably pick Aldi. Aldi just seems like a nicer store with more variety. That being said, I enjoyed my visit at Ruler Foods and will definitely return next time I’m in Highland.