I-Core Interview: Laura Bauer - Clipped by Carolyn Goerner

Laura Bauer discusses the organizational core values and structure of the grocery chain, ALDI. Bauer, the Vice President of ALDI's Greenwood, Indiana division, first describes the company's philosophy and its positioning as a low-cost grocery leader. She explains that ALDI only carries the most frequently purchased grocery items, allowing the company to concentrate its purchasing power. This approach, along with the streamlining of its store operations, helps ALDI to offer low prices to its customers. Additionally, ALDI focuses on selling products that match or exceed the quality of national brands.Bauer then discusses the advantages of operating as a lean organization. ALDI's flat organizational structure allows for efficient communication and decision making, and helps the company to get to know its employees. Bauer also talks about ALDI's environmental commitment and its efforts to minimize its carbon footprint with energy-efficient stores. Lastly, Bauer touches on the development of ALDI's private label brand, ALDI Select.