Did you know? Trader Joe’s was purchased in 1979 by Karl and Theo Albrecht (#8 and 20 on Forbes’ World’s Richest People 2005). They built up Aldi, the German discount grocery chain, into a multi-billion dollar business with Aldi stores across Europe, Australia and the eastern U.S. The deep discount Aldi stores charge for grocery bags and use a quarter deposit system for shopping carts. You can see how the Albrechts made their billions! In addition to owning TJ’s, Aldi has an 8% stake in Albertsons. (thanks Jen!)