Best new store: ALDI
ALDI has officially opened its first Auburn location. On January 9, 2025, the former Winn-Dixie on South College Street reopened its doors as the city’s newest grocery option: ALDI.
Located at 1617 S College St., the store is central to several student-heavy neighborhoods and apartment complexes, including The French Quarter Apartments and Samford Square.
ALDI is a German-based, budget-friendly grocery chain known for offering high-quality items at low prices. Fan favorites include the Barissimo Sweet Vanilla Barista Cold Foam, Park Street Deli Red Pepper Hummus and Mama Cozzi’s Pizza Kitchen Five Cheese Take & Bake Deli Pizza.
So if you’re looking to shop on a budget, grab your grocery bags, get a quarter and make your way to Plainsman’s Choice 2025 Best New Store, ALDI.
Best place to shop downtown: Toomer’s Drugs
Among the long list of Auburn University traditions, one that has held fast is the rolling of Toomer’s Corner. It is believed to have begun back when Toomer’s Drugs had the only telegraph in Auburn — so when Auburn’s football team won away games, Toomer’s workers would throw the ticker tape on power lines to announce the victories to the city.
Established in 1896 by Sheldon “Shel” Toomer, a halfback on Auburn’s first football team, Toomer’s Drugs has served as a staple of the Auburn community for 128 years. It comes as no surprise, then, that this landmark was chosen as Plainsman’s Choice 2025 — not only for its iconic lemonade, but for its impressive expanse of Auburn merchandise.
Located at 100 N College St., Toomer’s Drugs is open seven days a week for those wanting a taste of tradition.
Best budget grocery store: Kroger
“Balling on a budget?” Kroger in Auburn offers discounts in weekly ads that can be found on their website. They also have digital coupons, with each coupon able to be used up to five times in one transaction.
Located at 300 N Dean Rd., in the Corner Village, Kroger offers organic produce, a bakery, a deli, a pharmacy and a great selection of floral arrangements.
The Kroger in Auburn is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week.
Best thrift store: Thrifty Lizard
Thrifty Lizard has been voted Plainsman’s Choice 2025 Best Thrift Store.
Located at 1199 S Donahue Dr., Thrifty Lizard is the closest thrift store to Auburn’s campus. Though smaller in size compared to other secondhand stores in town, it offers a wide variety of items, including clothing for men, women and children, furniture, housewares, shoes, accessories and more.
With weekly sales and constantly rotating inventory, shoppers are sure to find something new on every visit to Thrifty Lizard. Whether you’re furnishing an apartment on a budget or just looking for your next favorite thrifted find, take a look at Thrifty Lizard.
Thrifty Lizard is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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Ella Walton, majoring in English literature with a minor in creative writing, currently serves as the culture editor at The Auburn Plainsman. She has been with The Auburn Plainsman since fall of 2023.
