Hey, blogger friends, do you have a Trader Joe’s near you? We don’t and from what I hear about the cool, laid-back chain, I wish we did.
I have yet to visit a Trader Joe’s, but from what I’ve heard, it’s a great experience. Where I live, a certain grocery chain pretty much has a monopoly on the area. There are few smaller, independent markets here and there, but for the most part, we have to shop at the big K. And while the one I shop at is referred to as the “Gucci K,” I wish we had more competition in the area. A Fresh Market opened down the street from us recently, and while I like it, it’s trés expensive. From what I’ve heard, Trader Joe’s is affordable and people love their store brand. And while I try to save money and buy the store brand at our grocery when necessary, it’s not always my favorite thing to do.
NPR did a story about the company yesterday, which is featured on the front cover of the latest Fortune Magazine, and it intrigued me even more. They don’t do much advertising – it’s more grass roots; their customers serve as ambassadors of the company. Trader Joe’s is a privately held company, and private to the point that the business doesn’t talk to the media. There’s a certain mystique about Trader Joe’s that adds to its cool quotient.
So, Trader Joe’s, I make a plea to you. Please make an effort to enter the Kentucky market, more specifically Louisville. You have stores in Indianapolis and Cincinnati, just a couple of hours up the road. We’re the fun, funkier sister city to the south. I really think you’d fit in well here. Can’t you see yourself in the Trader Joe’s Suite at Churchill Downs on Derby Day? See, we'll treat you right. Seriously, our town needs more competition in the grocery realm. Please visit, kick off your shoes and stay for a while. You'll be glad you did.
It’s Friday, y’all. We finally made it!
Image from traderjoes.com
20 comments:
I read that article and was equally intrigued. Luckily we have a TJ I can go to here in ATL. Its 20 minutes away, so I only go once a month or so, but they have some great stuff! We're hoping for one closer!
I would LOVE to have a store where I am too! I lvoe Fresh Market, but like you say, way overpriced. Have a wonderful weekend!
Teresa (Splendid Sass)
one of the items trader joe's is FAMOUS
for is a tasty yet super cheap wine. i
don't know the name. sorry.
wait, it might be "two buck chuck."
sounds pretty awful, but people rave
about it. not the gucci crowd, of course.
:)
but i do know that my hair stylist drove
to missouri to fetch a case or two for her
daughter's wedding and saved a TON of
money.
good luck with your trader joe's campaign.
I wish we had a Trader Joe's too!!
I've heard of Two Buck Chuck! Alas, the grocery stores in Kentucky don't sell wine, some dumb law, I believe. You would think the land of bourbon would have better sense!
I have heard of two buck chuck too...from my American friends.
No Trader Joes here either, I reside in Canada.
I don't even know what I am missing!
I know my mother would love to have one in Newport as well!
They really are fabulous... great product and great prices.
You're right myletterstoemily, I was introduced to Trader Joe's by my daughter during her college days. She asked me to take her there to stock up on "two buck chuck" for her house's party. I can't remember the real name, but the last time I was there it was no longer two bucks! I think the thing I like best are the paper bags with the logo on them.
Just wanted to add my daughter was over 21! She needed to use my SUV to haul all the party fixins
We have one not far away, but there's an empty spot that used to be an Ace Hardware that we've all picked out for one right in our neighborhood. I believe if you go to the website you can beg them to consider your area for one (I got an email a couple of years ago and added my name to the begging list). They're small, the parking lot is usually always crowded and a pain to get in and out of, and you really can't do the big "shop" there--the checkouts aren't set up for it, the carts are little and it's really more for picking up the funkly little things they're featuring this week....and the cheese. OMG, the cheese. Two Buck Chuck is now $4, I think.
I bet you'll get one soon. We've haven't had the Cincinnati one that long. I fell in love with the chain when we lived in Boston and luckily I live about 15 min. from our store. My children love it too. It's not a place you can get all your groceries, but it's great when you have no ideas for dinner. At quick stop there and you're filled with ideas. and yes, it is VERY affordable. Just a few of my favs are their ginger snaps, the dill & dijon salmon, & these highly addictive chipotle dried mango slices. Their wine is CHEAP & good. And they have an unbelievable frozen food section with great ethnic foods. Keep campaigning! :)
Tessa
Not to rub it in...but I LOVE Trader Joe's. I waited for several years before we got one and then went the day it opened. Now Whole Foods is something that we are still waiting for...
trader Joes is our closest grocery. Mrs. T loves the prices but occasionally complains about the selection. Secretly, it is owned by the family which owns Aldi's.
Wo do have Trader Joes, but I don't get there very often because I do have to go out of my way to get there. They certainly do have a devoted following.
Have a great weekend!
Best,
Colleen
Alas, we have no Trader Joes In my town either. But we do have an Aldi, which is owned by the same German corporation. Not the same though!
Ok, I'll chime in here. We have a Trader Joe's and I love it. Though I have to say the only (two) times I have EVER had food poisoning it was a result of some of the Trader Joe's packaged food. That being said, perhaps it was my fault as I NEVER check expiration dates. Any way, the two buck chuck is actually called Charles Shaw and I know many, many people that serve it at their parties. My kids love the peanut butter pretzels and the simmer sauces are a cheap and easy weeknight dinner idea. Hope you get one near you!
I think we are getting a Trader Joe's this year, so I will look forward to that. Personally, I love Publix, and find pretty much all I need along with great service. The Fresh Market can be good, too--pay attention to the weekly specials, and you will find some great deals!
We don't have them in Texas or in England- but everytime I visit one in Chicago, I get so sad they aren't here!!! I'm hoping someday they'll make the leap into other markets!
I'm so glad we found eachother's blogs!
I love Trader Joe's too and make the trek up to Cincy every once in a while. I just went last week and stocked up on 2 buck (now 4 buck) chuck. Great wine for the price!
My husband recently told me that a friend of his "in the know" said they were looking in the Lexington market right now. Now a) who knows if that's true and b) who knows how long that process takes. I'm with you though, we need some variety and I think it would do great here. Maybe we should start a petition (:
LOVE the place. hoping you get one!
Post a Comment