July 2nd, 2009 by john 
in Categories: 
Ever heard of a cool little grocery store chain called Trader Joe’s? Okay, maybe I’m the only one who hasn’t. We just had our first store open here in Virginia Beach a few months ago. I must say, I am impressed. I had a very positive experience on my first visit and have returned several times since.
The relatively small, clean store is packed full of products. Fresh, unusual and healthy items. I have been pleasantly surprised by the very reasonable prices. Trader Joe’s actually makes it affordable to eat healthy meals. Their prices on “health food” beat all other stores, hands down. In my opinion, they are going to give the other supermarkets in our area a run for their money. Also, they offer free coffee samples and have a different food sample everyday. Oh, and did I mention they have a great wine selection? They do.
Everyone in the store seems knowledgeable, courteous and ready to help. The shelves are well stocked and the store is absolutely immaculate. The atmosphere is very rustic and decorated in a tropical motif. Lots of natural wood. Sort of like shopping in paradise. Trader Joe’s rocks!
If you haven’t visited a Trader Joe’s, you should! If you have, what do you think?
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{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh…I LOVE Trader Joe’s! I think their prices are very reasonable. I wish there was one closer to my house. My husband goes to one a mile from his office for me so I don’t get to browse like I want to.
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John reply on July 2nd, 2009 9:32 pm:
Sherri – Hope you get a TJ’s closer to your house soon!
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I love TJ’s. I’m in Hampton so I go to the one in Newport News often. They have great healthy snacks for the kids and their prices on wine are the best in town for the selection they have. I was also impressed with their prices on fruits and veggies since they are all organic.
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John reply on July 2nd, 2009 9:31 pm:
Shelly – I am very pleased with the prices on the organic fruits and veggies. It shows how much mark up there is in that stuff at the grocery store.
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Love Trader Joe’s! I live near Raleigh and the first TJ came here about two years ago. Had them when we lived in NJ and missed TJ when we moved here in 2004.
Great place to find some yummy food at prices that won’t kill you. Enjoy — you may become a regular real soon!
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John reply on July 2nd, 2009 9:26 pm:
Matt – I am already becoming a regular! I have been every week for three weeks now…
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Trader Joe’s is amazing! Glad to hear it’s making its way across the country. Here in Southern California, it’s an institution. Long before the economy tanked, I was a regular TJ’s shopper. Just last week, I stocked up on frozen, wild-caught salmon, mahi-mahi and tilapia along with some of their individually-wrapped organic chicken breasts. For around $65, my husband and I can indulge in 24 healthy, home-cooked meals. Viva Trader Joe’s!
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John reply on July 2nd, 2009 9:29 pm:
The Market Haven – I picked up some of the wild-caught salmon myself…yummy!
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I love Trader Joe’s too. Unfortunately there are some anti-Israel extremists who are trying to boycott them, since they carry Israeli products.
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I wish there was one close to me I’d shpo there all the time.
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Whenever we’ve cruised out of the west coast we always make a stop at Trader Joes for wine to take along on the cruise. They’re Two Buck Chuck is actually very good wine.
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Hi,
Thanks so much for dropping by at Empty Streets 1027 via Entrecard
Am here to return the favor and to see what great stuff you have here 
Hope to see yah around more and do enjoy your weekend 
xoxo
Metz
Empty Streets 1027
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Well Trader Joe’s, is really economic prices, healthy meal, but true also that it is negatively treated at some level as Larry mention, But irrespective of that Trader Joe’s is something good in the our area at least.
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They’ve been here in my area for lots of years, but I don’t considered them a grocery store…more of a specialty store. The prices are also in line with a high end specialty store. Sorta a fun place to go, but I think the service etc you’re experiencing is more to do with it being a new store. Here, it’s pretty much like other stores, kids with more interest in talking to the friend on the cell phone, or their coworker in the next isle.
I only go for special items and think the pricing is out of line with more grocery stores.
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Trader Joe’s is a great alternative to the mainstream supermarkets, even better than Whole Foods in many ways. Also, quite a bit cheaper.
Has more organic foods, all at reasonable prices and the great wines for much less than almost anybody else.
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I live in PA and I’ve never heard of them or even seen a store so now that I’ve read the comments from those that are in the know I’ll have to keep my eyes open and see if I can spot one when I travel.
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I wish there was one here in Manila. I would shop there all the time. Thanks for sharing this.
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