There are so many reasons, really. There is something about the place that brings out the best in the grocery shopping experience. We recently went from having one about 15 minutes away in Indiana to one about 45 minutes/1 hour away here on the east coast. I don't know if I could ever actually justify a weekly trip, but...Today we were by the 45-minute-away TJ's and did stock up on special TJ things. From the moment we pulled into the parking lot to the time I got back into the car (Clint waited in the car with Evee because she was sleeping) I just felt good. It probably sounds strange if you haven't gone into a Trader Joe's or took the time to look into shopping there, but when I got back to the car, Clint actually asked, "So...how was it?"
I proceeded to tell him that how great it was...when I asked for helped it was freely offered. When I asked a question about "pretzel bread" the TJ's employee actually knew what she was talking about - even though they don't have that product on the east coast! When I saw the food that I loved on the shelves and knew that there are no preservatives and things are made more naturally (for the most part). When I bought wine for $2.99/bottle and a large jar of olive oil for $6.99. When I was able to get around the store and a somewhat quick speed because it is smaller and laid out well. When the cashier was super friendly as I explained how we just moved out here and I'm not sure how I'll make it without them down the road. When I filled out my raffle ticket to win a bag of groceries for bringing in my own reusable bags.
For all these reasons and more... :) I'm sure it will be a monthly experience.
If you'd like to know a bit more about Trader Joe's - check them out at http://www.traderjoes.com and how they run their business here.
We love Trader Joe's, too (thanks to our kids who live/lived in Indy :).
ReplyDeleteJust went shopping there with Julie on Saturday... ALWAYS a pleasant experience, except (much to Julie's dismay) they had run out of pretzel bread.
We only wish there was one near us, even Grand Rapids would be close enough.
I was just at TJ's this weekend and picked a chocolate bar up for you...I'll mail it soon!
ReplyDeleteWhere did you find the bits and pieces?
Pretzel bread, I didn't know Julie was such a fan :)!
The employees at TJ's are so good!
I love Trader Joe's too! It is such an affordable place to shop, and their products tend to have good ingredients in them :-)
ReplyDeleteThe bits and pieces are near the "bars" :-) Just saw them on Monday!