Shop and praise Trader Joe's Everyone! They're good people

[freeplessinseattle]

or at least shop the one on Roosevelt Way in Seattle, where the employess are the nicest people ever. weirdly nice almost. yesterday the "finest deep dark gingerbread cake" that got my heart racing as I put it in my cart wasn't priced, but I figured it'd be around 5-7 bucks, well worth it. when the cashiers couldn't find the price either I felt bad that they were puttibg so much effort into it and figured I really didn't need that indulgence anyway with all the Halloween candy still in my fridge. so I told them it was ok, really, no biggie, then the cashier told the bagger girl, "oh, just give it to her" and she tossed it into my bag!! I just stared at them and said what are you doing? you're too nice, I really don't need it, you can't be serious, but they were. it's not like I shop there that often either, maybe twice a month to every couple months. maybe I just look underfed, or my disappoinment about having my gingerbread fnatsasy taken away was evident on my face anyway, I can't think of any other place I've been to that isn't privately owned that would do that, and the employees do seem pretty darn happy all the time, and are always efficient (I've been to the Queen Anne and Kirkland TJ's, too. and they are equally friendly) anyway, I had heard that they do treat their employees well, relatively, does anyone know for sure the specifics? Not that I'm looking for a job there, just curious. I like to reward better places with my spending money and could always use a good excuse to go to Trader Joe's! sorry this is so long, just one of those little moments that lift you up when you're in a funk about the future of our great nation.

[nadinbrzezinski]

1. this is iobe way to go iun the boycott

indeed

[freeplessinseattle]

3. a boycott?? pardon? (nt)

[chiburb]

5. Nadin? I don't get to the Lounge that often so forgive my question

What did you say? Do you always write that way? Is it a parody of something?

Thx in advance!

[pdx_prog]

2. Trader Joe's is great....

THere usually once every two weeks...

[gollygee]

4. Too bad we don't have one here

Someday maybe *sigh*

[Beware the Beast Man]

6. I love that place.

I believe their parent company also owns Aldi, where I do the bulk of my shopping. TJ's is good if you need something on the gourmet end of the spectrum, but it's a bit of a haul for me. Aldi is great for everyday needs. Both companies are generous to their employees, and still manage to keep prices down.

[freeplessinseattle]

9. definitely the best prices on "healthy gourmet"

and from what I hear their "3 buck Chuck" Charles something wine is more than decent (I'm a teetolar myself, so can't attest, but pick up a bottle sometimes if I'm going to a party, thrifty as I am and i know they'll like it, or at least not spit it out, that I've seen)

their frozen desserts rock, too. oh, I wanted that ten dollar seven layer opera cake, but need a group to share it with. anyone?

[Beware the Beast Man]

10. Killer Spinach Pie, too!

And Aldi now has a line of garden-fresh salsas that are quite possible the best store-bought salsas I have ever had.

[Gothic Sponge]

7. I shop at Trader Joe's almost exclusively

All the employees at the store near me always seem happy.

[chiburb]

8. It's a fantastic store!

Friendly personal service, great products, and low prices. How can you beat that?

[Beer Snob-50]

11. great store!

i love their bay blend coffee and the yummy tuna burgers there.

[chaska]

12. Is TJ's expensive compared to Albertson's?

We have a couple in my area, but I've always assumed that I can't afford it.

[justjones]

15. I don't think so....

I've heard from others that assume it's expensive, but I don't think so and I'm in Southern California. I'm not sure the prices here are cheaper....rather than "Three Buck Chuck" we call their signature wine "Two Buck Chuck," but I'm not sure if it applies to all of their goods.

I usually buy my groceries at Trader Joe's and supplement it with certain staples from the grocery store. I really don't think I spend any more than I would exclusively at the grocery and at least it seems I eat healthier.

And try the Gingeroo cookies....they are my favorite! :bounce:

[chiburb]

18. "And try the Gingeroo cookies...."

Have you tried the Australian licorice? Or the chocolate covered almonds? Yumee!
And Elad swears by the "Nuveau Burgers" (faux meat).

[justjones]

21. Hmmmm, chocolate....

Haven't tried the Australian licorice, but I will as long as it isn't black licorice (yuk!).

As for the chocolate covered almonds, I'm like Homer Simpson dreaming about food he likes....hmmmmm, chocolate.

I'd like to try to "Nuveau" meet as well.

Thanks for the recommendations! Now,

[sbj405]

23. The Australian licorice is the best!

I was in a panic when my store was out of it for a little bit. Actually, they sell it at Target now, too.

[chiburb]

16. Don't know Albertson's, but the discount chain here is "Cub"

And TJ's is cheaper on many items. Canned tuna (better AND cheaper), frozen veggies, fish (salmon, tuna filets) are the lowest prices around.
Check it out for yourself, you don't have to buy anything...

[radwriter0555]

17. It depends on what you're buying. They don't sell 36 rolls of toilet

paper.. or 100 lbs of potatoes.

Their portions are small, their food is usually fresh or fresh oriented.

It's no different shopping there than anywhere else, except the food is far better. Their frozen pizzas are a great time saver. I love especially their dairy, much of which is organic and oddly, the organic milk is cheaper than the hormone-filled crap.

I LOVE their baking and cooking ingredients, such as their heavy cream (for my ice cream), bottled red peppers (perfect for antipasto), olives, nuts, WILD cheeses and so on.

Their coffees are so much better than the crap in the mass markets, if not a tad more expensive, but highly addictive and delish beyond compare.

I rarely shop box markets anymore and try to plan meals accordingly for either whole foods or trader joes.

[justjones]

13. Trader Joe employees ARE the nicest, ever!

I always have a pleasant experience shopping there in Southern California. The employees are ALWAYS helpful and nice.

I am a regular customer, but thanks for reminding me I am doing a good thing by being a store patron. :D

[devilgrrl]

14. I always shop at Trader Joe's

Damn! I forgot to put my TJ bags in my car, I have to stop there later.

[Dukakis88]

19. Philip K. Dick shopped there.

They remembered it for him wholesale.

[Glenda]

20. One just opened up near me

I'm excited! The grand opening is friday. :)

[BlueHandDuo]

22. Oh, you're in for a treat!

Make sure to clear lots of fridge and pantry space before you go!