TJ really drives a hard bargain with the suppliers. but as a consumer, prices are pretty darn good. They seem to carry overflow items packaged in their own label.

I buy my fruit and veg from the farmers market (things I'm not growing). We also have whole food near my house and I'm not crazy about them. Their brand label, "365 days", is manufactured in China. Soybean yup, tater tots yup,... I was not impressed with the fish selection, quality, variety, eco friendly... and freshness. Yes you can buy Chilean seabass. A big NO-NO. Besides, I'm not snooty like the crowds at my local whole foods. We prefer to spend our money at local farmers market, where I can talk directly to the farmers. Places we shop regularly are Sprouts, and TJ's.

I guess the bottom line is depending on what kind of person you are, you may prefer Whole foods (yuppy), or TJ's (working class, someone who marches to a different drummer). We hop-skip-and-jump to a different drummer.