Trader Joes

[Catrin]

It's been interesting reading the different perspectives of this store. The one I go to has very quick and helpful service. A few years back when I was much heavier and had major problems with hypoglycemia, one of their employees gave me some orange juice when I suddenly had a problem with it - and wouldn't allow me to pay for it.

[OakLeaf]

I'm really glad they finally signed the Fair Food Agreement. They're the only grocery chain in my area that's signed it. Unfortunately I'm using the phrase "in my area" loosely, since the nearest store is about 45 miles away.

I like their cheese selection. They've got a private label Ossau-Iraty that's not too bad.

[Crankin]

I fully admit I have no tolerance in the store, for lines, chatting, or anything. I have my food unloaded quickly for the cashier and my method of payment is ready to go.
I am only like this in grocery stores. It's different in smaller, local businesses. I plan my shopping at times when it's generally not busy, so it doesn't stress me out. I like cooking and eating, so hence, I want my shopping experience to be pleasant. I know this might sound b*t chy, but I do notice, that compared to my regular store or even the natural foods store that is smaller, I sometimes think the employees at TJs are all stoned.

[Pedal Wench]

I've become a complete addict for TJ's Goddess Dressing. It's a salad dressing unlike anything I've had - a kinda sesame-tahini-garlicy yummy-ness that makes me want to like the salad bowl clean. Yeah, that good. I don't have a TJ's anywhere near me, so I buy 10 bottles at a time.

Like others have said, their junk food is amazing - SLIGHTLY healthier than regular junk food (brown rice crisps, sesame crackers, etc.) and their candies are wonderful - pistachio toffee, dark-chocolate covered cherries, espresso beans, it's all good. Might be time for a road trip once my dressing stash gets a bit lower.

[AppleTree]

The thing I dislike the most at TJs is the slowness of the check out people. It's like they are all in another world. I generally run in to buy a few things and I hate waiting, nor do I want to be chatted up.

I am with you there. Not that I want to be rude... or mind making some small talk about weather...whatever. But I really, really, really hate when they ask me what my plans are for the weekend. Like they care... sheesh. Like I am going to tell them anyway...

But our TJs isn't like that... mostly.

Love their oatmeal, nuts, cheese, whole wheat pastas, olive oil. Those big giant dark chocolate bars with almonds....wow, are those good. My husband loves their vanilla ice cream. Oh, and the Prosecco...really good, and a great price. Sometimes our local TJs has Brunello wine from Italy...at a great price. Normally about $50 in a regular wine shop they usually have it (when they have it) for about $20.

[Crankin]

The TJs brand olive oil is really made by the Nunez de Prado family, in Baena, Spain. I went on a "field trip" there, on my bike tour in 2010. It's not their top level press, but very impressive. There's a reason why it tastes good!
Despite my crankiness at the employees, I go to TJs every other week for 72% chocolate bars, cheese, and nuts.