What's the reason for that?

A large part of it is the cashiers. Also the traffic inside. Also seeing the name Trader Joe's on everything. Also I feel like it's a requirement living here.

But you're Joe!

Mind = Blown

Does this have something to do with computers?

I hate it when I misjudge how much beer is left in the bottle and I think I can finish it with one last slightly larger than usual gulp, but I fail. I don't know why, but that's the way it is.

This is just ridiculous, Joe(y).

How does this store of which everyone speaks compare to Whole Foods?

Much smaller, much less to choose from, much cheaper, but more accessible. And some of the same branded items as Whole Foods, but almost half the price for those items.

What about produce and fresh meat and fish? I'm assuming TJ's sources these products from different vendors. Also, do they buy local?

My experience with TJ's was a one-off in Chicago -- the store was cramped and dirty and kind of sucked. I swore I would never step foot in another one again.

I don't buy produce there, there is nothing to choose from and it's overpriced unless it's in a bag or had something done to it like chopped up or half-cooked, etc. It's 70 cents for an onion. They sell produce "by the each" instead of by the pound.

I don't eat meat but when I did I remember thinking it was too expensive and never bought at TJs. I haven't looked at meat prices at Whole Foods, so I guess I can't help there. BUt I do get mostly organic produce elsewhere. I don't think most stuff is organic at Trader Joes. And I don't think they buy locally.

So is most of this store's stock munchie/snack-centric?

No, it's kind of like a WalMart version of Whole Foods, if that makes sense. It's a huge chain with stores all over so people can find one almost anywhere without having to go too far. They have some good stuff, they have some store brand stuff made by the same people who make the good stuff but under their own brand name so they aren't paying for the marketing, etc. It's cheaper. But it's limited. The two Trader Joes near me are about 1/4 the size of the average grocery store, so they just don't have the selection. If I want to buy plain old couscous, I can get it, but they only have one kind- it's whole wheat and it's in a box. It's not super cheap, but it's an ok price. At the local grocery store I have a handful of choices and price points. They have some things I have only ever seen there. They have all of the stuff you would find at a grocery store. Just less of it / fewer options. For me there are things I buy only there because either the price is better than anywhere else or it is the only place that carries it at all.

In other words, I will be able to happily shop there on a pauper's budget?

$2 bottles of wine!

Oh boy

trader joe's blows