Trader Joes KC

[Deberg_1990]

Anyone been yet? Whats the fuss? Its just a grocery store right?



http://www.kcconfidential.com/full_c...full=yes&pbr=1



Fast forward to this week's hot July weekend in Kansas City and Friday's grand opening of not just one, but two TRADER JOE'S grocery stores---the upscale sister business of German owned ALDI stores.

A grand opening without any advertising no less!

(Note: TJ's takes all credit cards. Aldi doesn't take any. And the second TJ location is at 119th and Roe in Leawood.)

Barricades at Ward Parkway Center, security officers, long lines, humanity in mass. You'd think these people had never been to a modern supermarket. Or God forbid, a WHOLE FOODS.

As I was driving past the new Trader Joe's off State Line Friday morning, I swore to stay away from the place for at least a month before checking it out. But curiosity got the best of me Sunday afternoon and off to Ward Parkway Center it was.

Trying to find a parking spot anywhere close was a major challenge. But I lucked out with a spot on the far north side of Target's parking area.

What did I find inside the new store?

Massive crowds, many semi-empty shelves that couldn't be restocked fast enough and some pretty tasty looking goodies. Pricing at first glance seemed to be good to average. A six pack of Beck's beer $6.99, while a gallon of milk sold for $2.99---good prices.

Did I stock up?

No way! Eight checkout lanes. Each with lines at least 20 shoppers deep.

Will I go back? Sure, why not---when things have settled down a bit that is. Until then, it's HyVee, Price Chopper---and dare I suggest--Whole Foods for me.

[kstater]

Sheeple

[RockChalk]

[Demonpenz]

Trader joes is better than an NBA team

[loochy]

Originally Posted by Demonpenz

Trader joes is better than an NBA team

They are better than the Minnesota Timberwolves, but not better than the Memphis Grizzleis.

[Al Bundy]

I work in the same shopping center as the Trader Joes on 119th, it was nothing more than inconvenience for me. Although I know a few people who work there.

[NewChief]

2 buck chuck FTW.

[Baby Lee]

Originally Posted by NewChief

2 buck chuck FTW.

Their beers are worth perusal as well, though since they are store branded as well you have to find out for yourself what you do and don't like.

A notable exception, Framboise Lambic, still quite expensive $7.99 for a 32 oz bottle, but still cheaper than other outlets.

[veist]

The other thing to keep in mind is Trader Joe's is pretty fanatical about dropping anything that doesn't move enough volume, so the stuff that isn't "new" is stuff that a lot of people like. Not just stuff they can get cheaply.

[Tits McGee]

Trader Joe's buys mostly close-out items. In other words, they buy all the crap nobody wanted in the first place. They price it very low (they practically get it for nothing) to draw people in, end of story.

[DaFace]

Originally Posted by Tits McGee

Trader Joe's buys mostly close-out items. In other words, they buy all the crap nobody wanted in the first place. They price it very low (they practically get it for nothing) to draw people in, end of story.

Do you have any sort of evidence for that, or are you just making shit up? That sounds highly unlikely given the types of products they carry.

[CHENZ A!]

Originally Posted by NewChief

2 buck chuck FTW.

This is what I don't get....

How can they afford to sell good tasting wine so cheap? Is there a limit to how many bottles you can buy in one trip? Do they run out a lot? Why don't bums buy their booze at TJ's?

I need answers!

[Third Eye]

Originally Posted by Tits McGee

Trader Joe's buys mostly close-out items. In other words, they buy all the crap nobody wanted in the first place. They price it very low (they practically get it for nothing) to draw people in, end of story.

So very untrue.

[Baby Lee]

Originally Posted by Tits McGee

Trader Joe's buys mostly close-out items. In other words, they buy all the crap nobody wanted in the first place. They price it very low (they practically get it for nothing) to draw people in, end of story.

You're thinking of Big Lots, different store. Dunno that there's a lot of 'close-out' prime cut beef, or 'close-out' artisan bread, delivered fresh daily for years.

[Baby Lee]

Originally Posted by CHENZ A!

Why don't bums buy their booze at TJ's?

I was about to say 'because they don't put their stores where bums can get to them, then I remember that the Metrolink in Big Derrty was extended to within walking distance of TJs.

[Reaper16]

2 Buck Chuck is below average to me.

Trader Joe's house beers are often worthwhile, though. Legit breweries make their beers. Most Trader Joe's labeled beers are brewed by Firestone Walker or Unibroue.