Comments on: Special preview: Trader Joe’s report

By: johanna

johanna — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 20:03:49 +0000

I take the Q54 bus up from Kew Gardens. It is not a problem at all for me, carless as I am. I’ve been to TJ’s several times now.

And using large canvas tote bags (or a large backpack) is a lot easier than lugging a granny cart anywhere!

By: Nita

Nita — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 16:19:10 +0000

Heard about T.J.’s coming by word-of-mouth and am ecstatic. Had to go to Jersey before. Trader Joe’s admitted they hadn’t done any real marketing, but obviously they don’t have to. The parking lot was packed shortly after they opened in the morning. Just wanted to mention for the gluten-intolerant folks among us that there are lots of gluten- and wheat-free products here. And also, with the enormous selection of ready to heat and eat prepared meals, you’ll never have to buy an unexciting run-of-the-mill “TV dinner” again.

By: al

al — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 00:55:39 +0000

i went halloween night to hopefully avoid the crowds. great experience. pulled into a parking spot immediately and
had plenty of space on the aisles to browse and not be packed like trade fairs. and check out was a breeze. i would avoid weekends bc of the small parking lot and the congestion in that area bc of the turn. but very happy now that this place is so close to us!

By: kgirl

kgirl — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 23:58:36 +0000

I know what you mean about the “lure”. I went on opening day as I was working from home. Went around 1 pm (Lunch Hour!) and did have a hard time making a left onto Trotting something lane. Found a parking spot pretty quickly. Inside it was packed. But….as you said….I barely waited 3 minutes at the check-out. And….I was CONVINCED that what I had purchased would cost at least 50 bucks….also, I was feeling guilty…since Fresh Direct had just delivered $80 worth of groceries the day before…and I had no business shopping for yet MORE food.

To my surprise…it came to $28. Couldn’t believe it. And, I really enjoyed the quality, and some of the really fun, funky products - like Vanilla Paste (instead of extract). Made some cookies the other day and could definately tell (eat…and smell) the difference.

I’ll be back. They are going to have to get a traffic light at that intersection, but until then, I will just go at odd hours.

And, Fresh Direct….I’m sorry. I’ll still want you to come to my house….

But, I think I need to see other people.

By: Steve

Steve — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 19:57:40 +0000

Let’s see — I got Peanut Butter Puffins cereal, two granola cereals, milk, orange juice, some sort of juice blend, a bag o’ avocados, dried unsweetened apricots, canned tomatoes and a bunch of other stuff that escapes me at the moment. I can’t vouch for the coffee — or even whether they carry any — because I don’t drink coffee. As for fresh food, a lot of it was gone due to first-weekend issues. TJ’s is largely packaged food, but they do have a selection of fresh stuff. The only real fresh food I’ve had so far was the avocados, which I had last night and were quite good. Avenue Food named them one of TJ’s seven best items.

By: Fran

Fran — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 19:50:14 +0000

So what else did you get? Is it all packaged food? How’s their fresh food and coffee?

By: eugenia

eugenia — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 10:53:09 +0000

Yes, I am one those happy people. I have been introduced to TJ’s, by my daughter in NJ.
The first time I heard, that TJ’s was coming to my neighborhood, can’t describe the excitement I felt. Then one day a roomer was going around, they have pooled out.
I was hart broken. Send email to TJ’s immediately, expressing my disappointment, and begging them to look for another space in the neighborhood. Have even suggested Atlas Park.

But now, I am very happy retired person, without a car. October 26 was a big event!!! Don’t have to schlepp stuff from Manhattan, just one bus, takes me from door to door.

Thank you Trader’s Joe