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Friday, May 17, 2013

The Trader Joe's Experience

For years people in the Capital District talked about how great it would be to have a Trader Joe's in the area.  Eventually a group formed and lobbied for one.  On August 3, 2013 the dream became a reality when Trader Joe's opened on Wolf Road in Colonie, New York.

Trader Joe's is not a supermarket.  This company strives to bring the neighborhood market experience to areas that have supermarkets.  Store hours are 8 am to 9 pm, not the round the clock store hours that supermarkets in this area provide.

What's so special about Trader Joe's?  There are many items that aren't available in area supermarkets.  Joe's also sells many items under their own label.  Like many grocery stores, there are samples.  The day I visited Lentil Soup was available with two varieties of Trader Joe's coffees to try.









Customers find a large selection
of fruits and vegetables.












I like the Guacamole Set
because customers have 
everything they need to
make this yummy treat.











Staff is constantly walking
the aisles & restocking.













There's always someone available
to answer a question. 













The art work that decorates the
store was done by a local artist.




Trader Joe's has a unique financial model.  They pay employees at a much higher rate than other food chains.  Employees also have benefits.  How can you run a profitable company while providing a generous salary and benefit package to employees?  There's no mystery here.   Trader Joe's created demand for stores and the products they sell while creating an environment where the staff works hard, is proud of the company they work for and stand ready to assist any customer at any time.







I'm fascinated by this chain's
use of space.

Support columns are used to
display small items.











 There's a fine selection o
craft beers here.










I'm impressed by the store's
generous return policy.  

It encourages gastronomic
experimentation.




This area supports Trader Joe's neighborhood market approach in the midst of 24 hour supermarkets and Walmart Supercenters.  

Respectfully submitted by an unabashed Trader Joe's fan.

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