Many of my friends have been buzzing about the opening of a Trader Joe’s store in Olympia, Wash.
The closest store previously was in Lakewood, about a half hour’s drive away.
I went to Trader Joe’s on opening day to get the free gift. When I arrived, I found out it was a shopping bag made out of recycled plastic. I asked for a second one because I liked the design better.
I was surprised at what I found. The store is small, and the vegetables are all shrink wrapped like they are at the Publixs in Miami.
Only about a quarter of the vegetables are organic. As a consumer who likes to buy organic produce, I was hoping it was less expensive at Trader Joe's than at the farmers’ market or the two local co-ops here.
I asked one of my friends what she likes about Trader Joe’s. She said she and her husband are enjoying their fresh entrees for $6, such as turkey meat loaf and chicken curry, which will serve two. They also buy bacon without nitrates and Greek yogurt.
She doesn’t buy vegetables at Trader Joe’s because they come from Mexico.
My friend said all the Trader Joe’s stores are small. I was expecting a huge store like Whole Foods or Fred Meyer.
I’ll take another look at Trader Joe’s when I have more time. It was near closing when I was there on opening day.
Let me know what you like to buy at Trader Joe’s.
