Saturday, May 21, 2005

The Great Market Debate

No, its not the stock market I am talking about here. Its much more important than what hot stock picks are ending up in your portfolio.
Its what grocery market to you shop at.

The discussion recently came up between me and an associate. Both of us feel strongly about our Markets .

Fairwary foods
vs.
Trader Joes

Both markets have something extra to offer the normal weekend food shopper. The shopping experience is by all accounts better at either of these markets than your normal Costco - or generic supermarket.

The Trader Joes experience is something you either love or just don't get. Most of Joe products are ready to eat, or very simple to prepare foods, private lablel products which are of such high to quality that I challenge anyone to find anything close to Trader Joes anywhere in the country. (Maybe something better exists in Nappa Valley, or the south of France.)
What traders is lacking is great produce department. Traders produce is there more of Convenience to the shoppers, but the selection of fresh produce is is not up to par with what you would find at your better supermarkets. (Lucky I live in NY where finding a good local produce stand is within walking distance from anywhere you happened to find yourself in the city. )

As I mentioned I live in NY, and one problem with the Traders in NY is the lack of any liquor or wine, which is other states is what Traders is known for. The wine specials are know to those in the know as two buck chuck (I guess now its thee buck chuck ) Buy the bottle for a few bucks, you might be suprised as to good quality, and you might just chuck it down the sink. What could be more fun !

But to give the impression that I might be somewhat fair.. Here is a recent clipping of an email I have re Trader vs Fairway foods WAR

"All i can say is the difference of the two is like Peter Lugars to Burger King.

While trader joe's carries some gourmet quarlity items, Fairway is the gourmet bakers, chefs, and much of the many items are made there in this hugh store. While shoping have lunch at the 'cafe' or take a nice hot meal home. Fairway is truely your next experience. exit 45, 1/2 ml."

Feel free to comment
Bob Lee

posted by Bob Lee @ 5:44 AM

1 Comments:

At 11:05 AM , Blogger David L Crooks said...

I am a big fan of TJs! The big complaint I have is that they like to discontinue stuff for no reason. I agree about the produce which is sometimes subpar. The last time I was there the avacados where sooo... soft it wasn't even worth looking at buying.

 

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