The thing about Trader Joe's is, the shopping experience is so pleasant, the staff are super nice. They have the nice uniforms and ring the captain's bell. But I have a feeling that the negotiations that take place in their corporate offices are much different. I think they shake down their vendors something fierce. I mean, some of their price points are so below their competitors, it's surreal. Consider:
In addition, they excel in seafood (frozen), and have their own private label on many food items, rumored to be made by top-selling manufacturers.
Trader Joe's. Love to shop there. Would be afraid to sell to them.
- Dr. Bronners soap. This superior product, made from vegetable oils, retails for about $9 for 16 oz. in most health food stores. The best price I saw was at the Vitamin Shoppe, known for their deep discounts. Their price was $15.99 for a quart.
- Clif Bars These high-quality meal replacement bars, sweetened with brown rice syrup, were on promotion recently at a well-known convenience store, for $3.50 for two. Again, Trader Joe's reigns supreme as they sell the Clif bars for an inexplicable 99 cents everyday!
- Tofu Tofu prices have risen in recent years. The supermarkets are getting $3 per lb. and offering only one brand, no variety and so-so quality. Trader Joe's has held the price at $1.99. And unlike other brands, that advertise their tofu as being "super-firm", and then you put it in a wok and it crumbles, theirs really is super-firm.
- They also offer a superior sprouted tofu. Given the super-charged quality of sprouted foods, at $1.99, it's an absolute steal.
- Virgils Root Beer This root beer has virtually no competition. It's made with real sarsaparilla, along with cloves, cinnamon and other real herbs. It's not uncommon to see it in stores at a price point of $7.99 for a four pack. Again, Trader Joe's: everyday price of $3.99 makes it the pricing leader. They also stock other flavors of Virgils at the same price.
- Aloe The benefits of incorporating aloe into your diet are listed here. For years I bought a well-known brand of Whole Leaf Aloe for either $7.99 per quart or $20 for a gallon. Again, Trader Joe's, in arguably its best value in the store....$7.99 for a gallon...? My first thought was perhaps it was of an inferior quality, but it's IAC certified, and has the taste of saponins of the better-known brands.
In addition, they excel in seafood (frozen), and have their own private label on many food items, rumored to be made by top-selling manufacturers.
Trader Joe's. Love to shop there. Would be afraid to sell to them.
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