I just "discovered" Trader Joe's a few weeks ago. By "discovered," I mean that I knew it existed, but I'd never bothered to go, as both locations are a bit of a drive for me, and from what I'd heard, they only sold organic and health food, which in most grocery stores is more expensive.
I decided to bite the bullet a few weeks ago, and boy, am I glad I did! This place has great quality and healthy food without the expensive price tag! The organic groceries at TJ's are cheaper than the "normal" groceries at Kroger or Publix for the most part. And everything I've bought there has been delicious! They have lots of stuff there that you can't get at your normal grocery store. Most of it is store brand, but the TJ's brand name groceries are not only better than Kroger's or Publix's brand name groceries but also better than many brand name groceries! That's a win-win!
I also love the store layout. It's not huge and overwhelming like many stores. There are only about three aisles, and the rustic decor is warm and inviting. I can tell most of the employees genuinely enjoy their jobs and aren't just there for the paycheck. It almost makes me want to work there. And they even bag the groceries in paper bags! I enjoy being "green," and in many stores you have to specifically ask for paper bags, and that's if it's even an option. Since my neighborhood doesn't have recycling, I always feel bad throwing away plastic, but I can throw away TJ's bags guilt-free!
The fact that there are no conveyor belts at the checkout lines threw me off at first. However, the kind and helpful cashiers make it easy! You just bring up your cart, and they unload it and bag everything for you.
There are only a few reasons I didn't give this a full five stars. First of all, I feel that the aisles could be labeled better. The large scale stores like Kroger and Publix have aisle numbers with everything in the aisle listed on the signs. At TJ's, you kind of have to figure that out on your own. Granted, there are only three aisles, but it would still be nice.
Also, they don't sell many non-food items. If you need freezer bags, toilet paper, or any other non-food household staples, you can't get it here. Bummer.
The only other downside is not really their fault, but it's the location. This store is in Bellevue. The only other store in Nashville is in Green Hills. I live in north Nashville, so neither is that convenient for me. I go there anyway because it's such great value, but considering how many more grocery chains are literally all over the city, sometimes it's hard to justify driving to the other side of town when there's a Kroger just a mile down the road from me. A downtown location would be nice, as it would be more central and equally close to all neighborhoods.
Fix these three issues, and I'll gladly give it five stars! read more