Henrico County Economic Development Authority announced yesterday, that Trader Joe’s will open in the Short Pump area, adjacent to the new Whole Foods Market in early Fall. This is the most specific opening date that has been reported.

Trader Joe’s, a privately held grocery store company founded in 1958, will be opening a store in Henrico County’s Short Pump Station shopping center by the early fall of 2008. It currently has over 280 locations in 23 states. While it carries standard items, it is primarily an organic grocer offering both private label and store brand organic products which translates to lower prices for the consumer. Trader Joe’s will be located near a current Ukrops, Kroger and the future Whole Foods Market which will be opening at the West Broad Village across from the Tom Leonard’s Farmer’s Market. “It’s not surprising that Trader Joe’s found their way to Henrico County, said Toney Hall, marketing director for the Henrico Economic Development Authority. A grocer of this nature adds another element of variety to our mixed use, community-oriented living environment.”

One of the favorite topics among my friends is WHEN will Trader Joe’s ever come to Richmond? People are tired of driving to Northern Virginia, Raleigh, Newport News or farther to get their favorite treats from Trader Joe’s.
Finally, there is news, that a deal is close to being signed that will bring a Trader Joe’s store to Short Pump Station, which recently opened with a Petco.

For those of you who don’t know, Trader Joe’s specializes in bringing great products with lower prices. I think of the products as being similar to the Newman’s Own brand. The ingredients steer clear of high fructose corn syrup, and artificial flavors and preservatives and are often organic, but now always. On a recent trip to NOVA, I’m ashamed to say that after a case of my favorite wine and my kids favorite cookies (Joe Joe’s, and Candy Cane Joe Joe’s…think Oreo) I spent almost $250.
They even have a Trader Joe’s Fan website, their following is so strong.

Personally, some of my favorite products are the Thai chili lime cashews, creamy tomato soup in a box, mini cranberry biscotti and 3 Buck Chuck –otherwise known as Charles Shaw Trader Joe’s brand wine) with Sauvingnon Blanc and Shiraz as being the standouts. Yes it is really $3 in many states. It is $1.99 in California and about $3.99 here. I know this is whole ‘nother story…but really, it is good wine!

But at the 28th Annual International Eastern Wine Competition, a $1.99 bottle of California Wine, the 2002 Charles Shaw Shiraz, beat out 2,300 wines to win a prestigious double gold medal.

So, now I can say, I am a very happy girl….and the sooner the better.
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I was at Ellwood Thompson’s yesterday and you know what they told me? In addition to no longer having plastic bags in 2008, in a few weeks they eliminate paper bags as well. Your options: buy (ugly green fabric) reusable ones that cost $1.99 or carry your stuff in your arms. If you ask me, that is pretty typical of Ellwood’s approach to customer service.

I am all for supporting reuse of bags and recycling, but to me this seemed a bit extreme — especially in light of the fact that Whole Foods Market will be coming to Short Pump this Spring and there have been unconfirmed whispers that the mysterious Trader Joe’s will follow suit. Just to let you know how pro-reusable bag I am, I carry my reusable bags into *gasp* Walmart, and endure many huffs and puffs from the Walmart clerks who are just not used to that, and find it so much more trouble than double plastic bagging excessively.

When I asked the Ellwood’s manager on duty what he would do if someone forgot their reusable bag, he said they had two choices — no bag or buy a very expensive reusable one. No other options. I won’t even mention all of the other bad customer service I observed on this visit. Ellwood Thompson is in for a rude awakening when Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s do open.
Personally, I like Trader Joe’s approach to reusable bags. Give people the freedom to choose, paper or reusable ones, but make the reusable ones so cool looking, sturdy and practical, that you just really want to use them. Trader Joe’s bags are made out of Polypropylene, a woven plastic type surface (think tarp) that is incredibly sturdy and wipes clean easily. The handles are long and reinforced nylon webbing. And best of all, they make a statement. In fact, they have trouble keeping them in stock they are so popular. And, they sell them at a loss, because they want you to own one and use it. Helps the environment and it is free advertising for one of the coolest grocery stores in the country.