Trader Joe's - Ahwatukee, AZ Review

Trader Joe's is one of the best things that's ever happened to my city, except there aren't enough of them around. I go out of my way to get to the one closest to me.

Their prices are more reasonable than Whole Foods for many items. They have an excellent selection of wines, and more in the $10 range than does Whole Foods. They're also the store that carries the famous "Two Buck Chuck," if you need wine but only have a couple dollars on you.

I'm not financially well off and much appreciate the lower costs here, while at the same time what I'm buying is healthy stuff. The folks who work there are superfriendly and knowledgeable, more than any other market I've been to. They're always willing to assist you, and there's an info booth in the front too.

I appreciate the fact that they have clean, customer-accessible bathrooms too; a lot of older, regular supermarkets do not. I love the little booklet they regularly put out -- and even distribute to the neighborhoods -- that tells of new products, and with an excellent sense of humor. Trader Joe's makes one smile! And they're always coming out with new and different items, while still staying health-minded, a definite plus for foodies and experimenters who like to see new things in the store to try.

They have a great selection of sushi and other already-prepared foods in their refrigerated section; often fresh samples are being prepared for customers to try while shopping. I also appreciate the fact that they not only carry wine but other alcoholic beverages.

They have low-priced fruits and produce that other markets don't carry. I'm addicted to yogurt and kefir -- here there are several different types that are several dollars cheaper than other markets for the same size. Ditto for their eggs, cheese, milk products, and butter. A good selection of breads and I often pick up their little packets of refrierated dough so one can easily make their own homemade bread and pizza.

No trashy Enquirer-type magazines at the register area -- instead there are yummy things like dark chocolate bars. There's plenty for the sweet tooth available too -- cookies, ice cream, etc. -- just better for you than in other markets so you don't have to feel as guilty when you pick up a few dessert treats.

They've got plenty of frozen veggies, etc. -- including individual-sized goodies like enchiladas and burritos -- and a marvelous selection fresh meats, poultry, and fish packages in the back, including various lunchmeats for sandwiches.

This store should also be in neighborhoods where people are financially struggling to support themselves and their families because they'd be paying a lot less for much better foods than what you normally see in poor neighborhoods where the kids, especially, drink lots of soda pop and eat junk food -- if Joe's was more convenient to families who've grown up with junk food, maybe they'd go in more often and get in a habit of eating better. I'd like to see Trader Joe's put the old-fashioned preservative/additive-riddled supermarkets out of bizness. Trader Joe's is God!