Trader Joe's

Carry quite a bit for a small space. Certain items are special for Trader Joe's I guess since I have not seen them in other groceries but I wouldn't drive an hours to shop here though.

Trader Joe’s is one of my favorite places! It’s fun to check out what’s new. I love the cheese selection.. some of my favorite cheeses ever are found here! Wine selection is nice, too. Some good wines for very decent prices. Produce is fresh and delicious. I love the employees, too, they are always so nice!

Excellent store and service, really gourmet food and great wine selection 🍷😀

I Love Trader Joe's and have to travel a ways to get to it, half an hour on a good day. I don't get there as often as I would like because of the distance but make the most of it when there. I love their selection of wines and there's some items I can only get there. If you haven't tried TJ's , don't hesitate - GO!! You'll love it too!!

I just had a very special experience at this trader Joe's. My husband and I are in Grand Rapids because our dog is at the emergency vet. We had hours to wait while he is having a Ct scan, so trader Joe's , here we come! At check out, Kai, an absolutely wonderful human, asked how my day was going. After briefly sharing a little of our day, Kai, was so incredibly kind, thoughtful, considerate, and giving. Kai truly made a horrible day a little brighter and I want Trader Joe's management to know and also other customers going in, the environment in there was very positive! So glad we stopped in!

The staff here are amazing!!! Very knowledgeable and friendly. The products are great and even though it’s busy they keep the products stocked and all the checkout lines have a cashier. My go to grocery store.

I was there on Sunday 11/16/25. They were insanely busy, but all the staff were keeping their cool and were still friendly despite the chaos. The cashier I had (I believe his name was Randy) was exceptionally friendly and had a smile on his face even with the lines being as long as the aisles themselves. Everything looked clean and well stocked! Love this store!!

It's always incredibly crowded here! Not the employees fault, there needs to be another one within 25 miles of GR. It's way too popular of a store to have only 1 location. Employees are so friendly and willingly to help, they genuinely enjoy their job!

I know the Trader Joe's employees are tired of seeing my face back at their store but it's my absolute fave. This location is pretty neat, clean and offers all the usual favorites! Yes they're always insanely busy, but that's just to be expected at this point. Even with the crowds I'm always able to pick up a few items and be on my way (especially the Chantilly Cream Vanilla Bean Mini Sheet Cake). What continues to set them apart is their excellent customer service. Staff are always super friendly and it's always a great experience.

I am a Trader Joe's fan. But this store has some of the most wonderful employees. I watched many interactions of employees with what appeared to be regular customers. They were sharing stories and saying hellos and goodbyes and it seemed like family. They were in no hurry to bag their stuff and get them out the door; they were genuinely happy to see them and interact. I got to the register and asked for a Michigan regional TJs reusable bag. The clerk went through all the lines to find one- not one available. She even went as far as to ask when they would be- tomorrow. Ok. I will come back! Still $0.99 - one thing that has not gone up in price it seems. The Christmastime treats are in full effect. The gingerbread cookie was ok. Needed more icing and more gingerbread spice! But it was so cute.

We just love Trader Joe's in every possible way. The employees are always kind, prompt and courteous. We couldn't ask for more in a grocery store.

Love Trader Joe's and this location has many items and friendly staff. Wish there were more locations here in gr

Amazing products and they donate to the cities pantries! I love that thru provide a way to help the low income instead of throwing it out. What a beautiful way to share! Lindy Anton

I love all TJs and this one is no different. There is sufficient parking, friendly service and lots of options. It does get incredibly busy on Sundays -- even the parking lot gets difficult to navigate. Pro tip - if there are big events downtown this place will be even busier so plan ahead!

Well where do I start? Was hired to open this site as a Crew Member back in 2015 and have never regretted my decision to leave my medical career for a job in a grocery store. Trader Joe's is hands-down the best company I've worked for--and the employees and community I serve through it has surprised, supported & enriched me beyond measure over the last 9 years. It's a true joy to enter a clean, bright & bustling business every day full of people I enjoy serving as well as communing with. It rarely feels like "work" --even after 9 years. I encourage the reader to give the place a try--this company stands behind its products and the prices are phenomenal especially with the "No Hassle Guarantee". Did I mention the fabulous flowers and seasonal items? The wine section? The fresh produce and frozen selections? The employees waiting to make your experience a good one? Come for the people or the products--or both! Either way, you'll leave smiling:)

I've wanted to try Trader Joe's for awhile and finally decided to try it out. They had a waiting line to enter so that not too many people were in at one time. I approve of that. The store was smaller than I was expecting. I had heard the freezer section was exceptional. I have to agree. There was a large selection and the prices were very reasonable. I was less appreciative of the non freezer area. They were all half hazard. Very little organization in my opinion. Overall a 3 1/2 star review, which I'll upgrade to 4. I would return, but only for freezer section.

Love this place, clean organized and magical. Only thing is the location is difficult for beginner drivers like myself to drive but once you get here it's worth it

I don't know how I haven't wrote a review for Trader's Joe's yet. I am do glad we have one in Grand Rapids, it just reminds me of San Diego. I like their tortillas, their coffee, their pastries, and salads. I went in today on my birthday and even though we are going through these plaging times, I felt welcomed and celebrated. I picked up some cards, spices, and coffee. They are practicing covid precautions. Staff is masked, limited numbered patrons and practicing 6 feet physical distancing. Thank you TJ, for making my day more special.

I adore Trader Joe's and applaud their efforts to keep everyone- including their employees and their customers- safe during the current pandemic. But their ^very appropriate in theory* one-in, one-out customer policy to keep a max of 30 customers or fewer in the store hits a snag with the sheer number of "pairs" and "threesies" (nearly ALL grown adults) who all occupy a single marked spot in their exterior entry line. As each individual advances to the 1st position, they are granted entry as one customer exits the store. But with couples, they are encouraged but not mandated to enter one at a time, and if the couple so chooses to codependently wait together, it slows the entry for the rest of the reasonable people who are waiting to buy their essential grocery items. I'm not talking about an adult and their adult caregiver or adult dependent who cannot be left alone. I'm talking about paired couples cutting up and hugging in line like they are waiting for the first seat in a rollercoaster at Michigan Adventure. The doubling up on single spaces inflates the time spent waiting in line for all of us while giving the appearance of a shorter line to those who scope it from the parking lot before committing to shop. I waited 20 minutes in line outdoors today to get in, at a "slow" time of day, with no fewer than 7 "groups" ahead of me. TJs likely can't mandate that one can only enter the store on an individual basis, but this is ridiculous. The paired shoppers I encountered in store had one person actually doing the "business" of shopping, while the other milled around, looking at their phone, blocking the aisle. One spending unit, taking twice the shopping space. How does this policy help us as customers or TJs bottom line? (Hint, it doesn't). What gives!?!

Michiganders are so friendly! Great service and TJ's has a small batch Ethiopian Coffee that should not be missed. It is fruit forward with depth. This is a smaller space than I am accustomed to but it appears to have all the products.

Just the two words "Trader Joe's" speak for itself. I forgot all the great products and prices in this little store. From flowers to dairy products (cheese!) to frozen veggies and dinners to cookies and snacks (trail and nut mixes) and wine...I could go on and on. Love this place. You most likely will have to wait in line due to popularity and covid restrictions. They do open at 8am.

I so love going to Trader Joes. They have the most unique owned-brand foods and such cool options to buy. They also have a small section of beer and wine that are their own brands, and they usually have a person at a stand giving out different wine samples, which is SUPER AWESOME! My only complaints about this place is that you have to wait in line FOREVER to get checked out, and the parking lot is usually full, so you have to drive around for 5 minutes waiting for a spot to open up and hope you can get to it before someone else. However, they do pack your groceries in the strongest paper bags (with handles) that I have ever seen! haha :)

Trader Joe's is such a magical place. Never met someone who doesn't LOVE it. They are doing an awesome job with COVID safety precautions-you have to wait in line outside because only a small amount of people are allowed in the store at the same time. This makes for a nice shopping experience, though, because you can get in and out quickly without the lines and bustle. I always find everything I need here: nuts, cheese, snacks, grains, pasta. I have 0 idea why I ever need to go to a bigger grocery store because this one has all the things AND is almost always cheaper. Great customer service and helpful staff. Store is clean and well-organized. Love, love, love it here.

Typical Trader Joe's, excellent place to shop. There are a few things TJs does better than other groceries. Desserts, snacks, higher end frozen prepared meals, healthier food, and live cashiers instead of self check out. This one was near my hotel, it was exactly what I needed for a quick stock up. Adequate parking.

Love this place. The people. And of course the TJs staples! I love that we have a Trader Joe's in our community! This place is awesome for all the fresh foods you need and also specialty goodies that are fun to try! I love their cornbread chips they go great with chili! My favorite is their selection or reasonably priced flowers! Let's be honest this is the main reason I make this a stop On my weekly grocery haul! The flowers are always fresh and they have a great variety! Lately there has been a line to get in because of covid! But it moves super quick so do not be discouraged!!

Friendly and all, but not a great selection of items, over priced for majority of things... whole food is just better, sorry not sorry. I bought what should've cost maybe $40 worth of food for over $70... 2 bags..kinda meh

Trader Joe's is taking many extra precautions to ensure their customers are staying safe during this time. They only allow 25 people in the store, there are markings on the sidewalk outside to indicate six feet if you have to form a line because the store is at capacity. They have a 2 item limit on everything, so you are likely to get what it is on your list. The manager is out front explaining how it works, directing, and counting people. Upon exit you leave your cart with someone and it is wiped down. The best part is the people working are nice! Another good part is the store is small and navigable. Don't forget to pick some flowers for your home when you walk in!

I was pleasantly surprised when I found this Trader Joe's near the hotel I was staying at. This TJ's was very similar to the others I've been to in layout and products. The staff was friendly, and quick to help if you needed any assistance. I was looking for just a few things, and of course they were there, and I was happy with my purchases. I like the nut varieties they have, at a reasonable price.

Service,prices,inventory.Trader Joes is a great place to go for specific items-flowers,cheese,produce,& a variety of frozen foods.The employees are AMAZING!!I can't believe how hard working,friendly,kind & knowledgeable.They stand behind their products & guarantee satisfaction.If you are unhappy with something they want to know.The only caveat I have is to check the sodium content in their convenience items.

TJ's!!!! I am in love! What would we do without this Trader Joe's in GR? I would have to move, seriously. The staff is VIBRANT and HELPFUL and KIND. It is my NUMBER ONE place to get all the necessities for my kitchen. I'm a full time vegetarian and a pro-choice vegan and this location is superior for finding non dairy items. It's absolutely the first place I go when I'm in need of food. Absolutely. Thank you Grand Rapids Trader Joe's. You are my number one

Trader Joe's has been really great to shop in over the years. The staff is always friendly and helpful (even when they're swamped). I had a problem a while back where my card was declined due to suspected fraud (there wasn't any), I didn't have cash, and my bank was closed. The staff set my groceries aside for me to get them once I had my banking settled. An hour and a half of going through the rigamarole of contacting my bank after-hours later, I came back only to realize the store had closed. I sat in my car, about to pull out, when someone ran out of the store, said she recognized me from earlier and that she could bring me in to ring me up. I would never expect that from any place of business but Trader Joe's staff always seem to go the extra mile. Now, with the COVID-19 pandemic, they made the stressful experience of grocery shopping more bearable. Besides doing what they were required to do like limiting the number of people in the store, they took the time to disinfect each cart after it was used, all staff wore cloth masks, and they were just as helpful and friendly as always. I may have just been imagining it, but I felt like even the shoppers at Trader Joe's were more courteous and considerate of each other than the average shopper I experienced elsewhere.

Love when I have a chance to run out to Trader Joe's! I love their selection of food - fun items i can't find at my typical grocery stores. Lots of unique items- lots of healthy items! Prices are good and selection is good. I can't get EVERYTHING here like I can at Meijer - more comparable to an Aldi as far as things they carry. Only complaint- is i wish there was one close to the north side of town!

My favorite place to get groceries! The staff always very friendly and helpful. They recommend the best ideas for dinner. I highly recommend shopping at Trader Joe's Kentwood!

Love this place. I regularly stock up on their tasty pizzas, kahlua pork rolls, pork bao, multi-colored cauliflower, and chopped butternut squash. Wide variety of produce - always fresh - and tubs of fresh flowers greet you as you enter. They have my favorite sweet, a dark chocolate cup with a salty sunflower seed filling. Not too sweet, either. Staff are eager to help and super friendly.

Insane return policy that is unheard of! Anything you don't like, let the store know and you'll get a refund. This includes all food and beverage. I have gotten so many affordable meals here that I would have never thought to make on my own. The Mexican street corn in the frozen section is to die for. If you want to sample something, just ask an associate and they will open a box. Don't forget to bring your own bags!

First time at Trader Joes. Other than what friends had told me, I didn't really know what to expect. I wasn't disappointed, but I wasn't "wow'd" either. It's a very nice store. Really it is. I like the way it's setup with the first thing you encounter is fresh produce. The store is small so it feels cozy, without feeling crowded. I don't know how full it typically is, but there were probably around 25-30 shoppers at that time. It feels like very much a niche store, as you'll find "most" categories of product that you would find at a standard grocery. Most. The emphasis seems to be on organic, gluten-free, and other healthy types of food. Prices are on the higher side of mid-range, but comparable to other "upscale" groceries I've been to. The staff was very friendly and welcoming. The cashiers are personable and chatty. Overall it was a good experience and I will definitely shop there occasionally when the Kalamazoo store opens. I have to say, from all the hype I'd heard about Trader Joe's, I expected something more unique I guess. Don't get me wrong, it's a really nice store, and carrying mostly it's own brands does set it apart. But there are more than a few really nice grocers in SW Michigan that I would say hold their own when compared to TJs. I can see why some people are so fiercely loyal to it though. Recommended.

Love this store and the amazing efforts they are taking to keep everyone safe. Well worth the wait in line as they limit the number of people inside. Lots of things you can't find anywhere else. We make the occasional special trip from the lakeshore in search of those items. Good produce, meat and dairy selection. Lots of fun things to try in the freezer section.

When I was little, I loved my play kitchen and all the pretend food. I think the founder of TJ's did too and fortunately for us decided to grow up and make it real. I had never been in a Traders Joe's before but I heard all about them from people and a few hundred Buzzfeed quizzes. It's a store definitely worthy of the hype. I find myself there at least every other week and like thousands of fans before me I have my staples that I am quickly finding I can live without. The Guatemalan extra dark roast coffee. yes. The truly handmade flour tortillas. yes. The orange Mandarin chicken. Heck yes. As a matter of fact, TJ frozen meals are the BEST I have ever had. I will usually add additional veggies to the stir fry and make some rice but for the taste and price they are just as good as our local take out place. Lets talk a minute about the staff. Where do they find these people? What are they on? Can I have some? Everyone looks truly happy to be there, like really happy not just in a "they want me to be happy so here's your smile" but legit friendly and ready to help. Its so nice and they way they are so willing to let you sample. its awesome. The store is always clean and harkens back to my play-food days with its super cute branding and package design. I am a total sucker for cute packaging. Now my only request is they open one on my side of town....

I have been delaying this review enough - ha. Reviewing Trader Joe's is so hard because it holds such a soft spot in my heart. I have gone to TONS of Trader Joe's with living on the West Coast for 6 years. After being back in Grand Rapids for the past two years, I would drive to Ann Arbor to stock up on my favorite Trader Joe's items. I am glad the rumors finally became true when a location opened up in Grand Rapids. This location is definitely smaller than others I have been to, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. I try and go on the off busy hours, like with all of my grocery shopping. The shelves always seem well stocked and the staff super friendly! There are a couple items I love from Trader Joe's that this location doesn't have but they can't have everything with its size. Oh well. Too many loves for that to be a huge problem. They definitely have great items and great prices. If you have never been, you must check it out!

The long awaited Trader Joe's has come to Grand Rapids!! DATE OF VISIT: September 25, 2015 (OPENING DAY) TIME FRAME: 9:30 am LOCATION: Right on 28th street, .It is a stand alone store on the south side of the street, in front of Dave & Buster's. STORE: Clean, organized nicely, layout is good, a decent size (not as big as some TJ's I have been too but still a good size), plenty of parking. Have some fun decor that goes with their whole theme (Hawaiian shirts, Maui signs, etc). STAFF: Friendly staff (this was opening day, so they were a bit more bulked up I am sure), readily there to help you find something or answer questions. ITEMS: I wasn't disappointed to see a great selection of items. Quality of the items depends on the item (I find many are very good while others left me not so impressed). There were many different type of items to chose from that you don't necessarily see else where, as well as, a good selection of Gluten Free items, Organic, & such. A big section of alcohol (mostly wine), which for me, I would have loved to see more food items instead. Overall a decent mix of items from produce, bakery, frozen, meat, cheese, snack items, flowers, etc. I was excited to try the Cookie Butter that I hear so many talk about, but for me I find it was a nice treat but something I could not eat all that often. PRICES: Many items are priced great then there are others that are a bit too high, but like all grocery stores (or stores in general!) this is how it normally is! So do shop around to make sure you are getting a good deal on the item(s) you are looking at. SOME COOL THINGS: They do a seasonal rotation on several items which is nice, right now it is pumpkin products and I was delighted with many of the pumpkin items they had. OVERALL: I am happy to have TJ's in the Grand Rapids area, it has been a long awaited thing and will be visiting here again.

Stopped in to Trader Joe's at 8pm on a Sunday. It wasn't too crowded! If you've never experienced Trader Joe's, check it out. They specialize in affordable organic products. 98% of their products are TJ brand (Trader Joe's is owned by the company that owns Aldi). My personal favorite items are convenience items that are much cheaper than at typical grocery stores, for example a container of chopped onions was $2, at Meijer it would be at least twice that. They are also known for their frozen section, specifically the frozen ethnic meals (indian, thai, etc). I tend to skip produce at Trader Joe's (I try to buy local produce as much as possible), but they have a large selection at this store. Be aware that their inventory changes often and products can be discontinued. So if you find something you love, stock up! Some other favorites: Lower sodium, organic boxed soups Bagged popcorn (olive oil & sea salt is my favorite but they have different flavors) Two buck chuck (it's more like $2.50 chuck now) Tea tree and peppermint shampoo Any of the chips (I got spicy flaxseed tortilla chips this time) Chocolate covered anything! They have pretty much anything you can think of covered in chocolate. Chicken sausages. They have several different types, like jalapeño, Korean, spicy garlic, spicy Italian, etc.

Felt so stressed shopping here. While standing outside the lady behind me wasn't 6 feet and one of the employees from the inside banged on the window and motioned for her to step back. Felt like the employees were judging you if you weren't 6 feet away. Definitely won't be back.

Like a beacon in the night, a safe bet for delicious an amazing faves that are hard to find in the midwest so my California snotty food wants and needs are seamlessly met. Great Staff. Great Store. When is that drone delivery gonna find me so I don't have so far to hoof? (wishful think, with love..)

You can find all of your TJ essentials here. What bumps this place from a four-star location to a five-star location is the staff. They are friendly, approachable, and helpful. At least one person greets and asks me if I need any help when I'm there. One time, the cashier helping me noticed that the eggs I bought were cracked. I overlooked this, so I was really grateful for her help. She got me a new set in a jiffy.

TJs is always awesome and this location no exception. The employees are always willing to drop whatever they are doing to answer your questions or help you find something. When you are checking out and they ask "did you find everything ok?" and if you tell them you had an issue, they genuinely feel bad about it. Every employee is beyond nice! You would think a place like this would be expensive, but they are not! I wish I remembered some of the pricing, but I don't want to get it wrong. I do know I saw a dozen eggs for less than $2 (I want to say $1.19?), individual sweet potatoes are $.49. Sparkling water is $.79 for a 1 liter bottle! I travel to GR for work and I always stop at TJs to pick up some items, no matter if I'm staying one night or the whole week. A few favorites are: hard boiled eggs, Quest bars, cut green beans, rice cakes, and sparkling water. And if you're not on a diet, I HIGHLY recommend the crunchy cookie butter. But fair warning, I've never met something so addictive in my life! ;-)

The store is out of many popular things and the cashier claimed there stock is out for 2 months. This is not how you run a business. Asking customers if they found what they need is patronizing if you know thing are missing from the shelves.

Had the best customer service experience shopping at Trader Joe's last night. My boyfriend and I were coming in for the *amazing* butter chicken, and we noticed they were out of stock in the Indian Food section. We asked one of the employees (Mark) and he quickly checked the stock in back and found it for us, they had just been delivered. After, we asked him what he likes at TJ's and he gave us several suggestions around the store for Trader Joe's products to try out & a few samples. He was very knowledgeable about products in each section, without pressuring us to buy. We left with a whole new appreciation for the store and a cart full of goodies! It was awesome to meet an employee who fully support the products and gave us the inside scoop on all of the hidden gems inside the store. Great job, Mark! We hope to see you on our next shopping trip.

Edward is an absolute angel. I was with my friends today and he began paying for our groceries when our cards were declining. We ended up being able to pay, but are touched by how sweet he was.

It was my mom and I's first time at Trader Joe's. We live about 30 minutes away so we don't get out to the area often. We had to run some errands out that way so we decided to stop in. We got a nice selection of unique items that you can't get at the grocery store. Our cashier, Alex, was exceptionally kind. During checkout, he made small talk and asked how our Friday was going. I mentioned it was my mom's birthday and he wished her a happy birthday. When he was done bagging our items, he asked us to wait because he had a birthday gift. He came back with a beautiful bouquet of sunflowers for my mom! He absolutely made my mother and I's day. Not to mention, he was super cute to boot! (; will definitely stop back in when I am in the area!

Finally Grand Rapids got a Trader Joe's and I bet it was one of the biggest grand openings in the history of the store. In a cities like NYC and DC, there's a Trader Joe's in every neighborhood. However, Grand Rapids has been petitioning for years to get one and when they finally did, a Facebook event was created to celebrate the opening and literally thousands showed up. On a recent visit to Grand Rapids, my wife, sister, and I stopped by here to get groceries and it was full on a random Sunday evening. It looks like your standard Trader Joe's with all of it's products. Because of the popularity, they were out of a few standard products like red peppers and Italian sausage, but the staff were friendly. The total price tag was very low too compared to cities. I'll come back here for sure!

I was so happy to learn that a TJs was going up in GR as we were planning to move here and it is my fave market to shop. The store is usually pretty busy, which is a good thing - it means it's popular! Parking is ok. The staff is mostly very friendly and helpful making shopping here very pleasant. The only down side I can think of is it's location - I have to drive almost 25 mins to get there which means I shop here less often that I'd like. Please consider putting up a new TJs in the southwest area of the city - Byron Center is booming and it would be a great addition to the markets we have around here.

Great selection of food. Excellent customer service. Very clean and organized store. Friendly staff.

Worth the wait to get inside due to social distancing required right now. It has been very hot here and they were giving out water to those in line. Everyone in line and all the employees are wearing masks. I love so many of their products and am so happy they are in my area.

It's definitely nice to have a Trader Joe's in town. They have a great selection of different organic and specialty foods. This location isn't 100% convenient, being on 28th street just east of Beltline, and the store is a bit smaller than most other Trader Joe's - so I would advise trying to shop during the week rather than the weekend, and to avoid rush hour if possible. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics as well as several other medical officials suggest trying to eat meatless a few times per week. If this is something you're trying to do, TJ's can make it essentially painless. For those with dietary issues such as multiple food allergies, TJ's won't replace specialty stores like Harvest Health, but it's a good adjunct. Also realize that many of the "Trader Joe" brands are not actually a brand unique to this chain, but are often simple re-packaging of other national brands such as Amy's, Stacy's, etc. Realize that when you purchase a Trader Joe's brand, you may be inadvertently supporting the actual parent company that produces the product. This can be an issue if you care about that sort of thing (e.g. Stacy's is owned by PepsiCo, which has contributed many funds to fight GMO labeling initiatives.) Other than that, this is a decent store with friendly staff and reasonably priced products.

I love Trader Joe's! I wish there were more around. The store is always clean and well stocked, and produce is fresh. Anything you can think of and then some they have it! Dried soft mandarin slices yummy. Their frozen spinach dip another good find. Frozen Chocolate croissants to die for. And With it being organic I mean, that's a bonus. They can look almost hidden if your not keeping your eye out, we passed them first time going lol

I recently had a need for multiple items of something which I could only find at Trader Joe's. How unfortunate, because Trader Joe's discourages the purchase of multiple items of one type! They wanted us to put in an order for this item, but when we did, they were only able to come up with three. Trader Joe's suspects that if one is purchasing multiple items, one is "re-selling" them, despite my protestations and explanations to the contrary and my detailed explanations of my personal life and need for the item. On one occasion, they went so far as to hide them behind other items, hoping we would not see their stash. How absurd! One would think that even IF we were re-selling their item, they would be happy that they were selling MORE of that item and hence, making more money than ever, but such is apparently not the case. All in all, I had a distinctly unpleasant experience at Trader Joe's.

My first experience with Trader Joe's was at their store in Royal Oak, where my son lives. My son does most of his shopping at Trader Joe's (so much so that my 4 year old grandson received a Hawaiian themed shirt and official Trader Joe's name tag on his birthday from that location) so when Trader Joe's came to this area I started shopping there myself. While I don't do all my shopping there I do go there for items that are a little different from what you might get elsewhere. TJ's is where I first learned about baby avocados and I love incorporating them into my diet. What really drew me to TJ's at the start is their frozen oriental dinner kits. I love their Kung Poa chicken kits and their frozen pot stickers. They also have a special sauce for their pot stickers that I have not found elsewhere. Before they had a store in this area I would stock up on those items in Royal Oak. I love getting a little cup of coffee for free as I shop and it is the first part of the store that I head to each visit. Each season has special items available and I'm here to tell you that you better get them while they are available because when they're gone they're gone. I especially love Christmas time because they offer some real yummy cookies that I like to get to have during the daily coffee break I have with my husband......he likes them too! All of the employees are super nice and helpful. I also like knowing that I can try something new without fear that I will be wasting my money on something that I don't like. If you buy something and don't like it they will gladly give you your money back. I don't think you even have to return it....you just tell them and they give you your money back. Now THAT'S customer service! Other stores should take lessons from Trader Joe's.