Andrew C.
Yelp
There is a debate on whether T J & Whole Foods are competitors.
While WF's mission labels them more of a health food store, with crossovers into standard dietary fare, as well as boasting considerably more square footage, both stores do have common items.
I believe the reason TJ has smaller stores is b/c they go to market as a discounter, and certain vendors will not sell to them to avoid cheapening their brand, or not wanting to lower their margins on the wholesale side. Or the competition will complain and threaten to pull the line if the mfr continues to support TJ.
That being said, both stores use private labeling. In addition, they obviously spy on each other.
For example, when TJ offered Dr. Bronners soap at a deep discount, WF responded right away and matched the price.
The main point I wish to make is that on the customer service side, TJ PUTS WHOLE FOODS TO SHAME.
Here in Essex county NJ, TJ occupies the old WF location, while WF moved to a larger space in Union ( but still calls themselves "Millburn", b/c it sounds more prestigious--Millburn includes the toney upscale Short Hills).
But where they really differ is in customer service-- no challenge--
TJ BY A MILE !!
Entering Whole foods is like entering a morgue. The cashiers, with a few exceptions, are rude. They don't make eye contact, They talk to their friends while they ring you up---my complaint to corporate about this was ignored.
When I try to aid them by giving them the PLU code on the produce, they get snooty.
Now, contrast this with the love shared by the TJ staff. there is obviously an effort to hire people who actually enjoy people. All staff are well-trained on their product line, and if they don't know, they'll ask a team member. they go the extra mile, they seem to like to be there. They work together.
In contrast to Whole Foods, whose workers seem to walk around in a daze.
OK since this a review about TJ, here are the standouts-----
--cliff bars .99¢ (recently a famous convenience store ran a special on these--2 for $3. TJ is .99 every day).
--tofu & tempeh, priced below market
--tofurkey sausage-about 1/2 price of other stores
--nut butters--deep discounts
--vegetable oils, esp olive--quality at discount
--fish--salmon (coho, sockeye, Atlantic), sea
bass, cod, flounder. Frozen but huge savings
--breads--ciabatta, challah (certified kosher), wraps.
If you don't mind frozen fish ( I don't---freezing kills worms and parasites), you will save a ton. Tuna here is $8.99/lb. versus Whole Foods at a staggering $27.99....??.!!! And its previously frozen!
Also, TJ has some terrific macaroons at $4.99 per dozen. WF macaroons will set you back two bucks EACH....EACH!....??
Pumpkin seed oil, a wonderfully fragrant oil:
8.5 oz.-- TJ ten bucks, versus fifteen dollars at WF (please note: WF does carry fhe Flora brand top quality raw pumpkin oil, processed at ultra low temps).
Besides food, there are excellent deals here on green products such as natural laundry detergent, dish soap, sponges.
Supplements: Three sleeper steals: Aloe vera juice at eight bucks per gallon. And two of the best food supplements one can use: green powder and red powder. The green is made up of cereal grasses run thru a juicer and dried. The red is a mixture of berries, also run thru a juicer, then dried, with the water and most of the sugars removed. Both products have added probiotics.
These three products, arguably the most nutrient-dense foods one can use, based on the new ORAC rating, recommended by holistic physicians as part of cleansing protocols, would set you back about one hundred bucks elsewhere. But at TJ, I paid under fifty. Huge savings.
Lastly, I wish to give a shout- out to Shakeelah and Amie, who know how to keep it REAL--my favorite cashiers, no doubt.
p.s. add these dime pieces to TJ staff--Nioka and Sara. I need I apply for a job there---great scenery!!