[DB89]

While we're here, the Wasabi has amazing sushi (Alaskan roll) and Salmon teriyaki... now a required stop during our trips to Lynchburg.

[JDUB]

LUO call center? Probably much more likely than a TJ lol, TJ isn't going to Candlers Station, I hope y'all are joking.

[LUconn]

It's not even big enough for one. I think they're just day dreaming.

[rogers3]

It's not even big enough for one. I think they're just day dreaming.

TJ's are small. Was in one in Winston-Salem that had only 6 or 7 aisles. Wiki says most are 8,000 to 12, 000 sf- that is VERY small.

[adam42381]

Yeah, they're really not that big at all. The new one down in Naples is 14,000 sq. ft. and that's one of the larger ones.

[prototype]

Tried to convince TJ to come to Lynchburg a few years ago - they laughed and said why would we go to Lynchburg, when we can go anywhere we want right now. They were going to concentrate on Richmond and NOVA. Got on in Charlottesville now, so they will com eventually.

[BJWilliams]

As I said before, Trader Joe's is for more of a "noveau riche" upper class (or upper middle class) kind of clientele with the kind of disposable income to afford their prices and product. If we see one in this area itll be in some of the upper end areas like Forest, Boonsboro or Wyndhurst. You wont see a ton of college students pouring off campus to go to Trader Joe's for their shopping needs

[LUconn]

I actually have never been to a Trader Joes but I was under the impression that it was the size of a regular grocery store. I was also under the impression (from consumer reports) that they are by far the best value for the product. Could it really be that expensive?

[BJWilliams]

There is a Trader Joes about 30 minutes from my parents' house back in Portsmouth. I talked to my mom about it on one of my trips home and she mentioned that the prices there are higher than what youd find at say a Kroger or Food Lion or Harris Teeter or place youd generally see most people doing their everyday grocery shopping.

[rogers3]

There is a Trader Joes about 30 minutes from my parents' house back in Portsmouth. I talked to my mom about it on one of my trips home and she mentioned that the prices there are higher than what youd find at say a Kroger or Food Lion or Harris Teeter or place youd generally see most people doing their everyday grocery shopping.

Not gonna argue with you're mom, but TJ's is known as a value priced store. After all, they came up with the 2 buck chuck (2.99 now, but their wine has shown well against much more expensive items).
The other thing about TJ's is the overabundance of TJ brands versus name brand items, and often, their own brands are as good or better than the competitors. Their business model , which is discussed in this article, is often confusing to those who haven't really checked the company out.

[adam42381]

I definitely don't find Trader Joe's to be more expensive than traditional supermarkets, nor would I put them in the "nouveau riche" category. It almost sounds like you're confusing them with Whole Foods.

[ALUmnus]

Wyndhurst, hah!

[lynchburgwildcats]

I like the Trader Joe's business model. Sounds like it could be a success in Lynchburg if placed in the right location and with the proper marketing. I don't see that location being in Candler's Station though. ANd I think they would need a aggressive marketing strategy to penetrate the market and establish their brand of products as of equal or better quality than what people get at Walmart or Kroger.

When people go to a grocery store, they want to get the food they want in the brands they want at a price they believe is reasonable. I assume TJ has a vast selection of different foods and apparently at competitive prices. But will people that walk in be willing to switch over to Trader Joe's brand for nearly all their needs, or will they walk out when they don't see brand A, B, C, etc.?

[Sly Fox]

Yeah, TJs seems to be doing just fine hawking their own products. We love the place and it is not expensive.

[GillsHill2013]

Id like a trader joes

[LUconn]

It's settled. Trader Joes it is! Somebody get their CEO on the line and let them know flamefans' decision.

[BJWilliams]

The question I have is whether there would be enough student interest (in addition to the community) to sustain one if they did put it there

[adam42381]

The question I have is whether there would be enough student interest (in addition to the community) to sustain one if they did put it there

Two Buck Chuck sales would be solid.

[Yacht Rock]

We have several Trader Joes out here in California where we live and they typically are higher priced than a typical grocer due to the specialty items they sell. The two buck chuck is cheap but outside of that, it's not the best place to look for a value. In the end, it all depends on what you are going to be buying there.

My family and I made about a 4 month switch to Trader Joes a few years ago to see if we were able to save money. For what it's worth, we weren't.

[flamehunter]

Based on comments from my wife and many of her friends, a Trader Joe's would do very well here.

[lynchburgwildcats]

What is it that makes Trader Joe's so much more special than say a grocery store like the Forest Kroger?

[From the class of 09]

What is it that makes Trader Joe's so much more special than say a grocery store like the Forest Kroger?

Two Buck Chuck sales would be solid.

[GillsHill2013]

The question I have is whether there would be enough student interest (in addition to the community) to sustain one if they did put it there

From a students perspective. You better believe it

[Sly Fox]

I have yet to find a Trader Joes that doesn't do terrific business. They've only been in Houston for a year or so which means my exposure has been limited. It is not the type of place where relying completely on their products for your entire grocery list is practical.

The key is that most of the TJs products are things you wouldn't find at most other grocery store chains. And most of their standard products don't have dyes & preservatives. That means it has a shorter shelf life. But it also means it is better for you than the chemical-enhanced stuff you are used to from Kroger. Perhaps it is in my head, but their version of cheetos tastes much better to me without the preservatives.

[Yacht Rock]

I have yet to find a Trader Joes that doesn't do terrific business. They've only been in Houston for a year or so which means my exposure has been limited. It is not the type of place where relying completely on their products for your entire grocery list is practical.

The key is that most of the TJs products are things you wouldn't find at most other grocery store chains. And most of their standard products don't have dyes & preservatives. That means it has a shorter shelf life. But it also means it is better for you than the chemical-enhanced stuff you are used to from Kroger. Perhaps it is in my head, but their version of cheetos tastes much better to me without the preservatives.

You're 100% right. Joes does have a selection of products that aren't elsewhere. I was answering the cost question earlier that, in my experience, it is more expensive, but, it's more of a matter of value. If you value hippie food, you can find it there. No offense meant, I just call it hippie food.

As a future resident of Lynchburg, I would welcome a Trader Joes. I make a Parmesan Lavash and Trader Joes is the only place I have been able to find decent bread to make it with.