Trader Joe's Coming to Rollingwood/ West Lake Hills - STAT !! (San Antonio: real estate, apartments)

[mlt50]

Trader Joe's is a big deal if you've got nothing else. When I lived in Ohio, it was exciting when we got a Trader Joe's but when we got a Whole Foods I stopped going there. It in no way compares to Sprouts, Central Market or Whole foods. Except for the cheap wine, the prices aren't that great.

[mimimomx3]

Originally Posted by austin-steve

Remind why Trader Joes is something to be excited about? What do they sell mainly?

Here we go!

[mimimomx3]

Originally Posted by TexasHorseLady

I went to the one in San Antonio to see what all the fuss was about (since it seems to be a cult). I even bought a bottle of Two Buck Chuck for $2.99 (plus a bottle of Cul de Sac for $3.00 at HEB - frankly, the Cul de Sac was better, in my opinion, and I can pick it up just about anywhere at an HEB).

What I realized was that if I was the kind of person and at the stage of life where I didn't cook much, I would so be all over the wide variety of frozen and convenience foods that they carry and would likely be a card carrying Trader Joe's enthusiast. A little bit of produce, but mostly processed foods of one kind or another, some of which you can't find most other places that, yes, looked intriguing.

So, whether or not you think they're exciting would depend on whether you're someone who cooks often for the pleasure of it (I am) and has the time to do so (I always made the time, especially when I had kids at home) or not. If you either don't particularly enjoy cooking or don't have time and can't make the time, they'd be truly awesome just because of the variety of easy options.

LOVE my Cul de Sac!!!!

[coffee_addict]

A tear is rolling down my face of happiness since I was thinking of possibly driving to san antonio for the only soy creamer I like. Thanks for making my day.......I live by one a few minutes from my current house and both my husband and I really had a conversation about the said creamer and logistics of possibly buying a case and driving back. Not sure of the competition for food stores but as others say, less packaging & identifiable ingredients.

[coffee_addict]

I would equate it to a small local grocer, has most things but not every thing. I think there niche is being slightly less than whole foods or at least not as many options, lots of frozen prepared options/snack food and seasonal items. They have some produce, but usually not steller but organic options. Lots of things to pick up and cook if you have nothing in the house for dinner. Marinated meats and such, cheeses for a cheese plate type thing, things that apply for special diets like raw (unsulfered dried fruit, raw nuts etc). I think whole foods is better but tend to go to whole foods for something specific and end up dropping like 50 bucks plus its like 15 minute where TJs is like 2 minutes. Can anyone tell I like trader joes...there have been many comments from DH that I should work there.
Oh, at least here they are also really friendly & wear Hawaiian shirts.

[AustinGuy]

As if TJs was not enough, we get another popular California joint announcement the same day:

Pinkberry yogurt shops coming to Austin area | www.statesman.com

[zakas80]

Originally Posted by mlt50

Trader Joe's is a big deal if you've got nothing else. When I lived in Ohio, it was exciting when we got a Trader Joe's but when we got a Whole Foods I stopped going there. It in no way compares to Sprouts, Central Market or Whole foods. Except for the cheap wine, the prices aren't that great.

My sentiments exactly. I thought I would miss TJ's being from Ny but there are so many other great options here in Austin that I am not even that excited about this news as I thought I would be. It's kind of like been there done that and on to new and better things. I'm loving shopping at Central Market and just checked out World Market this afternoon and loved the wines and the different kind of snacks they had over there. As I munching on some sea salt flavored popcorn shaped liked flat triangles at the moment

[Austin97]

Originally Posted by AustinGuy

As if TJs was not enough, we get another popular California joint announcement the same day:

Pinkberry yogurt shops coming to Austin area | www.statesman.com

I dont think pinkberry will do well here

[calel]

I think Pinkberry waited too long. It's just another frozen yogurt shop in a city full of frozen yogurt shops, and froyo is just another food trend. I suspect some homesick Californians might be excited, but I can't see it getting quite the excitement as Trader Joe's or even In-N-Out.

[OpenD]

Originally Posted by owlman

Is TJ's really that different from Sprouts?

Yes.

I saw this coming, because they advertised for key management positions in Austin not long ago. Since part of their management training is to send folks like this to work for a few months in an existing store (San Antonio?) the timing makes sense to prepare for this store opening. Then in another year, when the Seaholm store opens, they'll have experienced local staff to kickstart its opening. Brilliant thinking!

And once the downtown TJ location opens, can they support a presumably-smaller Rollingwood store 3 miles away? We shall see!

Their stores are small by design. They only carry 1/10 the number of the SKUs (individual products) of a typical supermarket. They often locate in close proximity to a Whole Foods, where their unique products, "quick shop" convenience, and lower prices provide a genuine alternative that develops a devoted, almost fanatical customer base. There really is not another direct competitor to their business model.