How "likely" is a local Trader Joe's?
It seems there will be many chapters in the Capital Region Trader Joe's story. And in the latest installment, Rensselaer County legislator Brian Zweig (or someone claiming to be him) reports in a comment on the TU's business blog that he's been in touch with the somewhat secretive supermarket -- and an Albany TJ's is "likely." Eventually. Maybe.
Zweig also reports that "other high-end food retailers are also exploring entry into the Albany region." Hmm. Anyone want to venture a guess?
Earlier AOA items about Trader Joe's.
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Comments
Is something like Trader Joe's really needed in the Capital Region? We have a diversity of ethnic markets, supermarkets that stock natural products, as well as the always amazing co-op. If something is absolutely needed, isn't it possible to order it and have it shipped to you?
I wonder what the impact of a Trader Joe's (or Whole Foods/Wild Oats, etc..) would have on local businesses. Would Healthway on Rte 9 in Latham close shop? Would the co-op lose customers? Would Hannafords see a drop in organic/natural/specialty purchases and decide to stop carrying or promoting them as much as they do? Remember, Trader Joe's is a corporation, just like Wal-mart. If someone would oppose Wal-mart because of its negative effect on local businesses, then should they not also oppose any other corporate market/retailer as well?
I do feel some sympathy for those who desire certain food products that only Trader Joe's carries, and as a vegan of several years, I know full well what its like to not live in an area where you can eat everything you'd like to eat. With that said, I have accepted that as a fact of life, and think that it is somewhat bourgeois to feel entitled to eating exactly how you always want. As more and more Americans are waking up to the fact that our lifestyles are beyond what is acceptable for evironmental sustainability, shouldn't we drop the "I like their oatmeal and absolutely MUST have it" mindset?
... said RuralVegan on May 6, 2008 at 5:08 PM | link
On the other hand, wouldn't it be great if there was increased competition for organic foods and food as a whole? Wouldn't that drive prices down?
... said Erik on May 6, 2008 at 6:10 PM | link
One of the disappointing things about TJs is that their inventory isn't stable. They constantly rotate stock so that once you find the BEST munchie, you may not see it again for 6 months.
That said, competition is great. People who shop at TJs will open their palettes and want more than TJs can offer -- and those folks will migrate to the coop and other specialty shops.
... said Abby on May 6, 2008 at 7:03 PM | link
oh phooey--if we had a Wegmans none of this would be an issue!
... said rebecca on May 7, 2008 at 8:39 AM | link
Erik, you make a good point, and one that might hold true to places like Price Choppers and Hannafords, and if the co-op was based on a for-profit structure, then yes, competition would be good. Since its not, then I highly doubt any price changes would come due to a Trader Joe's.
... said RuralVegan on May 7, 2008 at 1:59 PM | link
Rural, one thing that competition breeds is innovation! Why? Because in a market economy, those who cannot innovate and change die. There are many things that the coop can do to lure people away from TJ's other than simply lowering prices. ALSO, when one is being priced out of the market, it forces you to look at the way the business is run, which allows you to lower prices. But lets be straight, no one goes to the coop for lower prices. My girl is a member, and unless something is on super sale (and they do have good ones on occassion) the coop is way more expensive than anyone out there, short of doing your grocery shopping at a convenience store.
I don't know anything about TJ's other than they seem to have some STRONG devotees. I don't know anything about Wegman's other than the fact that they have the same. How bout we encourage both of them to come in, so that Albany can have some increased tax revenue, and it can put some more jobs into the economy?
... said Erik on May 7, 2008 at 4:56 PM | link
I agree with Erik's assessment of the coop's prices. One of the big draws of Trader Joe's, at least for me, is their reasonable prices on organic/natural/specialty purchases. Don't get me wrong, I love that the coop is a resource available in my community, but there are only a few times when I shop there:
1. I read some article about the merits of organic/all natural foods on the internet and am feeling guilty about poisoning my family by serving them non-organic foods full of chemicals, horemones and goodness only knows what else.
2. I have a free Saturday afternoon and am feeling "spendy"
Can I afford to shop there on a regular basis? Um, No.
... said superdupergirl on May 8, 2008 at 11:33 AM | link
Erik, couldn't have said it better myself. Attracting Trader Joe's to the area will help all, by offering shoppers choice, lower prices, increasing competition, bringing in much needed tax revenue and jobs! A win for all. Rather than slamming the group's efforts, why not try shopping at a Trader Joe's the next time to travel to Mass or down-State?
... said Karen on May 29, 2008 at 10:37 AM | link