Last weekend, walking thorough Trader Joe's, I noticed a large amount of college students. After I decided to stop by Whole Foods, and I noticed something very different- almost no college students. Instead, Whole Foods was filled with many families, and middle aged adults. I decided to conduct a study, with the help of my friends, asking them what draws them to Trader Joe's over a store like Whole Foods or Publix? I interviewed 19 year old Freshman, Natalie Broidis.
"Sarah: What draws you to a store like Trader Joe's over Whole Foods?
Natalie: The quality of their food is just as good, but much cheaper.
Sarah: Would you say cost is the most important factor when choosing a store?
Natalie: If the quality isn't affected, I would choose the cheaper. However if the quality is much worse, I will pay the higher price.
Sarah: What do you normally buy at Trader Joe's versus a Publix, for example?
Natalie: The prepared foods are better quality, like salads or soups. The value is great and so is the quality. "
This interview, and as a Trader Joe's shopper myself, prompted me to look more into the history of Trader Joe's, and how they have grown to be such a thriving company. This is what I found directly on their website:
"“Value” is a concept we take very seriously. And by ‘Value,’ we mean great everyday prices on all of our great products — no sales, no gimmicks, no clubs to join, no special cards to swipe... How do we do it?
As someone who is going into the culinary field, I respect a company like Trader Joe's, that makes good quality food available to a wide variety of people. I will always be a customer, and would love to work for a company like them in my future.
"Sarah: What draws you to a store like Trader Joe's over Whole Foods?
Natalie: The quality of their food is just as good, but much cheaper.
Sarah: Would you say cost is the most important factor when choosing a store?
Natalie: If the quality isn't affected, I would choose the cheaper. However if the quality is much worse, I will pay the higher price.
Sarah: What do you normally buy at Trader Joe's versus a Publix, for example?
Natalie: The prepared foods are better quality, like salads or soups. The value is great and so is the quality. "
This interview, and as a Trader Joe's shopper myself, prompted me to look more into the history of Trader Joe's, and how they have grown to be such a thriving company. This is what I found directly on their website:
"“Value” is a concept we take very seriously. And by ‘Value,’ we mean great everyday prices on all of our great products — no sales, no gimmicks, no clubs to join, no special cards to swipe... How do we do it?
- We buy direct from suppliers whenever possible, we bargain hard to get the best price, and then pass the savings on to you.
- If an item doesn’t pull its weight in our stores, it goes away to gangway for something else.
- We buy in volume and contract early to get the best prices.
- Most grocers charge their suppliers fees for putting an item on the shelf. This results in higher prices... so we don’t do it.
- We keep our costs low — because every penny we save is a penny you save."
As someone who is going into the culinary field, I respect a company like Trader Joe's, that makes good quality food available to a wide variety of people. I will always be a customer, and would love to work for a company like them in my future.