I Stopped Shopping at Trader Joe’s: Here’s Why

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While many people love the relatively low prices and unique products at Trader Joe’s, not everyone is a fan. For some, the opportunity to save money isn’t enough to make up for limited store locations, tight parking lots and rotating product availability.

Sometimes the downsides outweigh the positives, as Lauren Keys, creator of Trip Of A Lifestyle, decided.

Fewer Store Locations

Logistically, part of the problem is that Trader Joe’s isn’t as widespread as some other grocery stores.

“I used to have a Trader Joe’s in town, about 15 to 20 minutes from my house, when I lived in Gainesville, Florida,” said Keys. “Since moving to the coast, I have fewer options, and my closest Trader Joe’s is 45 minutes away.”

Inconvenient Store Options

Even if she lived closer to a Trader Joe’s, that wouldn’t necessarily solve the problem. “When I lived in a town that had one, it was still just inconvenient to go to it,” she said.

For example, Trader Joe’s is notorious for having tight parking lots. “I know there’s like a running joke about how Trader Joe’s parking lots must be designed to be too small, and it feels like that’s true,” she said.

Plus, Keys isn’t a fan of the chain’s store schedule, with the hours being a little too short for her.

Limited Product Availability

But logistical issues aren’t the only thing keeping Keys from shopping at this grocery store. While Trader Joe’s seasonal and rotating products often garner praise, it’s actually something Keys doesn’t like about the chain. 

“The product cycles can be infuriating. I’ve found, fallen in love with and desperately missed so many products over the years,” she said.

Some customers love this because you’re constantly trying new products and discovering new flavors. But to Keys, it’s frustrating.

“They had a three-bean vegetarian chili that was perfect. I picked up several cans every time I went in, and then suddenly, it was gone,” she lamented. 

She had the same problem with finding marshmallows. “[They] are supposedly seasonal, but I think s’mores work great in the summer and the winter,” she added.

Finding Alternatives to Trader Joe’s

Although Keys has since stopped shopping at Trader Joe’s, she’s found replacements — primarily Walmart, but also some trips to Aldi, Costco, Target or occasionally Publix or Winn-Dixie as they’re her closest stores. And she’s done so without spending more.

“I would say I’m saving about the same on groceries now that I don’t go to Trader Joe’s anymore, but that’s mostly because I’ve always done the majority of my grocery shopping at stores like Walmart,” said Keys. 

Aside from the low prices, Keys doesn’t face the inventory issues at Walmart she had with Trader Joe’s.

“I don’t have to worry if my favorite snack will suddenly be discontinued. And with the Walmart app, I can literally check the stock before I head to the store or order ahead to have the grocery shopping done for me for free and without an up-charge,” she said. 

And she prefers Walmart over some other big-box stores due to this consistency.

“Walmart tends to have the widest selection of goods. Even at smaller locations, Walmart carries everything, unlike Target where it seems the grocery selection varies by store size,” said Keys.

Though Trader Joe’s isn’t necessarily right for Keys, grocery shopping can look different for everyone. It can also change based on where you live, what you’re looking for or who you’re shopping with. Trader Joe’s might be great for grabbing specific items to fill in around general grocery shopping elsewhere, but for some, it can lead to more time, effort and cost.

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