PACKAGED GOODS
A few nights ago I was talking to someone who also lived in New York but has recently moved to Los Angeles. With any former New Yorker you meet, there this instant connection with them.
Why? Because you've managed to live in the concrete jungle! You have the stories, the experiences, not to mention the moments of absurdity.
One thing we ended up reminiscing on was going to Trader Joe's in New York City and the battle it was.
Now you might be thinking, how is going to a grocery store a battle? And my response is, there are somethings you just don't do in NYC:
1) Go to Times Square unless it's for Broadway, work, or visiting a friend.
2) Go anywhere on the weekend when the Subway lines are under maintenance/planned work.
3) GO TO TRADER JOE'S BETWEEN 3-7P ON A SUNDAY, ESPECIALLY THE 14TH STREET LOCATION.
At it's core Trader Joe's is just a grocery store that white label's it's own products and can build out stores in almost any location. They keep their stores clean, inviting, and most importantly AFFORDABLE.
Like living in any major city, there's a challenge of balancing out your living expenses and that's when Trader Joe's comes in. Cause if TJ's is nearby, you can afford groceries.
For years many New York City grocery stores were just cramped brick and mortar blocks with expensive prices for basic staples. And if you ask some folks, places like Gristede's always look like Moscow circa 1983.
So when Trader Joe's opened, it became very popular. All of a sudden the $5 bag of Arugula was $2 and you could get turnt on a bottle of two buck chuck. As more people got word of this, places like the 14th Street store had to start dealing with crowd control.
I'm from Miami where you expect lines at the grocery store during the holidays and when prepping for tropical weather, not at 4pm on a Sunday.
Pack a snack and download a podcast.
The 14th Street location has become so notable because it's so small. You literally walk into the store and there's a line to checkout. TJ employees literally have to hold signs indicating where the end of the line is.
It's 72nd Street location is also known to be a hot mess because it's basically two underground floors in an odd triangular format creating multiple issues. If it's at peak hour, you may find yourself waiting in line to get in, then to get your cart, and finally to checkout. Yet, that's what you do for a $5 chunk of Manchego.
What I"m trying to get at with this piece is to highlight that in many towns across this country, people are getting by because of Trader Joe's. They are hooked on the products, can afford to buy them, and wiling to endure the time and energy it takes to do it.
I cannot tell you have my times my arms became numb by carrying bags from Trader Joe's in NYC, but literally that's part of the living experience.
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