Trader Joe’s

Spacious trader joes. Has everything I need! I am loyal to this place. Whole foods is highway robbery.

Trader Joes: you’re over packaging of fruits and veggies totally freaks me out– and your bread selection is aweful so I can’t give the five stars…*But you have Manuka Honey at a killer price-​as well as pastas, and organic icecreams… And ultimately I feel you deserve four starts because your flowers are an excellent deal-​they last forever-​I always find a cute 99cent card to go with-​and most importantly– I dont know where the hell you find your cashiers-​but these men and women are some of the friendliest people EVER and they always manage to make my day. You find the quirkiest and kindest people and sometimes I go there just for that. I also love that you sell Mochi Ball Icecreams. Yummy.

OMG Bacon Ganache Chocolate Bars

First time visitor. Cute little store. Good (overall) prices. A variety of gluten-​free foods.
Pros: Cheap flowers ($ 5.99 a bouquet), and bananas (0.19 cents for regular, 0.29 cents for organic). The mini carrot cupcakes are actually pretty big, moist and delicious! The pre-​packaged salads ($ 3.99+) are among the best I have ever had.
Cons: Wasn’t too thrilled about the layout. Aisles are cramped and the store is usually packed. Parking at the front of store is a nightmare. Park behind Panera and walk to save yourself the hassle.

I love TJ’s with all my heart. This place does not always have everything I need, but what they DO have is all wonderful and delicious. I probably come here at least 4 – 5 times a week for produce, ready-​made meals, lunches, and of course FLOWERS!
Oh yeah… and samples.

First, it needs to be said that I love Trader Joe’s. I am in a relationship with Trader Joe’s. Trader Joe’s and I are together for life. I have rarely been disappointed with anything I purchased there. My only reason for giving four stars instead of five has to do with expiration dates. Today, for example, almost all the bread was one day away from being expired. Today was the sell– by date for all their premade salads. I had wanted to pick up a few for the coming workweek, but I didn’t want to be eating expired food.
On the plus side, my dog loves the rawhide chews with the dried chicken on the outside, and they seem to be helping his teeth stay clean. Their frozen grilled onions and peppers are a mainstay in my kitchen. And don’t even get me started on the cookie butter!
They usually have a great selection of fresh flowers at a reasonable price, too.
Despite the few downfalls, I will keep being a customer.

I love Trader Joes! I use to go to Whole Foods because I eat organic but when TJ came into town I gave it a try & am so happy I did! The prices are beyond cheap, even for their organic food. The prepared food is also great, so if your ever wanting a cheap, healthy meal go here!

I’m not rating this in comparison to any other place. TJ’s is TJ’s. (Anyone who has been to a TJ’s knows exactly what that means. It is its own unique thing.) Instead, I am rating TJ’s at 3 stars for its own internal problems.
My main frustration with this TJ’s is its terrible inventory control. Absolutely terrible. I have a few things that I buy here on a regular basis, and, with no exaggeration, 3 out of 4 times that I visit, the following items are out of stock: coconut cream, light coconut milk, frozen spinach, frozen brussels sprouts, pretzel bagels, potato bread. And those are just the few things I buy. I can only imagine how many other items are also out of stock nearly all of the time.
Frozen spinach is actually an even more extreme case. Again without exaggeration, both kinds (regular and organic) are out of stock at least 7 out of 8 visits. I asked a manager about this at one point, and he said that the spinach crop has been bad, so TJ’s only receives one case per day, on average. That’s fine, and understandable. However, not a single other grocery store in the greater Boulder area is ever out of frozen spinach. So why here?
Another problem. Just when we like something new and start buying it regularly, TJ’s decides to discontinue it. This has happened about a half-​dozen times. I understand that if something isn’t selling well, it should be discontinued. This happens so frequently, however, that it seems TJ’s should do considerably better market testing before adding new items to its inventory. What ends up happening, to TJ’s detriment, is this. We stop trying new things. We just don’t take the chance any more.
A last little item. When TJ’s first starting becoming popular nationally (20 years or so ago?), its prices were very reasonable. A person could find all sorts of things there that were less expensive than elsewhere. Now, the place is quite expensive. A few things are even shockingly expensive. ($ 4 for a single frozen pot pie?) I guess TJ’s can get away with that, because it is clearly thriving, but I miss the days when regular ol’ folk like myself could do our full grocery shopping here, rather than just buying a handful of items before going to another place to fill the rest of the shopping list.

I love trader joes but this store needs more stuff. Wish there were a few more deli items to choose from but the produce is plentiful. I think they could definitely squeeze in another isle or two with a better layout and offer a bit more. Love that they are here though.

At 9:00 this morning, I reached for an apple-​y pastry thing from the sample table. The sampler stopped me and said, «Do you want whipped cream on that?»
:-)
That made me happy, but then I usually leave this store happy. Not sure what it is; I don’t buy much here, but I truly enjoy the shopping experience.

Okay, I need to do some penance here. When Trader Joe’s stores started opening in Colorado causing traffic jams that needed to be directed by police, I was one of the people loudly mocking the Trader Joe’s tribe. I didn’t see what the big deal was or how a store this small could possibly have everything I need. I’ve been shopping here a month now and I’m converting.
Here are my key points:
#1 I’VE NEVER HAD TO CHECK MYSELF OUT OR EVEN WAIT LONG!!!
#2 These small stores have had everything I’ve needed including organic produce and good fair trade organic coffee. If I can’t find something the store actually has employees right there to help me.
#3 Most items are noticeably less expensive.
#4 They have a food sampling station.
#5 I can park close and not have to walk a mile through the store.
Thanks Trader Joe. I’m in the tribe.

I sometimes don’t understand why people review the corporation for each store. No, trader joes isn’t Whole foods, and you may not like that, but don’t shop there, or leave a bad review.
Anyway, off my soapbox now… This location is so nice, for me it falls in between Whole Foods and King Soopers, and sprouts. Yes, we go yo 4 different stores to get our shopping done.
The biggest pet peeve, that I think us more the planners fault than TJ’s, is how small and narrow the parking lot is. Especially when they get a delivery on a Weekend afternoon and block half the entryway. The other is that the spots on the far west side are way too narrow, and the some idiot in a giant SUV parks in one, taking up 2 spots. Aggrivating, but it’s yet to stop me from going. That aside, after you’ve braved the parking lot, the store has a nice set up, the aisles are a bit tight when some Boulderite in bike shorts leaves their cart abandoned in the middle of the aisle. I prefer to go when most are working, or watching football, 8am on a weekday is perfect.
Th staff are always friendly and happy and seem to enjoy their jobs there.
I think TJ’s has the best cheese selection, at the best prices. Sure you can get some rare this n that cheese at Whole foods, but at $ 21.99/#. TJ’s has real Roquefort for ½ the price of anyone else, plus other fun and new cheeses.

This Trader Joe’s is very similar to my former neighborhood TJ’s in Philly, so after moving here solo a few months ago for graduate school/​work, this store was a much-​needed calming influence! Prices are reasonable, the staff is friendly and they have all the Trader Joe staples (Jalapeños Cheddar Cheese Curls, yes!). I typically go during off-​peak hours, so I can’t speak to crowds or waiting to checkout. I think this is more of a Boulder, CO thing and not so much a Trader Joe’s thing, but they charge a 10 cent per brown bag fee. I have used my brown bags as recycling «bins» at home, so I’ve had to adjust my system.
A quick note for wine lovers: Due to CO state liquor laws, alcohol sellers may only carry one license per franchise. Trader Joe’s chose to use its license at its Denver location, so you won’t find any 2-​Buck Chuck in Boulder :-(

I love how spacious this store is and how almost anything you could be looking for can be found here. But really the best part is the amazing people that work here.
Walk toward the store and you’re likely to see employees rushing out to offer departing customers a hand in returning their cart.
Stand in an aisle and you’re likely to be asked if you want help several times AND be engaged in a conversation about what your favorite flavor of ice cream is.
These people know a lot about unique and delightful food, but more than that they know about SERVICE and HOSPITALITY.
There are some things here that cost more here but most items are fairly (sometimes very fairly) priced and the experience of shopping here is just awesome.
If only we had the 2 Buck Chuck, but hey I’ll content myself with Green Chile Tamales and Chocolate Covered Bing Cherries.

Noticed that they are having new products coming up. The one I’ve noticing today was ‘Miso Ginger Broth’. So excited to see that product! Checked the ingredients, pretty sure it’s safe for vegans as well– organic produces used.
Can’t wait to taste it for my noodle soups!
Another thing I found, veggie wrap with eggplant. I can just heat up in a microwave. Price is $ 3.99 which is comparative i believe with all that ingredients.
For vegans who are looking for tasty ice cream, try trader joe’s vegan ice cream. They have sorbets, several different flavors and even have sandwich ice cream. They are so good!
This place is so vegan friendly from fresh produces to snacks!

Felt compelled after I saw the 3.5 stars overall. Good TJ’s location to me. I went on a Monday night to empty aisles and plentiful stock. I picked up a small bunch of calla lilies (my favorite) for $ 4, dried mango, and some speculoos chocolate.
I’m sure it gets crowded and crazy at times, but don’t go during those times.

So I finally got around to checking out the Trader Joe”s in Boulder.
The layout is nice but still a bit crowded as aisles tend to get a bit jammed.
Food selection is nice but I had to do some digging to find the good deals.
The good deals I did find were very good. Trader Joe’s Cereal, a few cheeses and olive oil were standouts as good deals.
It all comes back to value for price for me and Trader Joe’s had enough so that I will be doing regular trips …

Up to 4.5 now. The parking lot situation here has improved slightly. It is possible to enter from behind the store on the east side, which is helpful. Apparently the police presence managing the traffic flow situation was only temporary during the first days of operation.
I look forward to more shopping @ Trader Joe’s in Boulder. We’ve got so much of the California-​esque things here now, all we need is a climate change, palm trees, and the ocean. (No, of course I’m not serious!)

There was quite the line for the Grand Opening this morning. TJ’s staff circulated frequently with lollipops, smiles, & words of welcome. A steel drum band played near the entrance and each shopper received a lei while entering the store.
Though the store was very crowded I was able to locate some of my favorite items (tiki masala burgers, mango chutney, & pesto pizza).
The staff were circulating and very approachable, often helping more than one customer at a time.
The parking lot is not very large and that is why I’ve granted 4 rather than 5 stars.
I’m so happy this store has finally made it to Boulder! I look forward to visiting frequently.

The much anticipated grand opening finally arrived! Big crowd but not stupendous. Parking lot is quite manageable. Met some of their crew leaders in for the opening and it is apparent that they are trying hard to make things go smoothly but some distribution plans are still evolving. The staff was well trained and well prepared for the opening. And also super friendly as expected.
Having shopped TJ in the past, I came with my old bags and a good shopping list. I found most of the items, glad to have them available on regular basis. They are specific to TJ with no replacement available elsewhere. However, 3 things I wanted were not stocked. It seems that one is fall seasonal only, one is intermittent seasonal and will be back next month and one was simply missing and the crew member could not find it though he was sure he had seen it being unloaded. I will try again on a less crowded day.
The store is amazingly small for a grocery. But then, it is really a gigantic convenience store. Everything is prepackaged, no fresh meat market or fish market etc. Lots of plastic wrap. However, it was nice to see more loose produce than at the TJ in CA I was most familiar with. I like to pick my items individually, and often only need a single, such as peppers and the like. In the past, I usually found 2 or 4 packs so I don’t know if this is a company change or a local change. Nice to see though. With no alcohol available in this store, they could embrace the shrunken square footage. On a less crowded day, the aisles will seem more optimal.
I will shop here regularly for their specialty items, but I will never give up my go-​to full service grocery.
Welcome to Boulder, Trader Joe’s. Nice to finally have you here!