Do you want a Trader Joes in Wenatchee?

Both of my sisters love shopping at Trader Joe's. I guess it's quite the place. I've never gone shopping there. We don't have one here in the Wenatchee Valley. But what if we did?

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Right now, this California-based grocery chain has more than 500 stores all over the US. One of their features, much like other grocery stores in the US, is that they have a private label product line that sells for significantly less than comparable name brands.

Both of my sisters are especially fond of the Trader Joe's produce department, which features a lot of organic foods.

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So, the question arises, why don't we have a Trader Joe's here and the answer is, well, first you have got to ask for it.

That's right, Trader Joe's wants your suggestions on where the next door will go. They encourage you to go to their website and let them know. It's all part of the Contact Us section. at TraderJoes.com look for the form titled “Request a Trader Joe's in My City”.

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By the way, Trader Joe's actually does read all the submissions that come through that online request form. But the submissions are not the only reason that they would use to decide to put a store in a particular location, there are several important criteria that they need to look at.

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The next time I take a trip to Seattle I'll have to stop at Trader Joe's and check it out.

What do you think? Do we need a Trader Joe's here?

Find These 15 Seasonal Specialty Items Only at Trader Joe's

Here are a few essential specialties that are available at Trader Joe's.

Gallery Credit: Chrissy-Trader Joe's Halfmoon

Are These the Best Products at Trader Joe's?

Trader Joe's Cookie Butter. That was the first time I had ever heard the words Trader Joe's a few years ago. My friend was raving about this stuff. The store sounded intriguing. I read more about Trader Joe's and I thought it was a health food store with a bunch of products I would never put in my mouth. This place did not sound appealing to a super-picky, Midwest-comfort food-eating gal.

My doctor suggested I monitor my sodium intake, which led me to Google 'low sodium foods." An article about the topic featuring Trader Joe's low sodium products popped up in my search. The included list was long and a lot of the food sounded like something I'd actually eat. But, was it going to taste good?

I've been having to visit Rochester, MN every few months and told Google to take me to Trader Joe's. I was picturing a huge store, like a warehouse club, with a modern look. I was way off. In Rochester, Trader Joe's is located in a strip mall with a couple of other businesses. It didn't look like a fancy, hip, Gen Z kinda joint, which is what I had in my head. It seemed small. As a matter of fact, it looked old, like it had been there a while.

I was greeted with a massive display of fresh flowers. I had no idea fresh flowers were a Trader Joe's staple. As I walked through, I carefully read the labels of several products to suffice my special, low sodium diet. I had a cartful of products to try and my bill was under $80. Not only were there several products I was willing to try at Trader Joe's, they were reasonably priced. The Trader Joe's business model is based on no frills so they can provide the best products for a low price. I like that idea. I don't need fancy, I just want low prices.

I am now a Trader Joe's convert and I know what all the hype is about. Here are some of my favorite products.

P.S. Cookie butter did not make the list.

Gallery Credit: Karla Brown