Trader Joe's in Louisville

[Robin Garr]

... if bosses are good, and treat workers fairly (and pay them well with good benefits, etc), then there isn't really a need to unionize is there?

"If you have nothing to hide, there isn't really a need to be concerned about privacy laws, is there? If you haven't committed a crime, there isn't really a need to be concerned about fair trials, is there? If you don't plan to become pregnant, there isn't really a need to be concerned about the right to abortion, is there?" Comment.

This comment is not directed at anyone in particular, but what I do really love about this place how people get all wadded up about a grocery store.
'Winger

Right there with you. I only go to Jungle Jim's if I'm on that side of Cinci.

I went to TJ's a couple times when I lived in Fremont, CA for a while. It's a cool store, and I'm excited to see it come here. It should enliven competition more than hurt it. The success of a store like this (and it will be a big success) should enlighten other retailers about the kinds of products people around here really want to buy. My usual bias against out-of-town corporate retail doesn't apply, as this is a good company with good values, and will actually improve our local quality of life.

That all said, I offer my usual complaint: Why can't we have more of stores like this in the south end? Sure, we have Valumarket (with their international offerings) and Vietnamese groceries, but there are plenty of foodies down here! And since groceries are essentially a cash business, why care about how much credit people this way carry?

And since groceries are essentially a cash business...

Really? I can't recall the last time I paid cash at the grocery store. But, then again what do I know?
Redwinger

And since groceries are essentially a cash business...

Really? I can't recall the last time I paid cash at the grocery store. But, then again what do I know?
Redwinger

When I say cash I include debit cards. I thought that was obvious.

And since groceries are essentially a cash business...

Really? I can't recall the last time I paid cash at the grocery store. But, then again what do I know?
Redwinger

When I say cash I include debit cards. I thought that was obvious.

Obviously, not that obvious, but no biggie.

Look, people..........It's a STORE. It's not a life or death choice. If you don't like it, don't go. If you think they are trying to squish the "little people", fine go shop at the little people stores. People like different places for different reasons.
Personally, I'm excited about it. I live in Elizabethtown. The most exciting grocery store in Etown? Aldi. I drive to Louisville on a regular basis to shop at Whole Foods and Lotsa Pasta to get things like good bread, different cheeses, and condiments that I can't get here. I go to buy seafood because our stores carry little variety.

Well said. My biggest interest in TJ's in St Mathews is that it will hopefully foster downward pressure on Whole Paychecks's prices....and vice versa.

Well said. My biggest interest in TJ's in St Mathews is that it will hopefully foster downward pressure on Whole Paychecks's prices....and vice versa.

That certainly would be nice. I also wish they had located someplace other than right at the malls. That means basically for two months we will avoid going there like we do whole paycheck because of all the ridiculous Christmas traffic! Actually where they're going in that plaza is also going to be a parking nightmare.

... if bosses are good, and treat workers fairly (and pay them well with good benefits, etc), then there isn't really a need to unionize is there?

"If you have nothing to hide, there isn't really a need to be concerned about privacy laws, is there? If you haven't committed a crime, there isn't really a need to be concerned about fair trials, is there? If you don't plan to become pregnant, there isn't really a need to be concerned about the right to abortion, is there?" Comment.

WOW!! you said a lot right there..Nice!!

I am looking forward to TJ's...driving to the east end is a lot better than driving to Indy or Cinci. I'm also looking forward to being able to purchase refrigerated and frozen items there for the first time.

Where do those of you who prefer to not patronize chains buy groceries? I'm just curious. Doesn't seem like there's much choice around here -- Rainbow Blossom and ValuMarket exclusively? And in Southern Indiana, Rainbow Blossom is tiny -- seems it would be difficult (and expensive) to make that your main store.

[Robin Garr]

Where do those of you who prefer to not patronize chains buy groceries? I'm just curious.

Kari, we go to Doll's a lot, and sometimes to Burger's. A grocery run for me will often feature a loop from our house that starts at Doll's and then loops around to Lotsa Pasta and Rainbow Blossom. Since these stores are all small, it doesn't take much time to shop there, so two or three stops at small, interesting stores is more fun for me than a longer stop at the mega-mart.

In fairness, I do go to Whole Foods sometimes, and yes, we buy from Kroger (after all, it's a union store!) for non-food items like paper towels and for national products we use regularly like Dannon yogurt, etc.

And don't forget summer, when the farmers' markets are in full activity ... we get a LOT of our veggies and meat there, as well as harvesting some veggies from our "urban farm."

Where do those of you who prefer to not patronize chains buy groceries? I'm just curious.

Kari, we go to Doll's a lot, and sometimes to Burger's. A grocery run for me will often feature a loop from our house that starts at Doll's and then loops around to Lotsa Pasta and Rainbow Blossom. Since these stores are all small, it doesn't take much time to shop there, so two or three stops at small, interesting stores is more fun for me than a longer stop at the mega-mart.

In fairness, I do go to Whole Foods sometimes, and yes, we buy from Kroger (after all, it's a union store!) for non-food items like paper towels and for national products we use regularly like Dannon yogurt, etc.

And don't forget summer, when the farmers' markets are in full activity ... we get a LOT of our veggies and meat there, as well as harvesting some veggies from our "urban farm."

Dolls, Burgers, Pauls, Seafood Connection, Butchers Best - Whole Foods is on the rotation as well. I do my best to stay out of Kroger. The wife buys non-food items at Big Lots of all places.

[Robin Garr]

Dolls, Burgers, Pauls, Seafood Connection, Butchers Best - Whole Foods is on the rotation as well. I do my best to stay out of Kroger. The wife buys non-food items at Big Lots of all places.

Forgot to mention Paul's, an excellent spot for produce, also local eggs and some other good stuff.

Yum!

I've had some of the best corn on the cob, strawberries, and Italian Cream cake from there. (not sure where they get the cake from...I don't think they make it, but it rocks!)

... if bosses are good, and treat workers fairly (and pay them well with good benefits, etc), then there isn't really a need to unionize is there?

"If you have nothing to hide, there isn't really a need to be concerned about privacy laws, is there? If you haven't committed a crime, there isn't really a need to be concerned about fair trials, is there? If you don't plan to become pregnant, there isn't really a need to be concerned about the right to abortion, is there?" Comment.

Robin, I get what you're saying, but I don't think it is a fair analog: they're not trying to take away anyone's fundamental rights! Heck, they're just a store.

And they're a store that pays higher-than-union wages. They're doing a better job than the unions. And the unions are doing a better job than the "free" market (laissez-faire). More power to 'em, from a workers perspective.

(I really don't see stories about TJ's workers who want to unionize and are upset. Is that they case? Or is it just other unions grumbling?)