Trader Joe’s

As I haven’t broken in a new restaurant in some time, I thought I’d write a review for an establishment that is at least in some ways responsible for that — my neighborhood Trader Joe’s.
My then-​gf introduced me to the chain when we were dating back in 2004 — I found myself frequenting the San Rafael franchise on an almost weekly basis, and then in March 2006, the best thing ever happened — Novato received its own. Almost better than any Christmas present I have received. While we were still living a few miles away, TJ’s became part of our ordinary routine.
And then in September 2010, we found ourselves moving to the very neighborhood where this store is located — easy walking distance. And I am not exaggerating when I say that I’ve probably made over 500 walks to this store in the not-​yet six years we’ve been living nearby. Without even describing the store, the reader can figure out that I’m going to give the joint five stars.
Like every Trader Joe’s, this location features an ever-​rotating selection of Tier 1.5 items, i.e. Trader Grotto’s Spinach Pizza, Trader Jose Beer, and Trader Jacques Cheese (I really wish they offered a condom brought to you by Trader Dick’s). And there are usually the well-​prepared samples, which more often than not inspire me to at least buy the item once (it’s how I was introduced to tofurkey, no less). But best of all is the staff — in all the times I’ve gone there, I haven’t had to wait more than five minutes in line. No cashiers whining about their upcoming break, no messes of boxes littering the floors, and plenty of quality and witty conversation. Even if this store weren’t in my neighborhood, I’d be a frequent guest.

Great TJ’s. It’s convenient as my office is accross the street. The staff is friendly and helpful and their selection is like any other Trader Joe’s, which is fantastic. =)

I’ve been to this TJ’s since its opening and am very disappointed by new management and team. They are often rude or simply don’t acknowledge the client. If it wasn’t for the proximity and the product prices (although they have risen tremendously) i would boycott my neighborhood store.
I’m also amazed at the amount of packaging the brand generates. And wouldn’t it be nice if they let us us know when feed us GMOs! It used to be a warm friendly place to buy your food. I hope they are mindful of not becoming like Safeway.

Love Trader Joes. I hear they pay their employees well to. That makes them even better.

I mean, it is Trader Joe’s how can it not be good?
The people are friendly who work here, they have yummy samples, they carry great products.
WAIT! They carry Kringle from the Danish Bakery in Racine? I didn’t think it was legal to sell crack in stores.
five stars

Just walk in this evening at the Novato TJ I’m used to the friendly service from a different location however I just moved to Novato and
Was looking forward to having this location be my «go to TJ» I was very disappointed with the service the cashier was rude didn’t even acknowledged me.
He Then went on to say a remark that I didn’t hear
When I asked him what he said he said «you heard me «
With a smirk. I pointed to the fact everyone’s likes to get greeted at the checkout line he then again
Brushed me off. I saw what appeared to be his supervisor I reported what happened she also gave me the dismissive good bye. I work in customer service and if one of my employees were do do that IN FRONT IF ME there would be a serious conversation to his
Continued employment at my store. There are many places to buy groceries I’ve always gone to TJ because of the friendly service I’ve gotten in the past. That was the first and last time I set a foot at this location
Poor service from JASON and missed opportunity for management to correct it.

I have been to Trader Joe’s all over the state, and there is one thing that seems to unite all of them: a nightmarish parking lot. The dilemma: I want wine and red pepper tomato soup, but do I want to deal with parking there? Luckily, the Novato TJs has risen above all the others! Plenty of parking in a lot that is easy to navigate, thank goodness. Also, if you are ever needing to pick up a cheese to bring to a party get the one with the pepper rind. Everybody loves it.

The selection of produce is great, the prices are reasonable, and the cashiers have great attitudes; what more could you ask for?

This place is my home away from home. If ever I am missing an ingredient or craving their buttercream ice cream, I go here. I recommend going either early or late if you have a serious shopping list as lines can get insane between noon and and five despite having all lanes open. For the one or two item list, anytime is great with their express lanes. The only area that I’ve seen handled better at other Trader Joes is their snack/​canned food aisle. Other places have them separated because the items on these shelves are high in demand (aside from those found in their frozen aisle). During crazy times, it only takes one parked cart and one idling shopper to jam this aisle. A trick I do is park my cart in the wine section (which takes up too much space in my opinion) and go into the aisle to get my popcorn or rice. Otherwise, it’s a great place to shop.

Friendly helpful staff and all the yummy products you crave. Decent parking with my dry cleaner, Starbucks, and Pharmaca next door.
Also great wine selection with decent price points for all quality levels.

So much space here! The lanes are wider, shoppers seem happier (no one fought the parking wars), and the check-​out lines are so short. Wonderful times :)

Other then not having a hot food bar, it got everything else I like and prefer their own brand over other stores own brand. Their soy creamer for coffee is what I generally get if nothing else but it’s hard not to when so much is good here. Price items are reasonable.
If they have a hot food and salad bar, I wouldn’t really need to go to WF afterwards.

I’m a huge fan of Trader Joe’s in general, but this particular one seems to have some seedy practices. We’ve repeatedly found fresh meat and fruit either being sold at/​after the expiration date, or it had clearly gone bad before the expiration (possibly improper refrigeration).
Except for the meat and fruit, the rest seems to be up to usual TJ standards, and the staff is really helpful. Just keep an eye out.

There is one thing negative I have to say about this TJ’s. That would be the customers who have absolutely no courtesy at times in the parking lot. Otherwise the store is great. The samples are always of items that you could see using. I have used the ideas many times for meals. The meal ideas are always reasonably priced as well. The Associates on the sales floor to the ones who ring you up are consistently helpful and friendly.

Trader Joes has some great items; the milk, orange juice, frozen goodies and wine selection. Prices are reasonable too for what you get here. Service is friendly so all things considered five atars are in order!

If there was one store that had all the best stuff this is it, they do a fantastic job of purchasing the best products, I highly recommend the peanut butter cups, the oil is high grade not like standard peanut butter cups with hydrogenated oil that sticks to the roof of your mouth These babies just melt like little bites of heaven.

We were having a chocolate crave after a lazy day of girly movies and too much sushi. I bought way too much but I really wanted one bite of everything they have! I love the atmosphere in TJ’s. The workers are so laid back and helpful. I love their flower selection as well.

I love Trader Joe’s! I love to get their own brand named items. The corn relish is one of my favorite things in the store. I also enjoy their Jojo’s especially their candycane Jojo’s a Christmastime. Everyone who works there is wearing a Hawaiian shirt and they’re very, very helpful at this location. The only thing that drives me nuts is the carts for kids. It’s downright dangerous to have these kids running around with shopping carts, especially when their parents turn a blind eye to them! A kid came screaming around the corner and almost hit me. Yikes! Anyway, try their house made salads in the refrigerated section. They’re awesome!

7. They hire staff of ALL ages! Major kudos for that.

Ohhh how I love the smaller stores and the different variety of groceries (compared to Safeway and others)
BUT…
Damn… I hate the produce. Time after time they are already getting soggy sittin’ on the shelf.
Frozen food section is good. Prices on cheese is excellent and ooooh how I love the different wines :)
It’s perfect for a quick stop on the way home or for bringing a small side dish to a party.
Not to mention, the kids get to find «Jojo» the horse while you shop AND they get a treat when he is spotted.
Parking is okay generally but after work hours this little store can become quite crowded.