Grocery Store like Trader Joes

[Innserelli]

Does anyone know if there is a store similar to Trader Joe's in our area?

[retiredguy123]

Fresh Market, maybe?

[Stu from NYC]

Not even close. For some reason they have not expressed an interest in coming here.

[UpNorth]

Not even close. For some reason they have not expressed an interest in coming here.

Soon-to-be open Sprouts market is not Trader Joes, but might give you another option from Publix/Winn Dixie/Walmart/Aldi's choices.

[asianthree]

Withdrawal from 5 TJ’s within 25 minutes of our house, up north. Now we just head up to Gainesville every 3-4 weeks, get lunch, stop at Whole Foods and TJ,s load our yeti and drive home. Hopefully in 6 months we can stop at new Buc-ee’s In Ocala on the way back:mmmm:

For those who shopped sprouts, they know the store, and may be happy one is coming soon. For those who haven’t shopped, it may be a disappointing store, sometimes on the very expensive side, unless it’s on sale. Sprouts was only on my list if I was headed in that plaza. I never just went shopping there. Otherwise I could find better products at TJ’s, and specialty ethnic grocery.

[retiredguy123]

Not even close. For some reason they have not expressed an interest in coming here.
I guess I consider them similar because I don't like either one.

[photo1902]

I guess I consider them similar because I don't like either one.

I've been in Trader Joe's a handful of times. I never saw why people love them. To me, Fresh Market is far and above TJ's. Its like comparing Wegman's to Winn Dixie.

[retiredguy123]

I've been in Trader Joe's a handful of times. I never saw why people love them. To me, Fresh Market is far and above TJ's. Its like comparing Wegman's to Winn Dixie.
Wegman's would be a huge improvement to The Villages. I shop at Publix, but Wegman's is at least 3 times better.

[asianthree]

Rather than shop Publix, or Winn. Kroger’s delivery is worth every penny you save. Today asked for 2 green, 2 slightly yellow and 3 very ripe banana’s. All came perfect as ordered. Note in box for very ripe, enjoy ripe bananas on us. With a smiley face.

[Dusty_Star]

Does anyone know if there is a store similar to Trader Joe's in our area?

There's a TJs in Orlando & in Gainesville. I wish they would open one closer. I also think they have removed the page that used to allow you to suggest new locations for them to look at.

[photo1902]

Wegman's would be a huge improvement to The Villages. I shop at Publix, but Wegman's is at least 3 times better.

Wegman’s are awesome!

[Garywt]

Everyone one likes what they like. I have no desire to shop Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods. Also, I would take Publix or Winn Dixie over Wegmans any day, do not like Wegmans at all.

[JSR22]

Where we lived in NJ there were several TJ fairly close. Never purchased a single item in any of them. Wegman's was several miles awa. I did all of my shopping at Wegman's. In TV I lile FM and Publix. Looking forward to Sprouts opening.

[Stu from NYC]

I guess I consider them similar because I don't like either one.

TJ has an exclusive on our favorite wine so we do go periodically and buy a case. Also produce is good but find Sams better.

They do have very friendly and helpful employees

[BrianL99]

Does anyone know if there is a store similar to Trader Joe's in our area?



There are at least 3 Aldi's near The Villages. Similar business model. Trader Joes was a spin off of the original Aldi's in Germany, when 2 brothers disagreed about selling cigarettes in their stores.

Trader Joes is bit more eclectic than Aldi's, but similar experiences.

[Stu from NYC]

There are at least 3 Aldi's near The Villages. Similar business model. Trader Joes was a spin off of the original Aldi's in Germany, when 2 brothers disagreed about selling cigarettes in their stores.

Trader Joes is bit more eclectic than Aldi's, but similar experiences.

Better than Trader Joe is Lidl which unfortunately has no stores in Florida at this time

[buster21]

We go to TJ’s every month and come home with a full cooler of stuff. I always
buy my favorite wine there so come home with a case if I’m lucky. If anyone wants to trade off going there please PM me! We go to Orlando and the trip is always intense with heavy traffic.

[RedFoxRick]

There are at least 3 Aldi's near The Villages. Similar business model. Trader Joes was a spin off of the original Aldi's in Germany, when 2 brothers disagreed about selling cigarettes in their stores.

Trader Joes is bit more eclectic than Aldi's, but similar experiences.

I believe Aldi is also associated with Lidl because of the brothers relatiopnship

[Garywt]

There are at least 3 Aldi's near The Villages. Similar business model. Trader Joes was a spin off of the original Aldi's in Germany, when 2 brothers disagreed about selling cigarettes in their stores.

Trader Joes is bit more eclectic than Aldi's, but similar experiences.

I find Trader Joe’s the place to go if you want blue chips and the like so I don’t go. Aldi has some decent none food items but 90% of the food they sell if off, off, off main line food. Names I have never heard of so we stay away.

[Sheri]

I recently moved to TV and miss TJ terribly so this post was very helpful! Looks like I’ll be driving to Gainesville once a month ������

[Rwirish]

Yes, Walmart.

[rvalukonis]

Does anyone know if there is a store similar to Trader Joe's in our area?

Trader Joe's is a subsidiary of ALDI's. Each has a different target market with TJ focused more on a younger demographic.

[Dusty_Star]

I recently moved to TV and miss TJ terribly so this post was very helpful! Looks like I’ll be driving to Gainesville once a month ������
Me too!

[waterflower]

Earth Origins Market 1917 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL 34470

[Happytails057@gmail.com]

Aldi’s is the brother of Trader Joe’s.

[MidWestIA]

Fresh Market is great and my favorites in north Dallas were Sprouts, Whole Foods and Trader Joe's

[Jimmay]

Fresh market on 466

[mikeycereal]

I used to like Trader Joes back when I lived in Vegas and was into juicing. They had some neat items but nothing that I've really missed since I stopped juicing and shopping there. Would love a place that sells fresh cold pressed juices because it got pretty messy doing my own and I'm just lazy to continue doing all that myself after a few years of it.

Recently discovered Fresh Market and after months of asking and searching found my nut butter fix! And at a very reasonable price. Okay so they have those in the Brownwood farmer's market on Saturdays but at $15 a jar much too expensive. And flavors they add to it while tasty just make the texture too goopy. At Fresh Market I bought almond and cashew butter freshly ground. The other brands sitting around in jars in other stores was just nasty. I always like to grind my own or have them already freshly ground and waiting a few days to be purchased.

As for Whole Foods I walked in there once a few years ago, looked at the prices and walked out. I will visit the Sprouts here once it's finished though.

Like another here said, everyone likes what they like. But I'll gladly check out some of the stores I haven't been to yet that were mentioned in the thread.

[xlhig]

I've been in Trader Joe's a handful of times. I never saw why people love them. To me, Fresh Market is far and above TJ's. Its like comparing Wegman's to Winn Dixie.

Wegmans is far superior to Winn Dixie and Publix. And their prices, for the most part, are lower that Publix. Just visited Rochester and went to Wegmans. They need to expand to Florida.

[NotGolfer]

Where we moved here "from"....there was a T.J., Aldi (NO "s" at the end) and I at that time didn't see the attraction. I tried TJ's but just didn't care for it. As others said---we ALL like what we like. In the midwest we had Woodman's---a very large store but well stocked. I've never lamented on not having one here!! Coming to a new area, one has to figure out where they want to get their provisions. Another OP mentioned Kroger Delivery. I prefer that lately due to the "high season" traffic and crowds. Otherwise do shop at Publix for some items and Aldi for others. Kroger Delivery is great---google them and decide for yourself. You can pick your time of day and they're fairly prompt. Will carry in the bags and even place them on your kitchen counter. I'm not familiar with Wegman's or Lidl. There is another store not mentioned here but used to be raved about quite often. One came to Milwaukee a few years ago and I checked it out when we were up there visiting. Wasn't impressed. So no loss that I can't recall it's name.

[Darield]

Rather than shop Publix, or Winn. Kroger’s delivery is worth every penny you save. Today asked for 2 green, 2 slightly yellow and 3 very ripe banana’s. All came perfect as ordered. Note in box for very ripe, enjoy ripe bananas on us. With a smiley face.
We're thinking of trying Kroger's. Thanks for letting me know that I can do that with our bananas. Really miss our King Soopers (Krogers) in Colorado. So much better than the choices we have here.

[Innserelli]

Thanks everyone for your responses. I guess I'll have to check out Fresh nd Sprouts.

What I am really looking for is easy and tasty quick meals, beyond the chicken and pizza offered in most stores. Trader Joes is a place we can occasionally shop in Virginia and we really like some of the Mexican and Asian prepared meals and side dishes that TJs offers. Anyway, I sure appreciate all the discussion and perspectives.

[Darield]

I used to like Trader Joes back when I lived in Vegas and was into juicing. They had some neat items but nothing that I've really missed since I stopped juicing and shopping there. Would love a place that sells fresh cold pressed juices because it got pretty messy doing my own and I'm just lazy to continue doing all that myself after a few years of it.

Recently discovered Fresh Market and after months of asking and searching found my nut butter fix! And at a very reasonable price. Okay so they have those in the Brownwood farmer's market on Saturdays but at $15 a jar much too expensive. And flavors they add to it while tasty just make the texture too goopy. At Fresh Market I bought almond and cashew butter freshly ground. The other brands sitting around in jars in other stores was just nasty. I always like to grind my own or have them already freshly ground and waiting a few days to be purchased.

As for Whole Foods I walked in there once a few years ago, looked at the prices and walked out. I will visit the Sprouts here once it's finished though.

Like another here said, everyone likes what they like. But I'll gladly check out some of the stores I haven't been to yet that were mentioned in the thread.
Our favorite for almond butter and raw pumpkin seeds is Earth Fare in Ocala. Such a shame that the Earth Fare here wasn't supported although the construction definitely worked against them.

[HospitalCoder]

I've been in Trader Joe's a handful of times. I never saw why people love them. To me, Fresh Market is far and above TJ's. Its like comparing Wegman's to Winn Dixie.

I know what you mean. The first time I went there I just didn’t get it. But then I bought several items in the frozen food aisle. Wow, amazing and unique meals can be found. So delicious I would order them in a restaurant. They also have cookies and candies that are fantastic. It’s not somewhere I personally would go for all my groceries but I wish it was closer for my frozen dinner fix.

[BrianL99]

Aldi’s is the brother of Trader Joe’s.

Trader Joe's is a subsidiary of ALDI's. Each has a different target market with TJ focused more on a younger demographic.

Aldi's is not a "brother" of Trader Joe's, nor is Trader Joe's it a subsidiary of Aldi's.

Are ALDI and Trader Joe's the same company? - Almost All ALDI (https://www.almostallaldi.com/are-aldi-and-trader-joes-the-same-company/)

[Carlsondm]

Rather than shop Publix, or Winn. Kroger’s delivery is worth every penny you save. Today asked for 2 green, 2 slightly yellow and 3 very ripe banana’s. All came perfect as ordered. Note in box for very ripe, enjoy ripe bananas on us. With a smiley face.
I agree, Krogers has good quality and listens to the customer. Great prices. Sort of between Publix and Fresh Market.

[Rodneysblue]

I've been in Trader Joe's a handful of times. I never saw why people love them. To me, Fresh Market is far and above TJ's. Its like comparing Wegman's to Winn Dixie.

Wegman’s, I love Wegman’s in Canandaigua. The Danny Wegman has a “Cottage” just down the road from us on the west side of the lake.

[OhioBuckeye]

I can’t think of anything but I had to pick something in TV, it would be Sam’s. Otherwise Nothing!

[ElDiabloJoe]

Aldi's is not a "brother" of Trader Joe's, nor is Trader Joe's it a subsidiary of Aldi's.

Are ALDI and Trader Joe's the same company? - Almost All ALDI (https://www.almostallaldi.com/are-aldi-and-trader-joes-the-same-company/)

^ This! The first Trader Joe's in which I ever shopped was near the original. I shopped in La Crescenta, which is immediately adjacent to the City of Pasadena (of Rose Bowl and Little Old Lady From fame) the home of the original small grocery store founded by Joe Coulombe back in 1967.

[Spike380]

We need a wegmans!!!

[Txcottage]

I lived in Heidelberg for 18 months where there were Aldi and Lidl stores everywhere. I refuse to shop in them again because everything just seemed to be a mishmosh of stuff with no organization. I WILL go to TJ for their amazing frozen chocolate croissants, chocolate chips, and cookies.

[Veiragirl]

Does anyone know if there is a store similar to Trader Joe's in our area?

Fresh Market 466A

[retiredguy123]

Fresh Market 466A
Fresh Market is on Rt 466, not Rt 466A

[Barborv]

I actually went to one of the mNagers when I was in Trader Joes in Long Island. I told him to tell corporate that a Trader Joes was needed in The Villages Fl. He said if enough people would email corporate, that would be a start. What I would REALLY like to see here in TV is a store like Ivaronnes or Uncle Guiseppe's . They both have the best ready-made appetizer section. Tons of choices. I would always buy grilled chicken and sides. THE BEST!! I tried to research if there was anything close to that type of store. Couldnt find anything close by. I went into Fresh market and the grilled
chicken was $5.99 a piece! I walked right out of there.

[Chi-Town]

Looking forward to Sprouts Farmers Market. And thankful for Fresh Market since moving here.

[EdFNJ]

I've been in Trader Joe's a handful of times. I never saw why people love them. To me, Fresh Market is far and above TJ's. Its like comparing Wegman's to Winn Dixie. Fesh Market is totally different from TJ's. 2 totally different types of places. FM barely has any frozen foods, TJ's is about 50%+ Comparing FM and WEG's you are 100% correct. Those can be compared (Wegs way above) but neither are the same kind of place as TJ's wrt items they sell. That's like comparing 7-11 to Publix.

Don't worry though, TJ's will never come here for the same reason Costco won't. Too many whiny old people. Look what happened to that market over on 441 by the Wine (not whine) place. Blame it on Covid or Construction or whatever but it had virtually nothing to sell.

We do the Costco, TJ's , Whole Foods run about every 6 weeks to Orlando . That's one of the big problems with The Villages, none of those "upscale" places would ever come here nor would any major retail chains. As many people that live here, it's just not their demographic. They SELL crabs but don't like dealing with them. They probably read these forums and RUN! :a20:

[BrianL99]

[QUOTE=
We do the Costco, TJ's , Whole Foods run about every 6 weeks to Orlando . That's one of the big problems with The Villages, none of those "upscale" places would ever come here nor would any major retail chains. As many people that live here, it's just not their demographic. They SELL crabs but don't like dealing with them. They probably read these forums and RUN! :a20:[/QUOTE]

TJ's is a upscale, major chain? I'll take some of whatever you're smokin'.

Most every major chain of every sort, is located within 15-20 minutes of The Villages. Driving to Orlando to do grocery shopping, certainly doesn't sound like a "upscale endeavor" to me.

[YeOldeCurmudgeon]

Sprouts is comparable to Trader Joe's. There's another western chain that I liked better though its inventory is not as big, Natural Grocers. Not sure why some don't like these markets that offer many organic as well as foods with few chemical additives. They may be more expensive but the brands they stock are better for your health. Whole Foods is great despite that now it's tainted by Bezos.

[waterflower]

Everyone one likes what they like. I have no desire to shop Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods. Also, I would take Publix or Winn Dixie over Wegmans any day, do not like Wegmans at all.

Wegsmans is part of the unfortunate underground/tunnels activity. Finger Lakes needs a deep dive
Shop local so you know exactly what is in your food.

[MidWestIA]

Trader Joe fans what are the things you get there most of the time - what is there best things?

[eiannace]

Aldi is not Trader Joe’s but is similar.

[Stu from NYC]

Trader Joe fans what are the things you get there most of the time - what is there best things?

Wine

[allsport]

Not even close. For some reason they have not expressed an interest in coming here.

Because they do not compete with Aldi's generally in small markets, the founders were brothers.

[CSaunders]

Does anyone know if there is a store similar to Trader Joe's in our area?

We had and Earthfare which was awesome, but it closed, there is an Earthfare in Ocala and I hope it stays open. All organic and great bakery

[OhioBuckeye]

Don’t know about TV but there’s places called “Jungle Jim”, they’re about exactly like Trader Joe’s.

[swooner]

Fresh Market, maybe?
You’ve got to be kidding

[photo1902]

You’ve got to be kidding

I doubt he's kidding. FM is hands-down better than TJ

[thelegges]

I doubt he's kidding. FM is hands-down better than TJ

Frozen isle, wine department, pet food, cosmetics, soaps, at Fresh market is a joke, compared to Trader Joe’s. But one really needs to shop both for years to compare price and quality. But one can buy a pie for $14 dollars at FM compared to TJ’s for $7

Will say not a fan of TJ’s donuts, and cupcakes due to gluten free. But they do make the best vanilla bean scones I have ever had.

[mikeycereal]

Our favorite for almond butter and raw pumpkin seeds is Earth Fare in Ocala. Such a shame that the Earth Fare here wasn't supported although the construction definitely worked against them.

Yes I got some from Earth Fare in Lady Lake before that closed. The almond one is pretty solid compared to Fresh Market which is a bit on the runny side. It's about $5 more though than Fresh Market. Either way though I'm happy I found them.

[Dusty_Star]

I found the spot in the Trader Joe's website where they still allow you to request a store in your home town. I just submitted a request for them to consider The Villages. I also told them that The Villages is constantly growing & has many residents who used to shop at Trader Joe's near their previous home & would like to continue to shop there in The Villages.

[Whitley]

Does anyone know if there is a store similar to Trader Joe's in our area?

How is a new thread started. I do not see anywhere on the screen to do this.

[retiredguy123]

How is a new thread started. I do not see anywhere on the screen to do this.
Click on "forum" then "all forums home". Scroll down until you see the forum topic you want to use and click on it. Click on "post new thread".

[Whitley]

Click on "forum" then "all forums home". Scroll down until you see the forum topic you want to use and click on it. Click on "post new thread".

Thank you very much. I would not have been able to figure that out. Thank You.

[Garywt]

Aldi is not Trader Joe’s but is similar.

I don’t see how they are similar. Trader Joe’s is high end stuff that I don’t eat and ALDIs is cheap brands Tharp no one has ever heard of. Not sure how you can compare the 2.

[DONS999]

Just went to TJs in Tampa last Sunday and it took almost 45 minutes in a line just to get into the parking lot. That is how popular TJs is in Tampa.
Wine and Frozen food sections are great

[Pairadocs]

There's a TJs in Orlando & in Gainesville. I wish they would open one closer. I also think they have removed the page that used to allow you to suggest new locations for them to look at.

Never understood the "T.J's thing" UNTIL I started shopping there regularly and really got familiar with their products and brands. That's when I finally understood our adult children's loyalty to the store. Similar to what others do concerning making a trip to Gainesville a fun mini vacation, lunch at a fav, trip to whole foods, etc. we do the same only to Winter Park, a place we enjoy. Usually nice brunch at Another Broken Egg, stops at T.J.'s, W. Foods, and several other of our favs. Makes a nice day, good to get out of the V's for awhile !

[EdFNJ]

TJ's is a upscale, major chain? I'll take some of whatever you're smokin'.

Most every major chain of every sort, is located within 15-20 minutes of The Villages. Driving to Orlando to do grocery shopping, certainly doesn't sound like a "upscale endeavor" to me.
15-20 minutes ??? LMAO. 15-20 minutes out of The Villages gets you cows and broken down stores and maybe into lovely downtown Leesburg. Can barely get to Walmart in Leesburg in 15-20 minutes or even in the Villages for that matter. Lotsa car dealers though.

As for Orlando. Never JUST for food shopping. Always for a full day of all kinds of shopping and sometimes entertainment. Never said it was UPSCALE (but a lot of it is) but don't see any major BUSINESSES (other than car dealers, broken down bars "within 15 20 minutes of here. " It takes 15-20 minutes just to get from 466A to 441 to enjoy fine dining at Chick-Fil-A or Chicken Salad Chick! !!!! I think your sense of time is off a bit. ;)

Let's see: Orlando. Every major retail store and/or restaurant you can find none of which is even close to 15-20 minutes. Multiple outlet malls, restaurant row. Even been there? Every major fine restaurant you can name. Multiple major theme parks. Multiple Costco's :D. Multiple TJ's. :D List some of those "every major chains" 15-20 minutes? Even downtown Ocala is about 45 minutes and even they don't have much.


Well, if you consider lots of Fast Food restaurants, Beef O' Bradys, Beals, and 20 local restaurants all owned by the same folks "major chains" then maybe you're right and even most of them aren't 15-20 minutes from here and I am about 1 mile north of 466A.

[cdzizzy]

Agree with drive to Gainesville UNLESS you also need a Costco fix -- then about the same distance will get you to Costco, TJ's and Whole Foods. I've always referred to Whole Foods as "Whole Paycheck" and believe they are quite pricey. Fresh Market is great if you get their emails and know what to shop for/when (on sale). LOVE Sprouts, but really only bought bakery, deli, dairy and produce -- they won't have all the brand names you'll find at Publix. Sprouts is often the lowest price for produce -- except maybe Aldi, but that store gives me the creeps.

[cdzizzy]

meant to say same distance south (Winter Park area...).