[EdFNJ]

Originally Posted by photo1902

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!

[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! [/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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by MidWestIA

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

Wine

[allsport]

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC

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]

Originally Posted by Innserelli

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]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

Fresh Market, maybe?

You’ve got to be kidding

[photo1902]

Originally Posted by swooner

You’ve got to be kidding

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

[thelegges]

Originally Posted by photo1902

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]

Originally Posted by Darield

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.