Trader Joe's -- the saga continues
Shh. Don't tell anyone.
What do Trader Joe's and the National Security Agency have in common? On the surface not much, but try asking them a few questions. With all the buzz about getting Trader Joe's to come to A-Town, we thought we'd just give them a call and ask, once and for all: are they coming or not?
The answer: not. At least not right now. "Albany is not part of our two year plan," said Trader Joe's national publicity director Alison Mochizucki. And that's about all she said.
"Why not Albany?" we asked.
"We really don't disclose information on real estate matters, it's just not part of our two year plan."
"How often do you re-evaluate that plan?" we asked.
"We don't comment on real estate matters."
"Where are you opening stores?" we followed up.
"Those are real estate matters. I'm sorry but we can't comment on them."
"We know that in New York State, supermarkets can't sell wine and liquor, does that affect your decision?
"We really can't comment on that."
But... wait... how about...
Sorry...we can't... no...
It was very strange in a Dick Cheney "this is all you need to know" sort of way.
So there you have it folks, Trader Joe's, the NSA of supermarkets. We'll try them again in two years.
photo: Flickr user Allan Ferguson, used under a CC license
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Comments
I doubt not being able to sell liquor has anything to do with their decision. I've been to 2 different Trader Joes in NJ, and one of them sold wine and one didn't.
... said Marc on Apr 10, 2008 at 2:10 PM | link
What about Troy?
... said Carrie on Apr 10, 2008 at 2:20 PM | link
*sigh* I may cry.
Curse you Price Chopper!
Note: I understand this is not necessarily their fault, however, sometimes a girl just needs a scapegoat.
... said charley on Apr 10, 2008 at 2:48 PM | link
Dear AOA,
Trader Joe's' national publicity director Alison Mochizucki was doing her job very well. I'm sure she gets asked these questions all the time.
I have very good reason to believe that Trader Joe's is in fact taking us seriously, that we're on their radar, that we're on their "list" (one member reported to me having heard hearing that we're "next" on their list--but that paints perhaps too optimistic a scenerio). As I've told the members of my group, Trader Joe's isn't coming here tomorrow, but as for the day-after-tomorrow, I think we have some influence. Now, I say "full steam ahead with our campaign!"
Bruce Roter, President
We Want Trader Joe's in the Capital District
www.wwtj.org
broter2@verizon.net
... said Bruce Roter on Apr 10, 2008 at 4:26 PM | link
Hi Bruce,
You're absolutely right, Alison was just doing her job.
I should add that she was very pleasant and almost apologetic about
not being able to answer most of our questions. We too would like to see
Trader Joe's in the Capital Region, but we have to say that the company's
secretive policy seemed a little strange to us.
... said Mary on Apr 11, 2008 at 12:07 AM | link
Thanks for placing those tough phone calls, All Over Albany!
Kathleen Lisson
... said Kathleen Lisson on Apr 11, 2008 at 11:04 AM | link