All Over Albany

Don't these nitwits understand that luring TJ's and Whole Foods to the Albany Area will destroy Honest Weight (one of the finest co ops I have seen anywhere...period)? But, big business is good business, right?

... said dbn on Jul 21, 2008 at 3:07 PM | link

This is some good news! While on a trip this past weekend to Long Island, we stopped by Trader Joe's to get some things (and fill some orders from friends). We decided to buy one of their canvas Trader Joe's bags because we liked them. Of course, if it helps spread the word about Trader Joe's and does something to help bring a TJ to this area, it'll be worth it.

BTW, am I the only one who thinks that the old Barnes & Noble store on Wolf Road would make for a nice Trader Joe's? Parking might be an issue, but it is a nice, big building. Either that, or the nearby Linen N Things shop a few stores down from Target.

... said Jason on Jul 21, 2008 at 3:13 PM | link

lol.... Next time, maybe I'll read the article before commenting. Bruce himself mentions the Wolf Road Barns and Noble location as a possibility. At the very least, I guess that means I'm not alone in thinking that would be a good spot.

... said Jason on Jul 21, 2008 at 3:21 PM | link

I don't think that Trader Joe's would destroy Honest Weight. I've been to both and they have some crossover of items, but then again so does Honest Weight and Price Chopper or Honest Weight and Hannaford. I think it would draw more shoppers from Price Chopper's and Hannaford's organic aisles than it would draw from Honest Weight Food Coop.

... said Jason on Jul 21, 2008 at 4:33 PM | link

I'm as stoked as the next food-obsessed jackass over the idea of TJ's making it to the Capital District, but every time these folks comes up in the media, I mentally read it as Trader Vic's and get all psyched for a kicking Mai Tai.

... said Sandor on Jul 21, 2008 at 5:01 PM | link

These Trader Joe groupies would be amazing if they organized around some community problem or issue that really matters. As it is, I can't imagine a more tiresome group of people with their mono-obsession. Their get-togethers (trips, picnic) must be a ball.

... said chrisck on Jul 21, 2008 at 5:09 PM | link

Chrisck - I agree - it smells like a grocery store obsession to me... maybe

... said Barold on Jul 21, 2008 at 9:32 PM | link

Not to slag on Trader Joe's, but once people realize that you can't buy wine or liquor there (one of the strongest draws to TJ's in other states), and that you'll need to stop at a Hannaford or Chopper anyway to pick up the stuff that TJ's eithger doesn't carry or prices way too high (yes, Trader Joe's has crazy high prices on some products), thy'll decide it's not worth it and continue to shop at Hannaford and Chopper.

Honest Weight has better products and serves a slightly different niche (this isn't Whole Foods we're talking about here), I don't see them losing any customers apart from those who shop at Honest Weight just so they can say they shop at Honest Weight. On second thought, that might be a huge demographic.

... said B on Jul 22, 2008 at 11:38 AM | link

Thank you, chrick and Barold. This guys really annoys me and I couldn't quite put my finger on why.

... said Julia Thorne on Jul 22, 2008 at 12:03 PM | link

I find this whole campaign sort of creepy, too. What is the draw of Trader Joe's? Do they only sell fair trade and organic items? Do they sell local produce? What makes them sooooo freakin' fantastic? Please, someone tell me. I'm not being rhetorical. I'm getting sick of the yippies already. Go to a farmer's market!

... said Katherine on Jul 22, 2008 at 1:03 PM | link

Why Sandor - how about a mai tai at the store opening? :D

Of course, it would put me in closer proximity to those addictive pistachio coated toffees...

... said Albany Jane on Jul 22, 2008 at 2:28 PM | link

Nuts to Trader Joe's. Literally and figuratively.

... said Rob on Jul 22, 2008 at 3:50 PM | link

My favorite line in the story: "all of whom thrill at the thought of a local chain store."

A thought about Honest Weight- that joint has quite the devoted clientele. Seems to me sales may slip but a T.J.'s would hardly knock them out of business.

... said Elizabeth on Jul 22, 2008 at 3:54 PM | link

How about a little effort toward urging folks to buy local food...where does Trader Joes food come from? I bet it ain't local.

... said Barold on Jul 22, 2008 at 8:38 PM | link

As far as I can tell, people like their upscale processed food products.

... said julia thorne on Jul 22, 2008 at 8:47 PM | link

If sales at the Honest Weight Food Coop slip even a little, it'll be in trouble. The business plan for the move to the new (bigger) store in 2010 is predicated on MORE sales to afford the greater expense--mortgage, renovatons, more staff, bigger parking lot etc. So, yes, it's possible a Trader Joe's or Whole Foods could hurt this LOCAL enterprise. The majority of coop sales are not from coop members, but the public at large. Right now there are suburbanites who frequent the coop for cheese, specialty foods, and organic produce, but if they were to shop at Trader Joe's or a Whole Foods instead it would be a loss to the coop. It's a fantasy to imagine this area can support numerous stores of this type in this economy. Competition and the free market doesn't always make everybody better--sometimes it just allows the chains to wipe out the local business.

... said chrisck on Jul 22, 2008 at 9:11 PM | link

Out of curiosity I stopped by Trader Joes when I was in Danbury today. I don't understand why we need one. I saw lots and lots of prepared food (from california) and little local stuff. So trader joe's wouldn't help us eat locally or even better. We're better off buying a share from a CSA. and shopping at Honest Weight.

... said michele on Jul 22, 2008 at 11:04 PM | link

Chrisck, great points!

... said RuralVegan on Jul 23, 2008 at 12:25 AM | link

Personally I'd rather see an Ikea, we have plenty of good food choices already but no real options for inexpensive furniture or housewares.

... said Tim on Jul 23, 2008 at 7:25 AM | link

buy.buy.buy.more.more.more.stuff.stuff.stuff.

sign me up with Barold, chrisck, Julia et al. This Bruce guy's omnipresent shilling to bring a *grocery* store to Albany is really starting to work my last nerve. And now he's enlisted his daughter? We have many excellent (and year 'round) farmer's markets, a diverse coop, stocked-to-the-hilt grocery stores (and let's face it, both PC and Hfrd have their pluses) not to mention umm...we live in New York state (ie. no alcohol allowed in grocery stores). Please, Bruce, with all due respect...give it up.

... said Rebecca on Jul 23, 2008 at 8:29 AM | link

It sounds as though there might be a growing movement to STOP Trader Joes!! Who is this Joe guy anyway, and why does he want to trade things?

... said Barold on Jul 23, 2008 at 8:38 AM | link

Far be it for this capitalist to poo-poo competition, but... when is enough enough?

First we have the Honest Weight Coop. I don't shop there for reasons I won't get into here, but when I did shop there, I found it to be a rather pleasant experience that offered local produce and good organic options. Then we have multiple farmers markets, no many in fact that they schedule them during the week now. Then we have Price Chopper, Hannaford and even Wal-mart. Yes, even Wal-mart has novelty foods from time to time! Not to mention the fact that Albany and the greater Capital District supports local and chain bakeries en mass, delis and other such gourmet food places...

It comes to a point where a community, such as ours, has too many options! Competition sets in and while I think its a good idea, I'm dubious that Trader Joes would even survive.

Trader Joes offers some good stuff, I'll admit that, but I've been to the one in Danbury and I doubt I could do my weekly shopping there. I can do my weekly shopping at the coop, PC or Hannafords. With the price of gas astronomical, I can't afford to drive from store to store, picking up produce here and tofu there. TJ's will have a food first months, sales will sag... and we'll have another empty building.

... said EllieB on Jul 23, 2008 at 10:04 AM | link

I stopped at the TJ's in Philly to see what all the fuss was and I was completely underwhelmed, although I did like the employee "uniforms" (Hawaiian shirts.) The produce section was pretty lame too.

Also, one key point that many people forget when complaining about the HWFC is that it's first and foremost a co-op, as in cooperative. The intention is for people to become member workers and become sort of a part of running the business, with the incentive/point being that members get a discount on prices. So you can't entirely compare it to a "regular" store, because it's intent and purpose is a bit different. I do agree that prices are often high though. For produce during the summer, you're really better off checking out farmer's markets.

... said maddiecakes on Jul 23, 2008 at 10:28 AM | link

I think Trader Joe's is great... fabulous, actually. Each time I am in a city that has one, I make it a point to stop in. HOWEVER, I do agree with chrisck's comment that maybe Professor Roter's energies would be better channeled by focusing on larger problems that affect social welfare. I would love to have the time to devote to lobbying on behalf of a charity or cause, but I feel as though there aren't enough hours in the day. While I applaud Professor Roter's devotion and persistence, it seems that he spends a lot of time fighting a battle that he has little chance of winning. Why not embark on a campaign to support a non-profit or volunteer for a social cause? I am not suggesting that he should abandon TJ's, but maybe put a portion of that time and energy to a more socially-conscious and deeper use.

Finally, if given a choice of any supermarket that I would love to have locally, it would be WEGMAN'S... hands down! When I moved here, I would lament daily the lack of Wegman's in the Capital Region.

The next time you're passing by one, try it -- you won't be sorry (until you return to Albany, that is).

... said Sara on Jul 23, 2008 at 11:22 AM | link

It must be nice to reach a level of self-satisfaction that allows one to make suggestions about how other people should spend their time...do any of you go to the golf course on weekends to suggest to the customers that they'd be better off working at the soup kitchen or taking disadvantaged kids camping?

... said Elizabeth on Jul 23, 2008 at 5:45 PM | link

Elizabeth, they made valid points, and it is perfectly justifiable to question the ways in which someone spends their time. The era of "I can do whatever I want" is coming to an end; there's a big world out there, with a lot of problems. Coasting through it in search of self-servicing pleasures is certainly one's choice, but we also have the choice to call someone out on it. Its not an issue of "self-satisfacton" - its an issue of trying to get others to realize their impacts and to act in ways that are best for all of us - themselves, you, me and everyone.

... said RuralVegan on Jul 23, 2008 at 6:34 PM | link

Thanks to everyone taking part in this and all of the discussions here on AOA. We're glad to have so many insightful, funny and intelligent comments and such lively debate. Everyone's opinions are welcome. Just one quick reminder--It's easy to forget that there are well intentioned members of the community at the other end of every comment, especially when we're passionate about the subject matter. The discussion is always better when everyone is treated with kindness and respect. Now who wants to share a Coke?

... said Mary on Jul 23, 2008 at 7:27 PM | link

Rural Vegan - I like the way you think. Personally, I'd like to see folks getting on the energy self-sufficiency band wagon that may in fact begin with buying locally.

... said Barold on Jul 24, 2008 at 9:00 AM | link

Oy! All this debate over a chain store has me worn-out. I think it's time for a pick-me-up. Sandor's mention of "Trader Vic's" gave me an idea. I think I'll head over to Capital Wine & Liquor (State & Lark) later today and pick up some Trader Vic's Rum and make some of those aforementioned "kicking Mai Tais." Anyone care to join me?

... said Thirsty? on Jul 24, 2008 at 10:33 AM | link

I'm with ya, Thirsty. It's 5:00pm somewhere, right?

... said kerosena on Jul 24, 2008 at 11:18 AM | link

Then it's settled!

Thirsty gets the rum.
Kerosena brings the coconuts.
Albany Jane hollows out a few pineapples.
I'll supply the little paper umbrellas and the perfect hair.

... said Sandor on Jul 24, 2008 at 12:12 PM | link

Wow, how sad. Why are so many residents so opposed to change? I'm from the "left" coast and so maybe I'm just a little more open minded, but really people, can't we all get along? Wanting more food shopping options does not make one evil nor does it seek to destroy the "little guy". Obama talks about "change" and everyone cheers. Give Bruce a break; at least he's passionate about something. And guess what? If Bruce's campaigne is successful, you don't have to shop there because you have freedom of choice. That's what's made America great.

... said Karen on Aug 14, 2008 at 4:08 PM | link

My daughter just called me from Madison, WI. She was appalled that the milk she purchased there was from California. Seems their rhetoric about buying locally, is a crock. Why bring milk to the dairy state? I say fight to keep them out. Chains are ruining this country.

... said Ron on Nov 19, 2008 at 10:03 PM | link

TJ's Sucks... They sell products and them drop them and claw into vendors to manufacture products for them and destroy the original brand. TJ's is no different from Walmart.. just an acceptable healthy food version. Their tactics are the same. It's all a big mask. They are owned by a big German Company.. part of the Aldi family of companies. Albrecht brothers. When the hype is gone.. then what.. we are stuck with all these stores in the entire country??? get a life... stop supporting companies that ship US money oversees and destroy local companies... lemmings we will go.

... said DEZZ on Oct 20, 2009 at 7:20 PM | link