Artificial Cheese

Sure, they’re both considered “grocery stores”, but those of you who’ve been to a branch of both establishments know that they are different enough to justify avoiding comparison. Although I’ve been to both stores in the past, parts of the Get-Along Gang had a chance to visit each one on consecutive days.

Trader Joe’s on Saturday. I usually go to the Market St. location in Philadelphia, but this time I was lucky enough to be taken to the Media, Pennsylvania location. Regardless of location, the store managed to carry the same atmosphere. Trader Joe’s has chosen to fill the mold of the small neighborhood grocery store where you find all of those great little items that you wouldn’t find anywhere else. This particular location had live music (no vocals), sub-standard parking and the usual low prices that is common amongst all locations. My favorite purchase here was the Trader Joe’s Reduced Fat Cheese Puffs that are covered with, you guessed it, Artificial Cheese.

Wegmans on Sunday. This was a totally different beast; the grand opening of the Warrington, Pennsylvania. My sister, Blogwhore, has been looking forward to this day for quite some time. Upon entering the store we were swept away in a sea of people, getting glances of things we would consider buying hadn’t there been a legion of shoppers foaming at the mouth with the promise of free ‘grand-opening’ butter. Wegmans is geared towards two types of consumers. First, the kitchen commando, those versatile culinary crusaders who need every ingredient under the sun in order to make even a piece of toast. The second, those who don’t know a bread knife from a can opener and need anything and everything pre-made and placed in a plastic container for future consumption. This effectively leaves out those casual shoppers looking for milk and eggs. My most fantastic purchase was a tie between the Goya Apple Soda and Light Vegetable Cream Cheese made fresh behind a counter.

If there is one thing that pulls these stores into the same arena, its the selection of organic foods. I don’t even know what organic means anymore, but I’ll buy it. I’m not going to say which store is better, because that question cannot be answered. So lets break it up into categories.

• Store Layout - Although I felt like a bull in a stampede going though the store, it was obvious that the planning at Wegmans was careful and thorough. They know that their customers won’t put up with walking to the back for the milk, so its right up front. The store was very intuitive and items were generally found where one would expect them to be placed. Trader Joe’s has a bit of a eccentric store layout, which is consistent with it’s image, but not very amiable when you’re in a hurry. You definately end up buying a ton of stuff while looking for what you actually need at Trader Joe’s. Advantage: Wegmans.
• Variety - Both stores pride themselves on carrying what no one else will stock. Trader Joe’s will have that soft drink that you had once in Sweden 15 years ago, but Wegmans will have that same soft drink in 20 different flavors, as well as a regional expert to tell you about the historial significance of the drink. Advantage: Wegmans.
• Atmosphere - So far, you may be wondering why I would even suggest going to Trader Joe’s if Wegmans is so great. Atmosphere really sets these two stores apart. Live music, chatty employees, and a sense of humor will always put Trader Joe’s on my list of favorite stores. Advantage: Trader Joe’s.
• Price - This is a tough one, both stores are surprisingly cheap for the amount of variety they offer. I won’t be able to name a winner here.

So there you have it. I would recommend that you visit either of these stores if you have the opportunity. They both have distinct purposes when it comes to grocery shopping. If you have a shopping list to entertain, I would suggest Wegmans, but if you are looking for listless casual shopping with no real necessities, Trader Joe’s is the place to go.