Trader Joe's

Trader Joe's started out as a California chain and thank goodness they saw the wisdom in expanding. They offer all kinds of unsual and gourmet foods at regular food prices, sometimes lower. PLUS they have samples out all the time and you should always try these because it'll open your eyes to things you wouldn't have bought before (at least it works that way with me). They don't have a huge produce department but they make up for that in other ways, like the big selection of ready made deli salads and things in the fridge section---great place to pick up lunch. Their checkout is very efficient and the employees all wear Hawaiian shirts and are very helpful and friendly. Just a great place to buy food, period. more

Last summer I was pregnant. And I always looked at some organic products like organic milk and fruits. If my friends didn't told me there is a nice store in Towson town center sold the organic products, I would never know the Trade Joe's. I can buy many organic foods with cheapest price. I can buy some unsalted pistachios and cashews. I really love them. more

Trader Joe's has a lot of really great food at reasonable prices and much of it can't be had anywhere else. Their service is fast and friendly and personal, plus they often give samples at the checkout of some tasty treat or another. There are usually samples of something delish in the back, too---don't pass them by because it will probably be your next favorite must-have food! My only complaint is that the packaging on a lot of the frozen foods makes it hard to tell what the foods are, or makes them look too much alike, or something. I find that it helps a lot to read their extensive flyer that comes in the mail so that I know what to look for when I get there. more

What an amazing grocery store. If you haven't been to Trader Joe's, your first thought might be "organic foods? must be expensive". So far from the truth! Trader Joe's has a fantastic selection at amazing prices. Even if you just purchase healthy snacks for your children, you will save a ton in comparison to local stores (Target, Giant, etc.) and you'll be feeding them MUCH healthier food that tastes great. Keep your eyes open for the Trader Joe's circular. It comes in your mailbox and gives great descriptions of some of the items available for purchase. more

Trader Joe's is such a fun food shopping experience, that if they were nearer, I might go everyday! As soon as you walk in you are greeted by bright colors and tempting treats. Actually , the first thing you see are beautiful flowers -- exotic and standard -- at great prices. If you can pass those up you might make it to your shopping cart without parting with money- good luck though ! next comes the coffee and the daily sample. I'm a coffee fiend so i spend some time in this area, sometimes I'm there so long that the friendly worker (dressed in floral shirt!) urges me to have another food sample. Sweet! I always stop and pick up some dairy- they have great prices. I also typically get something frozen (that reminds me, I currently have some creme filled strawberries in my freezer). Prices for edamame in the shell can't be beat, we always pick that up. Other tofu/soy products are also good here. Nuts, cheese, salsa, etc also great. Pretty much anything snacky is good, and the prices are very reasonable. The reason its' GOOD that there isn't a Trader Joe's near my house is because I'd never buy actual "food." It's more a snack place. Well, i do get their pasta and beans, but their meat and produce is expensive... So you might want to go somewhere "typical" for that stuff. more

Trader Joe's is probably the best "Unique" grocery store I've visited--they have a great assortment of frozen ready-to-heat meals, cheeses, vegetables, baked goods, cereals, and more. Their employees are always very cheery and helpful--maybe it's the Hawaiian shirts they all wear to work every day. Also, at the registers, they frequently offer free samples of their tasty cookies and treats to entice you to buy more! more