I used to shop TJ’s back in the 80s and 90s. They had great deals back then, because they bought a lot of closeouts, off brands, and failed products. I used to buy great small batch booze for under $5 a bottle. Now their mostly house brands, and not really much cheaper than elsewhere. IMHO they are victims of their own success. Back when they had 20 stores and they bought say 100 cases of something, they could ship 5 cases to each store. Inventory changed but there were great deals. Now if they buy small batches it isn’t even worth stocking. So they rely on having people produce stuff under their name, and their costs are the same as other peoples.
Can you bring your own carts and carryout bags?
Well said. I think you have clearly described TJs problem from too much success. Now we need to find someone smaller who is running with Trader Joe’s old model.