Trader Joe’s Store on La Brea and Third
Trader Joe’s on the corner of La Brea and Third is my absolutely favorite place to buy groceries. The food is awesome, the prices are low, the place is clean, and the service is exemplary!
Kudos to whoever’s in charge of recruiting the front-line people. There’s a certain type of personality you have to hire for customer service and then train; and for the most part, they pick the right ones.
In the years I’ve been going here, I’ve had very few less than outstanding experiences. There was this one gruff, shouting cashier who seemed to have been from a prison-release program; haven’t seen her lately. There were maybe two who yak-yakked personal stuff with the other cashiers while scanning my items as though they were at Ralph’s; haven’t seen them since.
Most are like Nina this morning, who was friendly and showed no displeasure when I indicated a preference as to how I wanted my groceries bagged. I also saw her with the old lady before me, who would have elicited frustrated sighs at a regular supermarket, but the girl just smilingly tended to her.
Plus, I’ve never been asked for my ID when I pay for a credit card even if the total is more than $30. That is in stark contrast to how even a $5 purchase at Whole Foods would subject me to an ID check.
The atmosphere at Trader Joe’s is easygoing and makes you feel like shopping there.
And how about the products they sell? Awesome. Shopping at Trader Joe’s is like an adventure. I try to get a hard copy of their Fearless Flyer or look at the pdf they post online to see what new, fun stuff they have. But even when I don’t have time to prep, I always find something I want to try just by scanning the shelves. Like today, it was candied ginger!
The prepared foods are great too — from salads and tofu spring rolls to sushi and tamales.
What amazes me is how they can be so good, and still be priced low. Must be highly skilled negotiating with suppliers. For example, a dozen of their store-brand organic eggs costs me just $2.79. That’s the cheapest I’ve found organic eggs anywhere! (Most places sell a half dozen at $2.99 or $2.49.)
I’ve heard people complain about parking, and it’s true the place can get crowded even before lunch, but it’s so worth it!
Neighborhood: Mid-City West. Phone Number: (323) 965-1989
Address: 263 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Trading Hours: Mon-Sun, 9am – 9pm. Alcohol: Beer Wine Spirits
* New photos taken in 2018-2019
