Why It Pays To Shop At Different Trader Joe's Locations

Trader Joe's is truly a magical place where shoppers can find some of the best (or worst) TJ's snacks, seasonal items, and everyday deals. And part of the allure of this delightful grocery chain is that each store offers something unique to its location. With over 600 Trader Joe's locations in more than 450 cities — and counting — the company leans into the benefits of stocking its shelves based on local favorites. Trader Joe's aims to source items locally especially when it comes to freshly prepared foods. This includes everything from bakery and deli finds, to dairy and juice products — and no two stores are exactly alike.

The difference in location can mean changes in recipes for ready-made meals, as well as overall cost for shoppers, since not all regions are the same when it comes to taxes, distribution costs, and state laws. For example, many Trader Joe's locations sell spirits — often changing up the stock to sell seasonal varieties that match a particular time of year. However, Trader Joe's also operates in seventeen control states and jurisdictions, which means those state laws regulate alcohol sales. These Trader Joe's locations will often only have beer or wine available (which can also feature unique seasonal options), but if you live in a control state, a trip to a Trader Joe's outside the area may feel like a brand new experience.

Another reason it pays to shop at different Trader Joe's locations is one that maybe wasn't an intentional decision by the company. Trader Joe's not only originated reusable grocery bags in the 1970s, but the store also created a perfect multi-use grocery bag that quickly became an internet sensation. The popularity of some Trader Joe's grocery bags and totes rocketed the cost from only a few dollars, to resellers charging upwards of $1,000 for Trader Joe's mini totes online. This left some people stuck hunting the bag down at multiple Trader Joe's locations. While some shoppers were lucky enough to find one at their local store, others store-hopped to get their hands on even more bags after scooping up the limited amount that could be purchased at one store.

Even if hunting down popular tote bags isn't your thing, Trader Joe's provides each state with its own unique reusable bag that features art depicting popular landmarks and the most famous history of the area. Stopping by a grocery store may not always be on your road trip itinerary, but between the local foods you may find — like the Oregon Growers products available in Oregon stores — and the unique reusable shopping bags (Stay sustainable, but make it a souvenir), it's absolutely worth it to experience as many Trader Joe's locations as you can.