Remember watching the opening of the Berlin Wall on TV in 1989?
Thousands of East Germans crushing their way through the newly opened border into West Berlin. But where were most of them really heading to on their first visit to freedom?
The supermarkets and department stores, that’s where!
That’s where everything they didn’t have in the East was available for the asking on fully-stocked shelves.
Fast forward to this week’s hot July weekend in Kansas City and Friday’s grand opening of not just one, but two TRADER JOE’S grocery stores—the upscale sister business of German owned ALDI stores.
A grand opening without any advertising no less!
(Note: TJ’s takes all credit cards. Aldi doesn’t take any. And the second TJ location is at 119th and Roe in Leawood.)
Barricades at Ward Parkway Center, security officers, long lines, humanity in mass. You’d think these people had never been to a modern supermarket. Or God forbid, a WHOLE FOODS.
As I was driving past the new Trader Joe’s off State Line Friday morning, I swore to stay away from the place for at least a month before checking it out. But curiosity got the best of me Sunday afternoon and off to Ward Parkway Center it was.
Trying to find a parking spot anywhere close was a major challenge. But I lucked out with a spot on the far north side of Target’s parking area.
What did I find inside the new store?
Massive crowds, many semi-empty shelves that couldn’t be restocked fast enough and some pretty tasty looking goodies. Pricing at first glance seemed to be good to average. A six pack of Beck’s beer $6.99, while a gallon of milk sold for $2.99—good prices.
Did I stock up?
No way! Eight checkout lanes. Each with lines at least 20 shoppers deep.
Will I go back? Sure, why not—when things have settled down a bit that is. Until then, it’s HyVee, Price Chopper—and dare I suggest–Whole Foods for me.
Hoosier Daddy!
It’s nice to have TJ’s in KC but people are gettin’ a little too excited.
Stopped at Ward Parkway store last night at 8:45, (they close at 9:00), and it was still assholes to elbows…with a fair amount of commando sundress action…
Might not be a bad place for MILF Hunters. Remember, people are sensual and vegetables are sensuous.
Most shelves were picked Katy Horner Superstorm clean.
Can’t wait to see what happens if we ever get an IKEA or Portillo’s here.
GOT Joe’s O’s
lol @ 119th and Roe nestled in with the Apple Store and Sullivans…major coup or deal with the devil?
Great marketing for sure…kind of a treasure hunt of all kinds of weird foreign products.
Still its good for consumers– will always be able to find a few nice items in there.
Hey Harley …I saw they are carrying Kosher Organic Chickens….#WINNING
Aldi’s
They take debit cards and will give you $200 cash back.
food stamps welcome
I too couldn’t wait and tried the place at Ward Parkway on Sunday. What I found amazing was that they not only take credit and debit cards but also food stamps. Ironically the makeup of the shoppers consisted primarily of lilly white Johnson County types. I didn’t see any potential food stampers in the crowd.