If you live near a Trader Joe's and follow most of what we do here at BalanceofFood.com, you probably appreciate that you live near one and feel bad for those who don't.
Those who live in Vancouver, BC in Canada don't live near a Trader Joe's because the company is not in Canada, though they can cross the border and go about 60 minutes each way to shop at the Bellingham, WA location. Or they can pay a little more and go to Pirate Joe's.
Pirate Joe's on West 4th Avenue in Vancouver with Trader Joe's items purchased from Trader Joe's.
Of course, you will pay a price. For example, a pound of Trader Joe's whole wheat spaghetti costs me $1.39 while he charges $2.99. Food in Vancouver, like the rest of Canada, is more expensive than in the States, so $2.99 doesn't sound that bad.
If you find yourself around 4th and Vine in Vancouver, you are close to the Pirate Joe's store, a Whole Foods, and a Safeway. Most Americans can't get that good a one-stop shopping experience.
No driving across the border and waiting at the Peace Bridge. No spent gas and lost time. Just go to his store and pay.
As you might imagine, Trader Joe's isn't happy with Michael Hallat, creator of Pirate Joe's, and has filed a lawsuit. Barry, who works at the store, argues that no one would think Trader Joe's is connected with his store, and to be fair, the sign out front does spell that out.
The store features only Trader Joe's products as opposed to other brand names the store carries. The location is filled with mostly dry goods; some products would be more difficult to get across the border.
Though Vancouverites can shop in Bellingham, Barry said the Bellingham store banned them from shopping there. (I didn't ask where they shopped.)
Ideally for Canadians, Trader Joe's will go into Vancouver and Toronto, if not more Canadian cities. On behalf of those tuning in from our sister blog, CanadianCrossing.com, Canadians deserve a shot at these products. So let's make a trade: more Trader Joe's for Canadians and more Tim Hortons for the United States.
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