Trader Joe's has a unique business model and one key aspect of that is keeping stores small--including the parking lot. That means costs are lower for the company, and it is able to locate in dense urban areas where it knows it will have a reliable customer base. The people behind this company aren't dumb; they're pretty brilliant. They're created a truly unusual grocery store experience and built quite a bit of hype around it.

I'll be straight with you guys: I love Trader Joe's. But the truth is, so do lots of people. That's precisely why its parking lots are crowded (and why there are so many folks on the internet complaining about them, I suppose). I'm guessing most of the complainers didn't turn around and leave the store when they found the parking lot full. Rather, they waited a minute or two, saw an open spot and took it. What's a better use of time and money? A lot big enough that it could hypothetically fit the most people that would ever want to come there? Or a lot that is full more often than not, where space is maximized and customers might have to wait a couple minutes for their turn? What benefits the business and the community more?

I'd choose a small Trader Joe's lot any day over the 100+ spots available at my local Roundy's. And to all the haters: If you don't like the parking lot, try riding your bike or walking to the store instead.

(Top photo by Anthony92931)