Tulsa Trader Joe's Set To Launch Friday

Tuesday, February 23rd 2016, 3:47 pm

By: Dee Duren

It’s a moment many Tulsa foodies have been waiting for. The Brookside Trader Joe’s is set to open its doors at 8 a.m. Friday.

Store manager - known as captain - Liz Hancock says it’s a moment employees have been anticipating as well. They initially hoped to open the grocery store before Christmas. The record rainfalls of last year pushed back the opening date, but not the enthusiasm.

Though launching without the company's trademark beer and wine, the Tulsa Trader Joe’s is the first location in Oklahoma. It joins over 440 stores in 40 other states as well as the District of Columbia.

The store is centrally located with bright, Tulsa-centric murals including the Golden Driller, Blue Whale and RiverParks. Some of the artwork is done by employees, most of whom were hired locally, Hancock said.

Trader Joe’s is known for healthy foods at affordable prices. Hancock says the store earned that reputation by cutting out the middle man and buying directly from manufacturers and growers. That keeps the price down and gives them control on how the food is grown and prepared, she said.

“Over 80 percent of our items are private label,” she said. From deli items and frozen foods to prepackaged nuts and dried fruit, coffees, nut butters and even vitamins, soaps and pet food, customers have come to trust the Trader Joe’s name, she said.

The company’s nautical theme represents their founder’s idea of sailing the seas to bring back unique products from around the world. They introduce new items weekly and have seasonal merchandise as well.

And if you don’t like a product, take it back.

“We have a no-hassle return policy,” she said. “We want to encourage our customers be be adventurous without worry.”

Trader Joe’s, located at 3702 South Peoria Avenue, will be open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week. On Friday, they’ll have a “lei-cutting” ceremony, music and samples for customers. There will be face painting for the kids and demonstrations.