For months, Columbians eagerly anticipated the opening of
Whole Foods, and the store did them proud with a WOW opening – acrobats, music,
the mayor, et al.
Yesterday, on Forest Drive, one lane was closed and several
police officers directed traffic into and out the store. The parking lot was
full and I had to drive around and stalk a couple as they emerged from the
store to pull into their parking slot. People were parking across the street
and in other parking lots and walking to the store.
Unfortunately, I missed the ribbon cutting and the first
dash into the store – an adrenaline rush that no serious shopper wants to miss.
The clever folks at Trader Joe’s sent out mailers to
residents in the area with an offer of a re-usable carry bag in exchange for a
phone number. Plus a funny savvy newsletter – Trader Joe’s Fearless Flyer – with
prices of items that were clearly lower than any other grocery store’s. Who
would not be tempted?
I saw shoppers of all ages and sizes, from trendy young moms
with toddlers to older couples, even one with a walking stick.
So… did the new store meet my expectations? I tried some
coffee and spinach dip, and among other things, I bought my dinner - an olive
mini-baguette, teriyaki chicken and chocolate covered edamame (to die for!).
So… is Columbia is cool or is Columbia cool? Now all we need
is a Costco’s!
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