What) Trader Joe's is a privately held chain of speciality grocery stores headquartered in Monrovia, California. As of October 2010, Trader Joe's had a total of 349 stores.  Approximately half of its stores are in California but the company also has locations in 25 other states.

    The May 2009 issue of Consumer Reports ranked Trader Joe's the second-best supermarket chain in the nation, after Wegmans. In June 2009, MSN Money ranked Joes second in customer service. Ethisphere Magazine named Trader Joe's one of the most ethical companies in the United States in 2010.

    Unlike typical grocery stores, which may carry 50,000 items, Trader Joe's stocks about 4,000 items, 80% of which bear one of its own brand names. Trader Joe's describes itself as "your neighbourhood grocery store" or "your unique grocery store". Products sold include gourmet foods, organic foods, vegetarian food, unusual frozen foods, imported foods, domestic and imported wine and beer, "alternative" food items, and staples like bread, cereal, eggs, dairy, coffee and produce. Non-food items include personal hygiene products, household cleaners, vitamins, pet food, plants, and flowers. (1)

    Where) 12105 Elm Creek Boulevard North   1-763-315-1739

    Why) Pam wanted to get a special type of popcorn that apparently can only be found at Trader Joes.  So, she asked me to put one of their stores on the Bucky's list.  This got me thinking and I ended up including three other unusual grocery stores that haven't yet made their way to our part of Canada.  If you want to know which one Pam wishes would open a Regina branch then you will have to check out all of the links.