By JESSA LEWIS
6 News Reporter
KNOXVILLE (WATE) - Trader Joe's is the latest addition to the Knoxville grocery market, opening on Friday, August 10.
The new store is the first in the Knoxville area, and only the second in the state. It's on Kingston Pike by the intersection with Winston Road. It's located in the shopping center with Barnes & Noble and Toys R Us.
Trader Joe's says its shopping experience is different from other grocery stores.
"We like to have fun in our stores," said Trader Joe's Captain Aimee Pawelek. "We open up products for our customers. If they come up and say hey I'd like to try this, we're going to open it up for you and you can taste it right here on the spot."
"We also have a hassle free return policy. We tried it. We liked it. If you don't, bring it back and return it for a full refund, no questions asked," Pawelek added.
The entire store has a Knoxville theme and incorporates some of East Tennessee's favorite destinations as well, including the Smoky Mountains and Neyland Stadium.
"We love Knoxville. There are so many foodies here. We are just thrilled to be here with Knoxville," Pawelek said.
Trader Joe's is known for a unique selection of exotic foods. "We buy direct from the manufacturer, cutting out the middle man and passing the savings along to the customer," Pawelek said.
The store also offers its version of well-known products, but with a twist. "Anything with a Trader Joe's name is free from artificial colors, flavors and preservatives," Pawelek explained.
In addition, 80 percent of the products at Trader Joe's carry the specialty retailer's brand name.
"We love Knoxville. There are so many foodies here. We are just thrilled to be here with Knoxville," Aimee Pawelek said.
