Laurie4b Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 I love Trader Joe's, but came home from the store tonight mad at them because they've discontinued two of my favorite products: the Massaman Chicken (a single serving frozen entree) and Coconut Curry Chicken Stix (appetizers). Both were healthy and incredibly tasty! (Most of their stuff is incredibly tasty. A whole lot of it isn't exactly healthy, especially the sweets! A lot of the frozen entrees have more sodium than I am comfortable with per serving.) I wish I had known ahead of time--I would have stocked up before there was none available. And no, the Joe-joe's we brought home do not make up for it! Anyone else notice favorites discontinued? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommybee Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 They do it all the time! For me they reformulated my favorite spicy refried beans and they were never the same! And I loved the smoked salmon in a can and its gone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jennsmile Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 At least you have Trader Joe's. They haven't graced my neck of the woods yet but that might be because it is the headerquarters of the competition. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aggieamy Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 I went there for my first time yesterday and am in love with the pumpkin butter. It's just delightful beyond words. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kitten18 Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 It's been awhile but I was disappointed when they got rid of an Indian simmer sauce that I liked (can't remember the name). It was by far the best of the their Indian sauces. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cjzimmer1 Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 They discontinued my favorite chips of all time Parsnips chips a few years ago. And for one summer they had frozen black raspberries but never since. On the other hand the Palak Paneer I buy was gone for a couple of months and then it came back so you may have hope that it will return again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amey311 Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 I went there for my first time yesterday and am in love with the pumpkin butter. It's just delightful beyond words. It's lovely in oatmeal in the morning. i was glad to see it was back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happi duck Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 I think part of how they keep costs down is not carrying items that aren't selling. Also, I think each store makes choices of what to carry so it might be worth asking about the missing products (if you haven't already) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redsquirrel Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 My friend told me it is a signature of TJs that whatever you love will be discontinued. If she likes something she always has a lot of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Governess Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 I'll never forgive them for discontinuing their fig yogurt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 You have to make friends with the guys who load the freezers. I was buying something the other day and they told me it was going away for a while. I think a lot of their items are seasonal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Photo Ninja Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 We love the lemon-garlic marinated mahi-mahi, but they don't have it anymore. They told me it might come back, though. It has not been discontinued, but they can't get it. So I look every time I am there, just in case. About 8 years ago or so, they sold an amazing Vanilla Chai mix. It was like dessert, and I drank a cup every night after my dc went to bed. It was heavenly. But then they discontinued it and only sell the spicy chai mix. Oh well. I still have not found a good substitute for the vanilla chai powdered mix. But all in all, we shop there weekly because I like the products and prices. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oakblossoms Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 The vegan roasted veggie pizza. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChristineW Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 Three years later, my Dh is still upset that they discontinued the Cuban Mojito sauce. It was his favorite dish--I've tried some of the online replacement recipes but they aren't the same. Christine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kareni Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 I'll never forgive them for discontinuing their fig yogurt. I miss that, too. I also miss their Apricot sauce from years ago and more recently their honey sesame sticks. But, there is still plenty there to love! Regards, Kareni Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
missmoe Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 I miss the Korma simmer sauce. It was my go to meal--A jar of sauce and two cans of chickpeas with some rice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trailofsparks Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 They discontinued their fennel toothpaste for a time. hen I asked about it, I was encouraged to submit my request for its return. it's back. This also happened with another item. I guess if enough folks request it, they'll bring it back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Serenade Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 Anyone else notice favorites discontinued? Yes! I love their cheese enchiladas. Although maybe they are a seasonal item? We bought them many times, and then, all of sudden, they were gone for months and months. Then, magically, they once reappeared, only to disappear once again. There are other things, too, but I always hold out hope that they will come back one day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spy Car Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 They got rid of the aronia berry juice (which I loved). They got rid of the extra-long spaghetti (which is the only "real" sort of spaghetti IMO, and hard to find these days) They got rid of the dried black beluga lentils (which I use for salads frequently). And they got rid of the Double Rainbow Pumpkin Ice Cream that was always brought out seasonally at this time of year (and replaced it with their own label brand that is way too sweet and has to much air beaten into it). Yes, I'm bitter :D Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazyforlatin Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 The vegan roasted veggie pizza. I was really upset about this, but I noticed that it's back....at least where we live. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JZMom Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 For me it was the castile soap and pierogies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haiku Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 I routinely tell my peeps at TJ that the one thing I dislike about them is their constant discontinuation of products. They say it has to do with their suppliers. Tara Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spy Car Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 I routinely tell my peeps at TJ that the one thing I dislike about them is their constant discontinuation of products. They say it has to do with their suppliers. Tara In most cases it has nothing to do with their suppliers. They are very careful to know what sells, and they ditch products that don't move quickly. Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haiku Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 In most cases it has nothing to do with their suppliers. They are very careful to know what sells, and they ditch products that don't move quickly. I know a lot of people who work for our local TJ, and they tell me that they routinely have customers who are disappointed because popular items are discontinued due to supply issues. I have seen things that they can hardly keep on the shelves due to popularity discontinued. Tara Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny in Atl Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 We still morn the loss of their GF Banana waffles. :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spy Car Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 I know a lot of people who work for our local TJ, and they tell me that they routinely have customers who are disappointed because popular items are discontinued due to supply issues. I have seen things that they can hardly keep on the shelves due to popularity discontinued. Tara I'm sure that can happen, but mostly they discontinue items based on very carefully monitoring sales activity and cutting what doesn't move at an acceptable rate. That makes "business sense" (even if I don't like it when a favorite item of mine disappears). I've had the conversation with managers many times over the years (I live near one of the original stores and have shopped TJs for more than 40 years). I'm sure it happens that they lose occasional popular items do to suppliers issues, but this is not in their interest (nor generally in the interest of their supplier) so is something they seek to avoid. Mostly it is about the bottom-line. Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msk Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 I miss the French Market wine from 15 years ago (it's what we drank at our wedding!), and the old Korean bulgogi (back when it was actually spicy instead of the mild recipe they use now), and the spicy green beans. I live in fear of them running out of dried strawberries, which they occasionally do where I live-- my kids LOVE those and really miss them when they're gone. On the other hand, it's better than clothing and shoe stores. I hate changing styles-- when I find something I like, I want to keep wearing it FOREVER, darn it!!! I hate having to go into mourning every times something wears out. If I had more closet space I'd be tempted to buy 5 of everything I like... So TJ's is doing okay in comparison. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Momof3littles Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 Orange Rooibos tea. I loved it, and it was my kids' favorite. I liked the mojito simmer sauce too. Also disappointed when the castile soap stopped being sold. I think ours carried full fat FAGE greek yogurt at one time, but now they only carry the low fat versions :glare: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
missmoe Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 On the other hand, it's better than clothing and shoe stores. I hate changing styles-- when I find something I like, I want to keep wearing it FOREVER, darn it!!! I hate having to go into mourning every times something wears out. If I had more closet space I'd be tempted to buy 5 of everything I like... So TJ's is doing okay in comparison. I'm with you there! I hate shopping for clothes and figuring out what works for me. I have quite a few clothes I'm very careful with because I know I won't be able to replace them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beezus Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 I'll never forgive them for discontinuing their fig yogurt. Same here! I guess I just didn't buy enough of it. There was also a snack made out of black sesame seeds that I loved and which was discontinued ages ago. There's still plenty to like, but it is disappointing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spy Car Posted November 10, 2011 Share Posted November 10, 2011 Since I had to make a run to Trader Joes for some milk anyway, on the way out I stopped by the managers station. I asked the two young gentlemen behind the desk if they could weigh in on a debate? Sure!, the both assented eagerly. I asked, "when Trader Joes discontinues and item is it usual due to: A) Problems with a supplier, or B) Insufficient sales? Both agreed it was the latter. They monitor sales vigilantly and items that do not meet projections are axes. They did say problem with suppliers can also lead to items being discontinued such as a product called "Tofuti" being discontinued recently when the supplier tried to almost double the price. So it can be both, but it is usually sales according to the managers at my local Trader Joes. I know this has been a burning issue with many, and just wanted to share :D Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazyforlatin Posted November 10, 2011 Share Posted November 10, 2011 Since I had to make a run to Trader Joes for some milk anyway, on the way out I stopped by the managers station. I asked the two young gentlemen behind the desk if they could weigh in on a debate? Sure!, the both assented eagerly. I asked, "when Trader Joes discontinues and item is it usual due to: A) Problems with a supplier, or B) Insufficient sales? Both agreed it was the latter. They monitor sales vigilantly and items that do not meet projections are axes. They did say problem with suppliers can also lead to items being discontinued such as a product called "Tofuti" being discontinued recently when the supplier tried to almost double the price. So it can be both, but it is usually sales according to the managers at my local Trader Joes. I know this has been a burning issue with many, and just wanted to share :D Bill Thanks Bill, I feel much better. I've neglected several hours of math thinking of this issue. Now back to long division :auto:. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny in Atl Posted November 10, 2011 Share Posted November 10, 2011 I was just at T Joe's... They had a tiny display of their peppermint Jo Jo's. The cashier told me that was all they were getting for the season. :001_huh: And these weren't even the dark chocolate covered ones, as those were no where to be found! :svengo: I hope she was badly mistaken. :willy_nilly: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazyforlatin Posted November 10, 2011 Share Posted November 10, 2011 I found the new (or old?) Dark Chocolate Covered Marshmallows delicious! Chewy and not too sweet. The holiday goodies are on the shelf if that's any consolation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted November 10, 2011 Share Posted November 10, 2011 But if it's primarily low sales, why do so many things get reintroduced? It's not everything, and it's probably not even most things, but it's not just a couple of items. I've had that happen there many times. I actually sort of assumed they were purposefully doing it... you know, like the McRib or something. They pull it for a while - maybe even a year or two - so that you miss it and then when it comes back, you go crazy and buy a lot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denisemomof4 Posted November 10, 2011 Share Posted November 10, 2011 Anyone else notice favorites discontinued? it does seem to happen more there than at other places. :glare: I can't say I blame them. If they're not big sellers, why continue to stock them? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denisemomof4 Posted November 10, 2011 Share Posted November 10, 2011 Since I had to make a run to Trader Joes for some milk anyway, on the way out I stopped by the managers station. I asked the two young gentlemen behind the desk if they could weigh in on a debate? Sure!, the both assented eagerly. I asked, "when Trader Joes discontinues and item is it usual due to: A) Problems with a supplier, or B) Insufficient sales? Both agreed it was the latter. They monitor sales vigilantly and items that do not meet projections are axes. They did say problem with suppliers can also lead to items being discontinued such as a product called "Tofuti" being discontinued recently when the supplier tried to almost double the price. So it can be both, but it is usually sales according to the managers at my local Trader Joes. I know this has been a burning issue with many, and just wanted to share :D Bill :iagree: I've also had this discussion with a TJ's manager. I couldn't figure out why they stopped selling frozen organic broccoli. It was a supplier issue and they started to stock it again the following year. I truly missed it over the winter! They also had supplier issues with sunflower seed butter. REALLY missed that one! Glad it's back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cloversandlions Posted November 10, 2011 Share Posted November 10, 2011 I was just at T Joe's... They had a tiny display of their peppermint Jo Jo's. The cashier told me that was all they were getting for the season. :001_huh:And these weren't even the dark chocolate covered ones, as those were no where to be found! :svengo: I hope she was badly mistaken. :willy_nilly: TJ's is an hour away, but I think an impromptu trip is in order. They discontinued one of dh's favorite "snacks" ever: bleu cheese-stuffed olives. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurie4b Posted November 10, 2011 Author Share Posted November 10, 2011 I think part of how they keep costs down is not carrying items that aren't selling. Also, I think each store makes choices of what to carry so it might be worth asking about the missing products (if you haven't already) I did ask specifically whether that store had discontinued it or the chain. They said the chain. :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurie4b Posted November 10, 2011 Author Share Posted November 10, 2011 I was just at T Joe's... They had a tiny display of their peppermint Jo Jo's. The cashier told me that was all they were getting for the season. :001_huh:And these weren't even the dark chocolate covered ones, as those were no where to be found! :svengo: I hope she was badly mistaken. :willy_nilly: Now THAT cannot be due to poor sales! :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurie4b Posted November 10, 2011 Author Share Posted November 10, 2011 I went there for my first time yesterday and am in love with the pumpkin butter. It's just delightful beyond words. I love it too! Don't jinx it! :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roadrunner Posted November 10, 2011 Share Posted November 10, 2011 They messed up their Kefir recipe and it hasn't been the same in three years. I still buy and hope.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
missmoe Posted November 11, 2011 Share Posted November 11, 2011 since i had to make a run to trader joes for some milk anyway, on the way out i stopped by the managers station. I asked the two young gentlemen behind the desk if they could weigh in on a debate? Sure!, the both assented eagerly. I asked, "when trader joes discontinues and item is it usual due to: A) problems with a supplier, or b) insufficient sales? Both agreed it was the latter. They monitor sales vigilantly and items that do not meet projections are axes. They did say problem with suppliers can also lead to items being discontinued such as a product called "tofuti" being discontinued recently when the supplier tried to almost double the price. So it can be both, but it is usually sales according to the managers at my local trader joes. I know this has been a burning issue with many, and just wanted to share :d bill my tufuti has been discontinued??????!!!!!!!!! Say it isn't true! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spy Car Posted November 11, 2011 Share Posted November 11, 2011 my tufuti has been discontinued??????!!!!!!!!! Say it isn't true! I can't confirm it, but that is what they said. The good news is they also mentioned they had secured another supplier to make a replacement for tofuti (or is it tufuti?) under a "private label" Trader Joes brand. I hope for your sake it is as good as the original. Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.