NASHUA — New Hampshire’s first Trader Joe’s grocery store opened its doors on Monday with a steady stream of customers and some Hawaiian flair.
Employees were decked out in Hawaiian shirts for the lei-cutting ceremony to welcome the new 9,850-square-feet store to the city.
Shoppers were anxious to check out the new store and browse through the fresh produce, signature merchandise and large wine selection.
“I love it. This is fantastic,” said Annelei Watson of Nashua, who brought her children with her to help pick out groceries for the week.
The store at 262 Daniel Webster Highway, inside the Webster Square Shopping Center, was busy with activity at its 8 a.m. opening. Chris Maguire, regional vice-president for Trader Joe’s, said he has been looking forward to the grand opening.
“We are so pleased to have a nice beer and wine selection at this location. It is a beautiful store, and they really did a great job here,” said Maguire. “We hope customers will be happy.”
Lyn Johnson of Hudson came to stock up on Trader Joe’s white cheddar popcorn, a staple item her family can’t live without, she said.
“We go through it like water,” Johnson said of the popcorn, adding she is impressed with the wide aisles and spacious floor plan at the new store.
Others, including Bob and Jean Ragsdale of Nashua, came in search of Mediterranean hummus and mini beef sliders with mini rolls.
The local couple typically travels to Tyngsborough, Mass. to shop at Trader Joe’s, so they are thrilled about having a store in their own hometown.
“We are loyal customers,” stressed Jean Ragsdale. “They have really good stuff here.”
Her husband agreed, saying the new Nashua store is a real treat for them.
Filled with good values and distinct products, Trader Joe’s carries an array of domestic and imported foods and beverages including fresh baked artisan breads, Arabica bean coffees, international frozen entrees, 100 percent fruit juices, fresh crop nuts, deli items, vitamins and the basics. More than 2,000 items under the Trader Joe’s private label are available, including salsas, fried rice and marinara sauces.
About a dozen new items will be introduced each week, according to a release, adding thousands of items are tasted each year to find products that appeal to the culinary adventurer and the microwave aficionado.
For Luisa Matta of Bedford, she simply came for the wine. Matta had selected eight bottles of Trader Joe’s wine, and said she still wasn’t finished shopping.
“This is just the beginning. I came with a plan,” she said. “I was here right for the opening.”
Whether it was wild rice, organic broth, soy ice cream or the Rockin’ Chocolate Chip Fudge Cake, shoppers seemed to be delighted with the selections they found on Monday.
“You can’t beat this,” said Bob Ragsdale.
khoughton@newstote.com
