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Sunday, February 14, 2010

What does Apple and Trader Joe's Have in Common?


I'm thrilled to have a Trader Joe's in town. And I'm one of those "buy local" guys, for the most part. Trader Joe's reminds me of Apple actually. They are the one grocery store I can think of that is actually more of a "brand" than a chain of "places".
Trader Joe's feels like more of an enhancement to my lifestyle here in Corvallis, than a grocery store.

Here's three features that I think the Trader Joe's and Apple brands share:

1) They're easy. Not too many choices, but enough.

2) There are no bad choices- They have magically vetted the options to make sure I will virtually like everything.

3) They staff with "cool people"- Not a Zappos experience, but always above average.

3+) Great design- The stores are clean and fun to be in.

The more I think about it, the more I want to be like Trader Joe's when my business grows up. The easy pick. The one where you know it may not always be the cheapest, but it's always a good deal. The one where you always walk out having made a good choice.

Any other brands you can think of that evoke this kind of feeling for you?
Posted by Chris Nordyke at 5:56 PM

4 comments:

  1. I agree Chris. What a great goal, to be the easy choice as a business.
    John
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  2. When your business grows up! That was funny and perfect. I am going to have to use that line sometime. I agree with John. Great way to explain where you are headed, to be the "easy choice." Like it!
    ReplyDelete
  3. Agreed - two of my favorites, as well!

    Here's what I think they share: authenticity and a darn clear sense of purpose. They don't lead with their products, they lead from their vision. And we follow because this vision is palpable in everything they do/are. And their products rock. :)

    Simon Sinek does good work in this realm - his "Start with Why" philosophy is powerful yet simple. You can find him on YouTube or Twitter. Might check him out...
    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks Megan for the lead. I'll check Simon's stuff out. Cheers
    ReplyDelete

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