Trader Joe's Comes to Pittsburgh

Yum, yum. Trader Joes, the quirky grocery store known for its reasonably priced gourmet foods, is opening a store in Pittsburgh next week. The specialty retailer will be located on Penn Avenue in East Liberty in the old Wheeler Paint Co. building -- originally a turn-of-the-century post office -- within walking distance of Whole Foods.

The 10,500-square-foot store will stock about 2,000 items, with 80 percent under the Trader Joe's private label. The store is decorated with Pittsburgh architecture and the employees wear Hawaiian shirts. Can't get much more quirky than that.

I've been to Trader Joes locations in Phoenix before and love them. But if you're wondering what all the fuss is about, then make plans to stop by for the grand opening celebration on October 27, 2006. The store will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. with product demonstrations, food tastings, and free stickers and balloons for children.