In case you hadn’t seen my tweets from a couple of weeks back, Pirate Joe’s has opened shop in Vancouver, on West 4th Avenue in Kitsilano.
Having lived in California for nearly 20 years, I was always close to a Trader Joe’s (when I lived in West Hollywood, an enviable two blocks from one!).
Little did I realize how much I’d taken these beautifully-stocked stores for granted until I left for Europe, later returning to live in Vancity.
I spoke with Barry at the shop as I perused items now easily accessible without border lineups or several hours on the road.
All the products are bought on the up and up at the Bellingham TJ’s. Pirate Joes’ owner, Mike Hallatt, has a commerce license to bring these goodies to the 49th parallel without illegal bootlegging measures. The prices are higher to take into account costs incurred from gas, travel, and border waits.
They keep track of what items do well overall, focusing on these to bring over on a weekly basis.
I’m sure anyone who’s been to the Trader has their own favourites, so keep this shop in mind for the holidays and beyond. No, I haven’t been bribed with goods nor paid to write this post. I’m simply hoping that by spreading the word, that the shop will continue to exist let alone grow.
Ahoy, mates! Pirate Joe’s is located at 2348 West 4th Avenue. So far there’s no fixed opening hours sign, but if one gets put up, I’ll update this post. Pirate Joe’s is open daily from 10 am to 8 pm.
[My Himalayan pink salt crystal stash from a recent San Francisco Joe’s visit]
