This newest Trader Joe’s location opened in early September 2012 and, as anticipated, immediately became a food shopping favorite with area consumers. Indeed, many shoppers expressed delight in no longer enduring the hour or so travel time to get to Trader Joe’s locations in Massachusetts or Portland.

Trader Joe's in Portsmouth, NH — Photo courtesy of Mark Pechenik

This ready-made customer base has ensured a consistently strong turnout for the Portsmouth store, with a steady stream of customers cruising the well stocked aisles throughout the shopping day.

Located in a former Pet Quarters store in Portsmouth’s Fox Run shopping center, the latest Trader Joe’s features all of the hallmarks of this successful food shopping chain. In a nutshell, Trader Joe’s stocks gourmet foods at below average prices. In addition, it carries an extensive inventory – from local craft brews to artisan baked breads, cheeses, canned and frozen goods.

Fresh fruits and breads are a specialty here. — Photo courtesy of Mark PechenikIt’s offerings include merchandise not found anywhere else in the region. Along with high end foods, Trader Joe’s also carries its own product line which consistently rates high in quality and customer satisfaction. The new location also features a nautical and University of New Hampshire theme in keeping with each store’s local focus.

As with the other stores, the Portsmouth Trader Joe’s is receiving positive feedback on staff attitude and service. Employees or “team members,” as they are called, are highly knowledgeable about the merchandise. At the same time, they are more than willing to go the extra mile, so to speak, searching out products if they are not available on the shelves.

This store also offers a wide selection of wine and craft beer. — Photo courtesy of Mark PechenikFor consumers along the South Maine coast in towns like Wells, Ogunquit, and Kittery, Trader Joe’s is a welcome addition to more conventional supermarkets. It’s selection of hard-to-find specialty items is already a staple for home entertaining, barbecues or events.

Trader Joe’s in Portsmouth, NH is open Monday through Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.