No average (Trader) Joe in N. Idaho

Each time Linda Scharnhorst drove by Trader Joe’s under construction in Coeur d’Alene, she wondered when it would open. 

She got her answer Tuesday and was among those first in line on a chilly morning. She was happy to wait 30 or so minutes because she said the staff, prices, products and atmosphere were worth it. 

“It's a wonderful place to be. Even when we travel, I go to Traders Joe’s,” Scharnhorst said. 

Likewise for Paul Barkley and Norah Couch of Post Falls. They were happy they would no longer need to drive to Spokane to shop at Trader Joe’s. 

"We've needed one in the area for a long time,” Barkley said.  

Couch said she likes the unique items and smaller portions. 

“The simplicity for just two instead of going to Costco and buying a million,” she said. 

“Instead of 500 brands of ketchup there’s one,” Barkley added, laughing. 

About 100 people — the first arrived at 5:45 a.m. — waited for the national grocer to open its doors at 8 a.m. When it did, the Lake City High School band cranked out loud, high-energy music and the crowd surged forward. 

Inside, they were greeted with cheers, applause and high fives from employees and were handed free shopping bags. Most pushed carts as they began patrolling the aisles. 

They saw prices including $5.99 for a cobb salad, $3.99 for spiced cider, $5 for a gallon of organic milk, $6.99 for a six-pack of Boatswain American IPA and 12 days of scented candles for $29.99. 

Harrison Blomer of Coeur d’Alene stopped to buy a treat for his wife. He said they have been longtime Trader Joe’s customers and are glad they live within walking distance of the new store. 

“I think we’re going to be shopping there a lot more now. It’s never been this close to us,” he said. 

The 10,362-square-foot store at 303 E. Spokane Ave. is the first Trader Joe’s in Coeur d’Alene and the third in Idaho. 

The midtown store hired more than 70 people from surrounding areas and transferred in others. "Crew members" earn around $16 to $22 an hour, with benefits. 

Valerie Samuel, a 12-year Trader Joe’s employee in Spokane, transferred to the Coeur d’Alene store, which is about a 10-minute walk from her home. She said it will save her about two hours a day of drive time. 

“I’m so happy for everybody. We've been wanting a store in Coeur d’Alene forever,” Samuel said. “I think this is an ideal location, very walkable, right in the heart of the community.” 

Samuel took pride in creating some of the store’s interior artwork that featured Lake Coeur d'Alene, Tubbs Hill, sasquatch, bald eagles, bears and moose. 

“We wanted it to have an outdoors, local feel,” she said. 

Anna Montejano of San Diego traveled the farthest for the opening. She was in town visiting her friend, Lynn Visser, who told her, “Guess what? They’re opening a Trader Joe’s here.” 

“I was like, ‘No way,’” Montejano said. “We love Trader Joe’s."

When she learned the opening was Tuesday morning, she said they had to be there, even though her flight home was leaving at 3:15 that afternoon. 

“We're going,” Montejano told Visser. 

Both love the variety of products, including flowers, gifts, cards and food and drink. Service and staff were praised, too. 

“Everyone is so helpful,” Montejano said. “It’s just a feeling you get when you’re there.” 

Visser said she believes Trader Joe’s, while being a national chain with about 600 stores, is committed to community. It is known for low prices, healthy food selections and welcoming vibe.

“It’s one store I’ve certainly been missing,” she said. 

Montejano said Trader Joe’s “is one store you need to have in every city.” It is open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

“Shopping sometimes is not the most fun thing, but coming to a store like this, it is,” she said. 

Paul Barkley smiled as he entered the store and high-fived an employee.  

What did he think after getting a look around? 

“We’re home,” he said. 

    Customers pass by a display of apple cider at Trader Joe's on Tuesday.
  

    Stephanie Engle of Rathdrum is first in line as she waits for Trader Joe's to open its Coeur d'Alene store on Tuesday.
  

    Customers check out the new Trader Joe's in Coeur d'Alene on Tuesday.
  

    A moose greets customers outside Trader Joe's on Tuesday.
  

    Customer file into Trader Joe's in Coeur d'Alene on Tuesday.
  

    Customers stand below artwork in the Trader Joe's store Tuesday.
  

    Trader Joe's employees look out the window before the opening of the Coeur d'Alene store Tuesday.