Trader Joe's sells a lot of garbage. I shop there now and then but if Trader Joe's is a substitute for Whole Foods then you are not shopping for the same sort of items. I've heard rumors that some Trader Joes (such as the one in Boston) have good fresh produce, but none that I've ever shopped in do.

Trader Joe's is essentially a clever white label branding and merchandising strategy. It's a great store, but mostly sells processed, frozen food and lots of junk food and booze.