[Ghoulish Delight]

I don't equate TJ's and Bristol Farms/Gelson's/Pavillions. The latter group has largely the same products as the "standard" groceries, plus a few "luxury" items (better lunch meats, bakery goods, etc.) at sufficiently inflated prices. TJ's is a little different in that they carry almost nothing but their own brands or small off-brand items, some of which comes at a premium, but much of which is actually cheaper or competitively priced stuff for better quality. Much like shopping at Costco requries keen attention to what's actually a deal, so does shopping at TJ's (if deals are what you're looking for). For example, it's always a great idea to buy cheese at Trader Joe's, but you need a loan to buy packaged lunch meats.

Can't vouch for Whole Foods, haven't meen in one more than once or twice.