Pirate Joe’s: Canada’s Bootleg Trader Joe’s Store

Vancouver, British Columbia — Michael Hallatt has spent more than $350,000 at Trader Joe’s in less than two years. But the popular grocery chain doesn’t ever want to see him again.

“I’m their best customer,” he said with a mix of pride and indignation.

Every week, the former Bay Area resident drives his panel van across the border to buy a few thousand dollars worth of merchandise at Trader Joe’s stores in the States. He then turns around and resells the goods at his own shop in Canada for a profit.

There are no Trader Joe’s stores in Canada, but there is a Pirate Joe’s store. Canadian Michael Hallatt loved Trader Joe’s products so much while he was living in San Francisco that he decided he wanted to buy a bunch of products at regular retail value in the U.S. and resell them in Vancouver. He’s now being sued by Trader Joe’s.

Photo: Kevin Dooley

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