Before there was Trader Joe’s, there was Pronto Market. Owned and managed by Joe Coulombe, the variety store operator was on the precipice of becoming unhinged by 7-Eleven, a competitor making its way to California. Coulombe went into crisis mode and headed to Arrowhead to strategize his next move. Inspired by Trader Vic’s mai tais, old movies about trading ships, and the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disneyland, Coulombe redesigned his concept and instead of competing, he decided to pivot.
Coulombe identified a market of the “overeducated and underpaid,” a burgeoning new customer base who went to college and countries abroad. Conscious efforts toward good health and ecology were part of Coulombe’s ethos, incorporating dried fruits and nuts, longline-caught tuna, and extra large eggs onto market shelves.
“Becoming Trader Joe,” co-authored by Patty Civalleri, details the legacy of Joe Coulombe and his mission to build an iconic shopping experience his way.
The first Pronto market was opened in Pacific Palisades. Soon they would become Trader Joe’s, founder Joe Coulombe’s answer to 7-Eleven, a Texan transplant to Southern California. Photo courtesy of HarperCollins.
“Becoming Trader Joe” is the story of the man behind the Bermuda shorts and Fearless Flyer, who championed both the customer and employee. Photo courtesy of HarperCollins.