Trader Joe's, My One True Love (5-7-2015)

Last week in critical thinking we watched a documentary called "The Persuaders". This documentary is about advertising and media today (although it was made in 2004), and how different ads or campaigns are made for consumers. One specific term that was used in the video was "lovemarks" or a brand that you love and has an iconic place in your heart. This love might go beyond reason. Consumers love and are loyal to these companies much like a dog loves its owner.
Although I've never seen a name for it before, I have been experiencing lovemarks within myself or seeing them around me throughout my life. In middle school, I borderline worshiped One Direction. I begged my mom for any magazine that had their faces on it, and followed all of the boys and their friend's on Twitter. Some of the time, I didn't even like the clothes they wore or the music they made. Come to think of it, I have no idea where my love for them came from. However, I stayed totally attached to that band until the end of eighth grade.
In middle school I also witnessed many of my friends start to wear clothing from Brandy Melville, Abercrombie, or Hollister. Every girl had the same perfume on, and a similar variation of a few shorts or shirts. Every girl would buy the same Brandy Melville top, and became incredibly loyal to that store in particular. That too has died down, but I still own several articles of clothing from all of those stores. I notice that whatever is "in", everyone of a certain group will seem to develop a sort of a lovemark for.
Today I am definitely attached to Trader Joe's, Apple, Victoria's Secret, and In N Out. I find myself even arguing with other people who don't use these brands (people with an Android instead of an iPhone). Every time we drive by an In N Out, my friends and I chant the restaurant name hoping our parents will take us there. I get texts from Victoria's Secret, so I am constantly going into the store whenever there is a sale. I can't remember the last time I went to the mall and didn't buy anything from there. Lastly, I have been going to Trader Joe's all my life. I definitely have an attachment to their chocolate covered espresso beans and orange chicken (but not paired together!). Every time my mom needs something from the store, I'll be the first to volunteer to go to Trader Joe's and get it. I love the environment there, and it reminds me of my childhood. Trader Joe's is a lovemark I've always had and I think I always will have.
I know that it's just another nationwide organic grocery store, but it's also my grocery store. Without it, I don't know what I'd do when I need chocolate chips for cookies. Trader Joe's has always had my back. It's like one of my closest friends, and we live really close to each other so we get to see each other. I still don't know why I love Trader Joe's so much but something about the free samples and coffee makes me love this store unconditionally.
None of the workers at Trader Joe's actually know me by name, but I think we know each other. They always help me with whatever I need and give me lollipops when I find hidden treasure in the store. Running around with mini grocery carts makes me feel like I'm a giant but also makes me feel like I'm 5 again. Maybe that is because they are intended for 5 year olds, but they make me look taller than I am. If there is one company that I have lovemarked, it is my old pal Trader Joe's.