Let's spam Trader Joe's with requests for a store here!

[ElDiabloJoe]

Just click on the link to go to Trader Joe's "Request a Store" form. The more they receive, the more likely they will consider us. They just put their new one for this year in Florida in Clearwater. Still too far away.

Request a Trader Joe's (https://publish-p24753-e81973.adobeaemcloud.com/home/contact-us/request-a-store)

[Snakster66]

Just click on the link to go to Trader Joe's "Request a Store" form. The more they receive, the more likely they will consider us. They just put their new one for this year in Florida in Clearwater. Still too far away.

Request a Trader Joe's (https://publish-p24753-e81973.adobeaemcloud.com/home/contact-us/request-a-store)

At the risk of being "that guy", I don't think 'spam' is the word you're looking for.

But it certainly couldn't hurt to bury/flood/overwhelm/inundate/swamp them with requests. It might have a positive effect on the probability of success.

[graciegirl]

At the risk of being "that guy", I don't think 'spam' is the word you're looking for.

But it certainly couldn't hurt to bury/flood/overwhelm/inundate/swamp them with requests. It might have a positive effect on the probability of success.

I am really skeptical about the success of getting a store to build here because of a lot of requests.

I think they pay good money for market studies and stuff like that.

And they are capitalists too.

They should just ask a financially secure Villager......

I think that is what I just scoffed at.

Go for it. I have been watching this for almost twenty years. I still haven't ever been in a Trader Joes and I will be 85 in a couple of weeks.

[ThirdOfFive]

Just click on the link to go to Trader Joe's "Request a Store" form. The more they receive, the more likely they will consider us. They just put their new one for this year in Florida in Clearwater. Still too far away.

Request a Trader Joe's (https://publish-p24753-e81973.adobeaemcloud.com/home/contact-us/request-a-store)
Can't hurt, but it is probable that Trader Joe's locates their stores based more on solid research rather than on a letter-writing campaign.

[Michael 61]

Just click on the link to go to Trader Joe's "Request a Store" form. The more they receive, the more likely they will consider us. They just put their new one for this year in Florida in Clearwater. Still too far away.

Request a Trader Joe's (https://publish-p24753-e81973.adobeaemcloud.com/home/contact-us/request-a-store)

I actually did that a few months ago - probably all in vain

[thelegges]

I am really skeptical about the success of getting a store to build here because of a lot of requests.

I think they pay good money for market studies and stuff like that.

And they are capitalists too.

They should just ask a financially secure Villager......

I think that is what I just scoffed at.

Go for it. I have been watching this for almost twenty years. I still haven't ever been in a Trader Joes and I will be 85 in a couple of weeks.

My guess is the reason TJs would not be on your radar, would be food choices. Probably Kosher, Organic, Locally sourced, or speciality items, are not important.
They have excellent cheese from around the world, their brined turkeys at holidays are as good as any southern mama could serve.

You will not find food, such as blocks of processed cheese. Their bakery items don’t have additives or preservatives, or any of their other items on the shelves.

Some their whole life have only eaten processed food, usually passed down from parent to children.
Then there are many who have their entire life never been subjected to processed food, and ensure they don’t have to worry about the need to read labels at TJ’s. Driving to a TJ’s instead of shopping in a 3x5 area in any Publix or Winn Dixie.

There is a strong possibility of an Ocala site, which is definitely closer than driving to Gainesville. That employees mention about 20% of their clients are from Ocala and TV

[BrianL99]

I am really skeptical about the success of getting a store to build here because of a lot of requests.

I think they pay good money for market studies and stuff like that.

And they are capitalists too.


.

Exactly right. The VIllages at this point, doesn't meet their demographic profile, for a number of reasons.

... maybe 5-10 years from now, but don't hold your breathe.

[scubawva]

Look up definition of spam.

No matter how many people make a request it won’t happen. TJ’s has already looked at the area and made a business decision it’s not profitable.

I concur. Too many Villagers are happy to eat crap.

[Sabella]

It always amazes me how people want cheap supermarkets, and do not connect to the fact that these ingredients are cheaper, and therefore have a lot less quality- more toxic ingredients more processed ingredients that translates into ruining your health.

[Billrisma]

Thank you! I think it's a great idea. Just because it’s been mentioned previously doesn’t necessarily mean don’t try again.
As in any new ideas, there will always be naysayers….and in this forum…there’s plenty of them. It’s hard to ignore them…its just a fact.
Thanks for the suggestion!!… I did just what you suggested.

[Dotneko]

Just what we need. Another overpriced, high brow store. 30 different varieties of tofu. Who has money left over to afford that if they even wanted it?

[Rwirish]

Why? Not needed.

[Rwirish]

Only 20%, not good at all.

[Nana2Teddy]

Just what we need. Another overpriced, high brow store. 30 different varieties of tofu. Who has money left over to afford that if they even wanted it?
Sounds like you’ve never been to one. We shopped at TJs weekly in our former state because it was the opposite of that.

[Nana2Teddy]

My guess is the reason TJs would not be on your radar, would be food choices. Probably Kosher, Organic, Locally sourced, or speciality items, are not important.
They have excellent cheese from around the world, their brined turkeys at holidays are as good as any southern mama could serve.

You will not find food, such as blocks of processed cheese. Their bakery items don’t have additives or preservatives, or any of their other items on the shelves.

Some their whole life have only eaten processed food, usually passed down from parent to children.
Then there are many who have their entire life never been subjected to processed food, and ensure they don’t have to worry about the need to read labels at TJ’s. Driving to a TJ’s instead of shopping in a 3x5 area in any Publix or Winn Dixie.

There is a strong possibility of an Ocala site, which is definitely closer than driving to Gainesville. That employees mention about 20% of their clients are from Ocala and TV
I read a couple days ago that they were considering either Ocala or The Villages for their next location, and chose The Villages. Maybe it’s false info, so I won’t hold my breath, but a girl can hope. We currently shop at the one in Dr. Phillips in combo with a Disney trip, which is only 3-4x annually. Would love to shop TJs weekly like in our former life.

[Papa_lecki]

Trader Joe’s typical customer is between 25 and 44 (those born before 1965 make up 30% of their customer base.)
Average income is around 90,000

[Caymus]

Just what we need. Another overpriced, high brow store. 30 different varieties of tofu. Who has money left over to afford that if they even wanted it?

Not really overpriced.

They made 2 Buck Chuck famous.

[thelegges]

Just what we need. Another overpriced, high brow store. 30 different varieties of tofu. Who has money left over to afford that if they even wanted it?

You are confusing TJ’s with Whole food, or a vegan store. Yes TJ’s does have 3-5 Tofu products. But anyone who uses tofu in a dish, usually buys base, and adds what spices they want.

Prices on many items are equal or less than shopping at Publix or WinnDixie. Big difference for shoppers, no Additives or Preservatives.

Bonus one doesn’t have to shop at stores that you don’t have the financial ability to do so.

[ThirdOfFive]

It always amazes me how people want cheap supermarkets, and do not connect to the fact that these ingredients are cheaper, and therefore have a lot less quality- more toxic ingredients more processed ingredients that translates into ruining your health.
I've never shopped at a Trader Joe's, though I've heard a lot of good things about them, largely from people who also patronize Aldi. Since both Aldi and Trader Joe's have the same parentage, so to speak, then I'm assuming that they're run similarly. Overall Aldi prices are not because of cheaper ingredients or a plethora of chemicals in their products, but because the stores run FAR more efficiently. Better-trained (and paid) workers, concentrate on the essentials (no bagging, shopping cart "service" that is pretty much self-serve, etc.), quick turnover of products, and a limit on the number of products sold (the average Aldi sells about 1,400 products while the average supermarket sells about 40,000) makes stocking far easier and quicker. I've rarely seen an Aldi with more than four workers on at a time. Publix? Probably 20 or more on average. Publix probably has huge overhead compared to Publix. That extra overhead translates into higher prices.

If Trader Joe's approach is similar, then I'd have no basis to believe that their products are any less healthy than, say, Publix. And I'd probably pay a heck of a lot less.

[Michael 61]

Just what we need. Another overpriced, high brow store. 30 different varieties of tofu. Who has money left over to afford that if they even wanted it?

Is your comment based on previously shopping at Trader Joe’s? I used to shop at TJ’s weekly, and my grocery bill was far less than shopping at major grocery chains. Better and healthier food, with a good variety of choices.

You mention we don’t need another “overpriced, high brow store”. What are these other stores here in The Villages that you reference?

[SaucyJim]

I've never shopped at a Trader Joe's, though I've heard a lot of good things about them, largely from people who also patronize Aldi. Since both Aldi and Trader Joe's have the same parentage, so to speak, then I'm assuming that they're run similarly. Overall Aldi prices are not because of cheaper ingredients or a plethora of chemicals in their products, but because the stores run FAR more efficiently. Better-trained (and paid) workers, concentrate on the essentials (no bagging, shopping cart "service" that is pretty much self-serve, etc.), quick turnover of products, and a limit on the number of products sold (the average Aldi sells about 1,400 products while the average supermarket sells about 40,000) makes stocking far easier and quicker. I've rarely seen an Aldi with more than four workers on at a time. Publix? Probably 20 or more on average. Publix probably has huge overhead compared to Publix. That extra overhead translates into higher prices.

If Trader Joe's approach is similar, then I'd have no basis to believe that their products are any less healthy than, say, Publix. And I'd probably pay a heck of a lot less.

TJ’s has employees scurrying about like ants. And they bag your groceries. Of course, most of them smell like a very earthy cologne (weed).

[paulajr]

Just what we need. Another overpriced, high brow store. 30 different varieties of tofu. Who has money left over to afford that if they even wanted it?

Obviously written by someone who has never set foot inside of a Trader Joe’s. Not expensive, not anywhere near anything you wrote.

[orchidlady22]

I was a resident of Sarasota, shoppers paradise.. We all were very excited when Costco opened there. Shortly afterwards, Trader Joe's came in. I read that Costco will be building here in 2025. I'm hoping that Trader Joes will follow after Costco is open. It's time The Villages became a retail empire!

[drrichard]

Done-- THANKS!

[FredJacobs]

Villagers have been trying to get a Trader Joe's here for many years. About 10 years ago, Villagers presented Trader Joe's with a petition signed with over 6,000 signatures. They were rebuffed and told, "We will never open a Trader Joe's in The Villages."

I suspect that there was either a falling out with the Morse family or that the rent for a location is a percentage of your sales.

[Karmanng]

I am really skeptical about the success of getting a store to build here because of a lot of requests.

I think they pay good money for market studies and stuff like that.

And they are capitalists too.

They should just ask a financially secure Villager......

I think that is what I just scoffed at.

Go for it. I have been watching this for almost twenty years. I still haven't ever been in a Trader Joes and I will be 85 in a couple of weeks.

YOU FORGET TV is growing leaps and bounds eventually it will get here

[BrianL99]

I suspect that there was either a falling out with the Morse family or that the rent for a location is a percentage of your sales.

Almost all Commercial Lease have a % of sales condition. Makes sense for both parties.

[Topspinmo]

Just click on the link to go to Trader Joe's "Request a Store" form. The more they receive, the more likely they will consider us. They just put their new one for this year in Florida in Clearwater. Still too far away.

Request a Trader Joe's (https://publish-p24753-e81973.adobeaemcloud.com/home/contact-us/request-a-store)

Probably under water in Clearwater IMO that was bad choice for location unless the built it 15 feet above sea level.

[JannCarr]

Just click on the link to go to Trader Joe's "Request a Store" form. The more they receive, the more likely they will consider us. They just put their new one for this year in Florida in Clearwater. Still too far away.

Request a Trader Joe's (https://publish-p24753-e81973.adobeaemcloud.com/home/contact-us/request-a-store)

DONE! I submitted a heartfelt plea to Trader Joe's to build one at least NEAR the Villages, if not IN the Villages. I've heard that getting commercial property here can be 'difficult'! So, I would gladly accept NEAR, in order to not have to make the HOUR + drives to Orlando or Gainesville.

If you are a TJ's fan, please submit one, too! (even if you have submitted one before!)

[JannCarr]

Let's go with NEAR the Villages and cut out the Morse bureaucracy! And 6 years is a LONG time ago. Demographic here has change 6Xs over! Many people are moving here from cities, towns, places that HAD a Trader Joe's and need it back!

[ithos]

I read a couple days ago that they were considering either Ocala or The Villages for their next location, and chose The Villages. Maybe it’s false info, so I won’t hold my breath, but a girl can hope. We currently shop at the one in Dr. Phillips in combo with a Disney trip, which is only 3-4x annually. Would love to shop TJs weekly like in our former life.

Not only are their prices low but they have a huge variety of organic products and unique items that aren't sold elsewhere. Of course they also have a good selection of the comfort foods that most people crave.

If a Trader Joes comes to TV it will be as busy Aldi is especially if they build it between Brownwood and the turnpike. It has a cult following just as passionate if not more than that of Costco.

[ithos]

Look up definition of spam.

No matter how many people make a request it won’t happen. TJ’s has already looked at the area and made a business decision it’s not profitable.

I concur. Too many Villagers are happy to eat crap.

TJ's sells plenty of "Crap" too that will clog your arteries and promote cancer and diabetes just like Walmart, Aldi's and Publix.

[Tvflguy]

Absolutely. I’m in CA visiting my son. They have tons of TJs Love it. One would think since Aldi is a sister company.
They would convert a Winn Dixie to TJ. Please!!!!

[BrianL99]

Absolutely. I’m in CA visiting my son. They have tons of TJs Love it. One would think since Aldi is a sister company.
They would convert a Winn Dixie to TJ. Please!!!!

Trader Joe's and Aldi's are completely unrelated grocery chains in the USA.

For the folks tilting at windmills, here is TJ's customer profile and The Villages is not close.

[Sandy and Ed]

Can't hurt, but it is probable that Trader Joe's locates their stores based more on solid research rather than on a letter-writing campaign.
Probably right but given enough requests they may revisit their past market research to see if the population density and demographics have changed

[ElDiabloJoe]

I've never shopped at a Trader Joe's, though I've heard a lot of good things about them, largely from people who also patronize Aldi. Since both Aldi and Trader Joe's have the same parentage, so to speak, then I'm assuming that they're run similarly. Overall Aldi prices are not because of cheaper ingredients or a plethora of chemicals in their products, but because the stores run FAR more efficiently. Better-trained (and paid) workers, concentrate on the essentials (no bagging, shopping cart "service" that is pretty much self-serve, etc.), quick turnover of products, and a limit on the number of products sold (the average Aldi sells about 1,400 products while the average supermarket sells about 40,000) makes stocking far easier and quicker. I've rarely seen an Aldi with more than four workers on at a time. Publix? Probably 20 or more on average. Publix probably has huge overhead compared to Publix. That extra overhead translates into higher prices.

If Trader Joe's approach is similar, then I'd have no basis to believe that their products are any less healthy than, say, Publix. And I'd probably pay a heck of a lot less.

I really like TJ's, but I really dislike Aldi's. You are incorrect in your assumption that they are alike. They are not alike at all. Except both are small.

Since you admit you have never shopped at one or tried their wares, you may consider withholding your assumptions until you do. After which you may or may not like them but truth be told there are many who do.

It's not always the first trip there that hooks people. It's trying some of their stuff and developing a real preference for an item or two. Then you start trying other stuff there and realizing how much of it really is good and how reasonably priced it is. That's how you develop the fan base they have.

Oh- Trader Joe's and Aldi's are sibling companies, but they are not one owned by the other. It's a myth like the one about McDonald's owning Chipotle. Trader Joes is owned by the owner Aldi Nord. But the Aldi stores you see in the US are owned by Aldi Süd. The two are completely separate companies. Two brothers started a grocery chain in Germany. They split the chain when one wanted to carry cigarettes and the other did not. They bifurcated into two separate chains. It's kinda like Puma and Adidas. Two brothers who each started their own brand.

Here, this might help 'splain it: The Connection Between Trader Joe's And Aldi (https://www.tastingtable.com/910536/the-connection-between-trader-joes-and-aldi/)

[shaw8700@outlook.com]

Back where I used to live I shopped once a month, (I ate their cereal exclusively for a number of years) and I miss some of the things that TJ’s has that nobody else carries.

And as far as them being overpriced, that is usually said by people that have never been there.

TJ’s, TJ’s, TJ’s!!

[jacksonla]

That was easy to send them a message. It won't hurt to ask.

[barbnick]

The Villages does not meet their demographic profile for location.
They want the 30 - 50 group

[Switter]

I've never shopped at a Trader Joe's, though I've heard a lot of good things about them, largely from people who also patronize Aldi. Since both Aldi and Trader Joe's have the same parentage, so to speak, then I'm assuming that they're run similarly. Overall Aldi prices are not because of cheaper ingredients or a plethora of chemicals in their products, but because the stores run FAR more efficiently. Better-trained (and paid) workers, concentrate on the essentials (no bagging, shopping cart "service" that is pretty much self-serve, etc.), quick turnover of products, and a limit on the number of products sold (the average Aldi sells about 1,400 products while the average supermarket sells about 40,000) makes stocking far easier and quicker. I've rarely seen an Aldi with more than four workers on at a time. Publix? Probably 20 or more on average. Publix probably has huge overhead compared to Publix. That extra overhead translates into higher prices.

If Trader Joe's approach is similar, then I'd have no basis to believe that their products are any less healthy than, say, Publix. And I'd probably pay a heck of a lot less.

Publix is overpriced and their meat department is abysmal. I am also completely conditioned to self check out. It annoys me that they don't have it at the Publix store near me.

I would like a Trader Joe's. I've never shopped there before but I know people who have and trust their judgment.

Right now it's Walmart and Costco in Claremont for me. Can't wait till we get our Costco!

[charlie1]

Can't hurt, but it is probable that Trader Joe's locates their stores based more on solid research rather than on a letter-writing campaign.

Being in retail for many years, areas to open stores is TOTALLY based on solid research. Exact location within the area is more subjective. It is amazing the amount of information is available and used to make the decision. Number of emails, even if they would by chance keep track, have never play a part in a decision.

[BlueStarAirlines]

Being in retail for many years, areas to open stores is TOTALLY based on solid research. Exact location within the area is more subjective. It is amazing the amount of information is available and used to make the decision. Number of emails, even if they would by chance keep track, have never play a part in a decision.

This is exactly accurate. When I was involved in opening locations we would never consider customer pleas just because it was so easy to organize campaigns where the data reflected the store couldn't be profitable...or even sustainable.

The easiest way to get a TJ is to make Sprouts and Fresh Market incredibly profitable and unable to keep up with the demands of those that live in and around TV for a sustained period of time.

When the demand and sales reflects that there is a large enough demographic to support a TJ and other related stores, then TJ could consider.

[ithos]

You very well may be right but there are other unique factors to The Villages that they may consider if they are astute:

Most people that live here have substantial revenue sources outside of Social Security and were in the middle to upper middle class when they retired.
The average home value in TV is well above 300k and is in a densely populated area that is experiencing significant expansion
The combined population of Lake and Sumter counties is over 500k.
The healthcare industry which have higher than average incomes is booming.
The logistics and distribution sector is growing rapidly.
-

[ElDiabloJoe]

...Number of emails, even if they would by chance keep track, have never play a part in a decision.

Except that they provide a form and link directly on their website specifically to solicit requests for new store locations. This is not a generic email plea. They are asking for exactly that: new store location requests. Maybe a factor to your previous employer's new-store-locating guidelines that employer never bothered with. There's a reason some stores go out of business and some don't. Never seen a Trader Joe's go out of business - maybe their customers needs are more important to them than customers were to your previous employers?

[Nell57]

Thanks for the link.
I’ve been here 15 years and have sent this in many many times.
It hasn’t happened yet, but I’m sure someday it will. Wawa is new…Costco is coming….Middleton is a younger demographic. We are changing and TJ would definitely be profitable here.
When they see it, they will build.

[graciegirl]

Being in retail for many years, areas to open stores is TOTALLY based on solid research. Exact location within the area is more subjective. It is amazing the amount of information is available and used to make the decision. Number of emails, even if they would by chance keep track, have never play a part in a decision.

I so agree. I am always surprised that folks think that any entity would spend millions and millions of dollars either building a building or completely restructuring one, completely stocking the facility, let alone hiring managers and workers and getting them insurance and spending enormous amounts of money on advertising and rent.............on anything but solid researched numbers.

ALWAYS SURPRISED.

And some folks even blame the people who are the developers. Being a for profit business is not a bad thing. But that is another rant for me.

[thelegges]

The Villages does not meet their demographic profile for location.
They want the 30 - 50 group

You may not realize TJ’s has been in retail for over 60 years. If one shopped there in their 20s, they will still drive an hour to shop in their 60-70 and 80s.

Yes TJs is near college towns, because it’s a healthy alternative at good prices, than other grocery. But it’s their parents who introduced them to TJs, and that’s why 20-50yo shop their stores.

We had 6 TJs within 30 minutes or less, we shopped weekly, along with our area farm to table bounty of fresh produce, dairy, and protein. Now we drive to TJs every 2 weeks, we are not the only retirees there.

[charlie1]

You very well may be right but there are other unique factors to The Villages that they may consider if they are astute:

Most people that live here have substantial revenue sources outside of Social Security and were in the middle to upper middle class when they retired.
The average home value in TV is well above 300k and is in a densely populated area that is experiencing significant expansion
The combined population of Lake and Sumter counties is over 500k.
The healthcare industry which have higher than average incomes is booming.
The logistics and distribution sector is growing rapidly.
-

Retailers look at ALL of the above information and much more! They will even get buying habits of the people within a specified radius to determine if the new locations has a high probably of success. They look for areas where there is a high concentration of residence that meet their target demographic.

[BrianL99]

You very well may be right but there are other unique factors to The Villages that they may consider if they are astute:

Most people that live here have substantial revenue sources outside of Social Security and were in the middle to upper middle class when they retired.
The average home value in TV is well above 300k and is in a densely populated area that is experiencing significant expansion
The combined population of Lake and Sumter counties is over 500k.
The healthcare industry which have higher than average incomes is booming.
The logistics and distribution sector is growing rapidly.
-


I'd say the folks at Trader Joe's are fairly astute. I've never seen one of them close up.

I suspect you've never been in a TJ's, because your characterization of the TV market, runs contrary to TJ's demographic.

TJ's typically opens new locations in established areaa, not those under going "expansion". Every one I've ever seen, is in an area with a much higher per capita income than TV, with much more expensive homes.

Raw population #'s aren't very relevant, their market analysis is predicated on how many people in their desired demographic, live within 30 minutes of a potential location.

The "average" TJ customer, is a White or Asian, 44 year married female, who earns over $80,000/year. Not many of them in TV.

[ithos]

I'd say the folks at Trader Joe's are fairly astute. I've never seen one of them close up.

I suspect you've never been in a TJ's, because your characterization of the TV market, runs contrary to TJ's demographic.

TJ's typically opens new locations in established areaa, not those under going "expansion". Every one I've ever seen, is in an area with a much higher per capita income than TV, with much more expensive homes.

Raw population #'s aren't very relevant, their market analysis is predicated on how many people in their desired demographic, live within 30 minutes of a potential location.

The "average" TJ customer, is a White or Asian, 44 year married female, who earns over $80,000/year. Not many of them in TV.

I have been to Trader Jacks numerous times and yes the average customer is probably around 44 because I have observed plenty of shoppers who are boomers, millennials and younger. The demos usually match the surrounding area.

When people get older there is a tendency not to stay out as late but their food preferences don't change that much unless they have to live on a smaller budget.

Great food selection at lower prices will always be a draw to all ages. We are talking grocery stores not hip nightclubs.

[BrianL99]

I have been to Trader Jacks numerous times and yes the average customer is probably around 44 because I have observed plenty of shoppers who are boomers, millennials and younger. The demos usually match the surrounding area.

When people get older there is a tendency not to stay out as late but their food preferences don't change that much unless they have to live on a smaller budget.

Great food selection at lower prices will always be a draw to all ages. We are talking grocery stores not hip nightclubs.

The statistics prove you wrong.

No kidding? Are you suggesting that Trader Joe's, opens stores in areas that have a demographic that's consistent with their customer base? Shocking news.

[HORNET]

Why ?

[Dusty_Star]

I've never shopped at a Trader Joe's, though I've heard a lot of good things about them, largely from people who also patronize Aldi. Since both Aldi and Trader Joe's have the same parentage, so to speak, then I'm assuming that they're run similarly. Overall Aldi prices are not because of cheaper ingredients or a plethora of chemicals in their products, but because the stores run FAR more efficiently. Better-trained (and paid) workers, concentrate on the essentials (no bagging, shopping cart "service" that is pretty much self-serve, etc.), quick turnover of products, and a limit on the number of products sold (the average Aldi sells about 1,400 products while the average supermarket sells about 40,000) makes stocking far easier and quicker. I've rarely seen an Aldi with more than four workers on at a time. Publix? Probably 20 or more on average. Publix probably has huge overhead compared to Publix. That extra overhead translates into higher prices.

If Trader Joe's approach is similar, then I'd have no basis to believe that their products are any less healthy than, say, Publix. And I'd probably pay a heck of a lot less.

I've shopped at both, love TJ's. Seemingly they are owned by brothers, but have no other connection. They are very different, but with some similarities. TJ's certainly does bag your groceries, & you do not rent a cart. TJ's to me seems cleaner & more well run. They do have more employees on the floor than Aldi & many more cashiers. TJ's does have more food items for sale & much less non-food, than Aldi. Aldi's been fun, but I would trade it for a TJ's in a heartbeat.

[Dusty_Star]

Except that they provide a form and link directly on their website specifically to solicit requests for new store locations. This is not a generic email plea. They are asking for exactly that: new store location requests. Maybe a factor to your previous employer's new-store-locating guidelines that employer never bothered with. There's a reason some stores go out of business and some don't. Never seen a Trader Joe's go out of business - maybe their customers needs are more important to them than customers were to your previous employers?

Correct. Additionally, while they may not be saying it currently TJ's in the past has said that they DO take requests into consideration. Now, everyone else was right saying that requests alone won't do it & that they have departments whose job it is to analyze potential locations. They appear to want high discretionary income. But they also lean towards high discretionary income that wants to spend that money at Trader Joes. That's where we come in.

[Calisport]

I agree. We don't need more junk food. TJs years ago passed up on The Villages and their fees to open here.

[bshuler]

I read an article on trying to get a Trader Joes in your area. It’s nearly impossible. They are looking for an edgy “progressive” demographic. The article described the target customer as a 30-50 year old woman who drives a Suburu and composts. Or about anywhere in California..

Take a cooler and drive 60 miles to Orlando at Morse & Orlando Ave in Winter Park. There is a Shake Shack next door (worth the trip!) Stock up!

[thelegges]

Heading up for an overnight to TJ’s in Gainesville this afternoon, along with WF. Then dinner at a great restaurant. We prefer Gainesville (except first week of UF students) quicker for us up I75, than Orlando

[DebMil]

Trader Joe's has constant recalls..I would choose another.

[Stu from NYC]

Exactly right. The VIllages at this point, doesn't meet their demographic profile, for a number of reasons.

... maybe 5-10 years from now, but don't hold your breathe.

Thats what people said when I said Costco was about to come here

[JMintzer]

I agree. We don't need more junk food. TJs years ago passed up on The Villages and their fees to open here.

What "fees" are unique to The Villages?

[LuckyS]

How Do I Get a Trader Joe's in My Neighborhood

Inside Trader Joe's Podcast (https://www.traderjoes.com/home/podcast)

[ElDiabloJoe]

How Do I Get a Trader Joe's in My Neighborhood

Inside Trader Joe's Podcast (https://www.traderjoes.com/home/podcast)

That was timely and informative. I wonder why they bother with the webpage to solicit requests then? Thanks to the smog capital of the world, Monrovia (SGV), for that informative bit of intel.

[scubawva]

That was timely and informative. I wonder why they bother with the webpage to solicit requests then? Thanks to the smog capital of the world, Monrovia (SGV), for that informative bit of intel.
They bother either webpage to both cut down on phone calls & emails they don’t want.

[asianthree]

Trader Joe's has constant recalls..I would choose another.

Would rather have a recall, than the McDs issue this week. I could be wrong, but I don’t think I have ever read TJs product caused a death