No Trader Joes this year

[UsuallyLurking]

I hate to be the bearer of sad tidings, but USA Today, looking at the Trader Joes web site, reports that there will be no Trader Joes opening in the entire state of Florida this year. Since the Costco rumor has been proven true, I don't know what people will be speculating about the next time Don Wiley spots a patch of dirt that he can't account for. I apologize in advance.

The link to the USA Today story: Your browser is not supported | usatoday.com (https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2025/04/23/trader-joes-opening-new-stores/83210922007/)

[JohnN]

Boo

[HappyTraveler]

....not even close, most likely.

TV doesn't nearly have the year-round population to warrant a Trader Joe's.

The only possibility I could imagine, someday, is South Ocala off of I-75. That could make sense.

The Ocala metro population is 396,415. The closest TJ store to The Villages is Gainesville with a metro pop of 332,317.

[Stu from NYC]

We were in Orlando last week found one 70 miles from our house and stocked up on our favorite wine.

[asianthree]

We travel to Gainesville every 3 weeks or less. So warby Parker, TJ’s, Whole Foods, KK, lunch at PF chang, Cheesecake Factory, or BJ restaurant. I get most wine direct so only pick up wine for cooking at TJs.

All the kids have a TJ’s and Buccee’s restock list. So delivery right to our door, and they even put it away.

[FloridaGuy66]

I'm an avid TJ's fan for 10+ years. The demographic here just isn't a good match for TJ's. They focus on younger and higher income areas. That's why they opened one in Gainesville and NOT in Ocala.

I think they might open one in Clermont if we're lucky one day, but I don't see it possible that they open one anywhere else in this area.

[Rwirish]

Great news!

[seecapecod]

....not even close, most likely.

TV doesn't nearly have the year-round population to warrant a Trader Joe's.

The only possibility I could imagine, someday, is South Ocala off of I-75. That could make sense.

The Ocala metro population is 396,415. The closest TJ store to The Villages is Gainesville with a metro pop of 332,317.

Not sure that logic applies- there is a Trader Joe’s in Hadley MA- population 5,300, even including Amherst brings it to 48,000. There is a Trader Joe’s in Hyannis MA (Cape Cod) with a far less winter population than TV at 220,00 the entire Cape- Hyannis= 14,300 year round residents

[Michael 61]

I'm an avid TJ's fan for 10+ years. The demographic here just isn't a good match for TJ's. They focus on younger and higher income areas. That's why they opened one in Gainesville and NOT in Ocala.

I think they might open one in Clermont if we're lucky one day, but I don't see it possible that they open one anywhere else in this area.

I think you’re right about a possible TJs in Clermont’s future. I have been following the growth of TJs for decades, and have watched where they decide to build their new stores. Clermont and the NW Orlando metro area is exploding in population, and the demographic in this area matches that of the TJ target demographic.

I would lay odds you’ll see a TJs in the Clermont area in the next five years, which will make it accessible to the growing population of the southern areas of TV. (Much closer than Gainesville for those of us south of 44).

[HappyTraveler]

Not sure that logic applies- there is a Trader Joe’s in Hadley MA- population 5,300, even including Amherst brings it to 48,000. There is a Trader Joe’s in Hyannis MA (Cape Cod) with a far less winter population than TV at 220,00 the entire Cape- Hyannis= 14,300 year round residents
A few things, random order:
-- Different demographics in Hadley, MA that fit the TJ consumer more so
-- Store is slightly off of an interstate
-- For warehousing and distribution reasons, TJ's largely clusters their stores. The New England region is a big cluster so adding a select few in areas that don't fit the usual population requirements but, exhibit other supportive characteristics is a low-risk, low cost bet for them.

[HORNET]

Great ! Not a fan of this store

[Dilligas]

I hate to be the bearer of sad tidings, but USA Today, looking at the Trader Joes web site, reports that there will be no Trader Joes opening in the entire state of Florida this year. Since the Costco rumor has been proven true, I don't know what people will be speculating about the next time Don Wiley spots a patch of dirt that he can't account for. I apologize in advance.

The link to the USA Today story: Your browser is not supported | usatoday.com (https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2025/04/23/trader-joes-opening-new-stores/83210922007/)
I guess this is for those from the NE USA only....

[shut the front door]

...

[FredJacobs]

15 years ago, a petition of about 5,000 signatures off TV residents was presented to Trader Joe's. Their reply, "We will never open a store in the area of The Villages. I believe it had something to do with the Developer's practice of making your rent for space a percentage of your profit.

[Stu from NYC]

15 years ago, a petition of about 5,000 signatures off TV residents was presented to Trader Joe's. Their reply, "We will never open a store in the area of The Villages. I believe it had something to do with the Developer's practice of making your rent for space a percentage of your profit.

Simple solution is to build or lease on non developer land. Lots of that around. Only problem is might not get golf cart access.