[salpal]

http://www.traderjoes.com/about/index.asp

Let's flood them with requests for a store in The Villages. Click on link and go to lower right hand corner, arrow down to Location and then click "show me the form". They want your name and comments.

If this link does not work go to traderjoes.com and click on box on top that says "about".

[jackz]

Great idea.

Just filled out the form and launched it to Trader Joe's.

[redwitch]

Trader Joe's is pretty adamant that they're not coming to Florida, at least not in the next 10 years. They have done feasibility studies and it just didn't work for them. Something about warehouse space, etc.

That being said, I really wish they would come here. I miss my Trader Joe's!

[dfn8tly]

I agree with Redwitch. We have telephoned and emailed Trader Joe's corporate headquarters and their strategy is set for the foreseeable future. TV is NOT in the picture. Nice thought, though.

[Russ_Boston]

I have a dissenting position - I don't see what's all that special about Trader Joes. We have them up here in MA.

Once upon a time they were the leader in more healthy choices but I can find many/most of the items at any other local chain for less.

Tell me what you find at TJ that you can't get elsewhere. Maybe I'll revisit.

[paulandjean]

I think we have enough stores for now. No thank you. Please

[jebartle]

This is the response that I got from Trader Joe's effective 2/18/11:

We do have plans on coming to the state. However this area is not
currently set up within our warehousing distribution logistics and we do
not have the capabilities to yet supply the area. Trader Joe's expands
at a slower pace then most retailers and at this time this state is not
in the Trader Joe's 2-year plan

[nitehawk]

White Castle

[salpal]

Jebartle,

Yeah, I received same response, but was hoping if enough mail came from TV, they might give it a second look. OH well, can't hurt to try.

And yes, we have tons of stores here already, but you know there are more coming with Brownwood. We will see another Publix, Walmart, Home Depot, etc. somewhere near the new build out areas, along with addtional restaurants, etc. The current mix of retail stores/restaurants here probably could not effectively serve an additional 20-30,000 people. IMHO

[Russ_Boston]

Originally Posted by salpal

Jebartle,

Yeah, I received same response, but was hoping if enough mail came from TV, they might give it a second look. OH well, can't hurt to try.

And yes, we have tons of stores here already, but you know there are more coming with Brownwood. We will see another Publix, Walmart, Home Depot, etc. somewhere near the new build out areas, along with addtional restaurants, etc. The current mix of retail stores/restaurants here probably could not effectively serve an additional 20-30,000 people. IMHO

466a and 44 are relative wastelands as compared with 466 in terms of stores, restaurants etc. We will see a major ramp up in commercial property in these areas over the next 4-5 years. I'd welcome a TJ but it wouldn't be my 'go-to'.

[jblum8156]

Originally Posted by Russ_Boston

I have a dissenting position - I don't see what's all that special about Trader Joes. We have them up here in MA.

Tell me what you find at TJ that you can't get elsewhere. Maybe I'll revisit.

OK, here goes:
Really good frozen meatballs;
Really good gyoza (Japanese dumplings);
Really good frozen salmon (wild and farm-raised);
Irresistible chocolate chip "dunkers";
The best dark chocolate for baking or eating;
Spiced chai that I can't find anywhere else;
Fresh cherry preserves with whole cherries in it.
Just a few of my personal favorites.
All the above at reasonable prices.
Trader Joe's never claimed to be a health food store

[Russ_Boston]

Perhaps I should have said specialty store. Agreed, they don't position themselves as Whole Foods or Fresh Market do.

I'll go try some of those items.

[GatorFan]

Everyone likes different things. If not life would be so boring. Trader Joes is one of my favorite places to shop when I visit my daughter. would love one here or close by. I also would love to see a Baja Fresh. Yummy!