Americas News
Trader Joe's also unveiled plans for a distribution center near New York - creating up to 800 jobs - in September. The brand’s popularity is reflected in customer rankings. Trader Joe’s recently took the top spot in the American Customer Satisfaction Index, snatching the top spot from reigning grocery chain Publix. Trader Joe's, known for its quirky branding and private-label grocery items, first opened in Pasadena, California in 1967. In recent years, the brand developed a cult following, with some social media users claiming it's their go-to spot for snacks, ready-made frozen meals - and branded mini tote bags. Earlier this year, Trader Joe’s was forced to recall millions of pounds of frozen fried rice products after safety concerns, with the total recall eventually ballooning to around 47 million pounds.
Trader Joe's also unveiled plans for a distribution center near New York - creating up to 800 jobs - in September. The brand’s popularity is reflected in customer rankings. Trader Joe’s recently took the top spot in the American Customer Satisfaction Index, snatching the top spot from reigning grocery chain Publix. Trader Joe's, known for its quirky branding and private-label grocery items, first opened in Pasadena, California in 1967. In recent years, the brand developed a cult following, with some social media users claiming it's their go-to spot for snacks, ready-made frozen meals - and branded mini tote bags. Earlier this year, Trader Joe’s was forced to recall millions of pounds of frozen fried rice products after safety concerns, with the total recall eventually ballooning to around 47 million pounds.
Americas News

Trader Joe’s set to open in East Village, NYC

Located at 436 East 14th Street, the store was first announced more than two years ago and is situated at the base of a luxury apartment building. It features local artwork and is headed by a “store captain” with 14 years of experience with the company. This will be Trader Joe’s ninth location in New York City and its second in the East Village neighborhood.

Trader Joe’s is in high demand in markets throughout the country, with residents frequently petitioning the company to build a store in their community. The grocer isn’t always able to return the love, but in New York City, where checkout lines often loop through the aisles and sometimes out the door during rush hour, it keeps finding room to grow. 

The popular grocer already operates a store on 14th Street in Manhattan, just a few avenues west of this newest location and closer to Union Square. That location opened in 2006. In October 2018, Trader Joe’s opened a 30,000-square-foot location on New York’s Lower East Side.  

Trader Joe’s discontinued delivery in the city last March, saying it had become too costly.​ New Yorkers have pleaded with the company to bring back the service, which was available in the city for about ten years. For the car-less urban shopper, grocery delivery is a valuable solution, and according to local New York City officials, delivery also made Trader Joe’s affordable groceries accessible to more people. Trader Joe’s has not indicated it plans to reinstate the service.

Trader Joe’s has steered clear of any e-commerce efforts and focuses solely on brick-and-mortar. As competition in New York City intensifies with players like FreshDirect, Walmart’s Jet.com, Whole Foods and local grocers and bodegas, Trader Joe’s is opening more stores in the city to stay competitive and accessible. 

While Trader Joe’s operates in both urban and suburban areas, its smaller footprint works well in urban neighborhoods and helps the company keep costs low for shoppers. Research has found, however, that the arrival of popular grocery stores like Trader Joe’s can drive housing costs up and price out average or lower-income households.

Source: Grocery Dive

Most Popular