Trader Joe’s is going on a nationwide expansion spree as Americans hunt for cheaper groceries.
The cult-favorite chain, founded in 1967, is planning to open more than 20 new stores in 2026 – including at least 17 already confirmed across 12 states.
New locations are set to land in cities including Paso Robles and Anaheim Hills in California, Spokane Valley and Seattle in Washington, Oswego in Illinois, West Orange in New Jersey, Lafayette in Louisiana and Herriman in Utah.
The grocer has already opened two stores in 2026 – one in Miller Place, New York, and another in Hamden, Connecticut.
Trader Joe’s added 34 locations in 2024 and a further 43 in 2025, taking its nationwide footprint to more than 600 stores across 43 states.
The only states left without a Trader Joe’s are Alaska, Hawaii, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, West Virginia and Wyoming.
Trader Joe’s is in an expansion battle with rival Aldi, America’s fastest-growing grocery chain.
German‑owned Aldi – founded in 1946 – operates more than 2,500 locations across 40 US states and opened 225 new stores last year alone, on top of the 105 in 2024.
