Yes, a Trader Joe’s is coming to Meridian. Here’s where it might go.
It’s really happening — Trader Joe’s says the company is looking to open a store in Meridian.
“We are taking the necessary steps,” said Kenya Friend-Daniel, spokeswoman for the Monrovia, California-based grocery chain. “We know that we are interested in bringing one to Meridian.”
Friend-Daniel did not confirm the location, but building plans submitted to Meridian indicate the store might go in at the southeast corner of Eagle and Ustick roads in the Gateway Marketplace, BoiseDev reported. The space was formerly occupied by grocery chain Rosauers, which closed in December 2017 after five years at the location.
The company doesn’t have any estimate for when the Trader Joe’s would open its Meridian location.
Trader Joe’s has developed an almost cult-like following. Regular shoppers fawn over the chain’s low prices and friendly employees, and their assortment of specialty and organic products such as Speculoos gingerbread cookie butter spread and “Three-Buck Chuck” wine.
Trader Joe’s also has been praised for its wages. Starting full-time employees make between $40,000 and $60,000 per year, according to the Harvard Business Review. That’s more than double what some competitors pay.
The grocer was named America’s favorite chain, according to a Retailer Preference Index compiled by consumer data consultant Dunnhumby. It was followed by close second, Costco, which is putting a location in northwest Meridian at Chinden Boulevard and Ten Mile Road. The City Council approved that project in October.
The location in Meridian would be the second in Idaho for Trader Joe’s. It has more than 465 locations in 43 states. Idaho Falls is also eager to attract a Trader Joe’s, according to EastIdahoNews.com.
This story was originally published April 10, 2019 at 3:31 PM.
