By George Anderson
Trader Joe's plans to add at least five new stores to the 12 it currently operates in the Chicagoland market by the end of next year.
Possible site locations identified include three in Chicago neighborhoods (Streeterville, River North and South Loop) and two suburban locations (Evanston and Oak Park), according to Mid-America Real Estate Corporation, the retailer's exclusive agent for the expansion.
Kevin Deighan, Director of Retail Services for Investment Development Services, Inc., who oversees the national brokerage and development for Trader Joe's said in a released statement, "Because of the phenomenal success Trader Joe's has seen in Chicagoland. We're continuing to increase the emphasis of new stores in this market."
Moderator's Comment: What impact will a larger Trader Joe's presence have on the Chicagoland grocery market?
Our sources tell us that we shouldn't be surprised if Trader Joe's opens up to eight stores in the Chicago market by the end of 2005. Consumers there are said to be taking to the stores even more enthusiastically than the typical rabid Trader Joe's fan (customer). - George Anderson - Moderator