First it was In-N-Out Burger. Then it was H&M clothing chain. Now you can add Trader Joe's to the list of popular consumer brands looking to open their first Texas location in Dallas this year. Dallas Morning News business reporter Maria Halkias says the grocer may even expand to the State Capitol.
The hip grocer, whose nationwide fan base circles its buildings for grand openings and travels to stock up on its private-label groceries, is looking at multiple locations in Dallas, Houston and Austin.
Update at 12:16 pm: Trader Joe's confirmed to KUT News that they are "actively looking for sites" to open up shop in the Lone Star State. Here is their statement.
Dallas, and frankly the entire state of Texas, is a place we’ve wanted to be for a long time. We are a company that grows in a very controlled and thoughtful way in order to maintain the Trader Joe’s customer experience. We’re excited about bringing Trader Joe’s to the wonderful cities, towns, and neighborhoods in and around Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, and beyond. We are actively looking for sites and we’re anxious to identify some great locations and begin hiring Crew Members.
Earlier: Trader Joe's is a popular chain of specialty grocery stores with a loyal following in 27 states. It focuses on selling gourmet, organic, and health foods at relatively cheap prices.
Trader Joe's allure is apparent in efforts like this one in Louisville, Kentucky, where more than 2,000 people joined a Facebook campaign to bring the grocery retailer to the city. The campaign was successful; Trader Joe's is opening a location there this year.
Update at 1:16 pm: It's possible Austin won't see a Trader Joe's before 2013. Community Impact Newspaper spoke to the grocer's national spokesperson in February. She told them then that "at this time, Austin is not in our two-year plan of opening a location."
