West Seattle Trader Joe’s rumor watch: Location to keep an eye on

Since “Trader Joe’s” is likely – if we had a way of ranking – the single-most-mentioned phrase here on WSB, we do periodically check out the rumors that come our way, especially if the same “rumor” comes from multiple sources. (Here’s a sample rumor check from 2007!) The latest trail started in the WSB Forums, and our ensuing research has turned up some interesting circumstantial evidence, though nothing definite yet. Read on to see what we’ve found out:

We embarked this week on ANOTHER round of rumor-checking – approximately the 1,075th in our 3+ years of doing news at WSB – after a WSB Forums thread (and a couple e-mails) popped up contending that people were hearing from employees at the Trader Joe’s Burien store that a definite West Seattle location had been found.

First, on Monday morning we called Trader Joe’s corporate headquarters, which had told us a few months ago nothing was in their “two-year plan” – through the end of NEXT year.

This time, the person answering the phone at corporate headquarters refused to put us through to the PR department, insisting West Seattle was “not on the list for THIS year.”

Next – this is still Monday – we called the Burien TJ’s to see if perhaps they had a different understanding, and if they were really telling customers their company had settled on a West Seattle site. Manager Dan talked with us and said, well, they all knew TJ’s was LOOKING for a West Seattle site, but nothing definite.

Some hours, and stories, passed. Looking again at what WSB’ers said they had heard – we decided to check the city Department of Planning and Development files for all the major remaining Huling sites, including 4545 Fauntleroy – the Buick showroom site:

And there, we we found this page on the city website, where the first word of permits and projects always pops up. Note the telltale line, which we screengrabbed:

(Sorry that’s hard to read – click through to the city site and you’ll see it more clearly.) The online file contains little else – not even a date. Seeking out anything additional that might be public, perhaps on a hard-copy form at a city facility downtown, we talked to Bryan Stevens at DPD. He confirmed by phone that it’s a new case in their system, so new that a “pre-submittal conference” meeting is scheduled for next week – the formal permit has not yet been applied for.

Next step: The property owner, Steve Huling. Wednesday, we tried multiple phone calls and even a visit to his Junction office. No luck. But he called back Thursday.

Though Huling acknowledged he is “excited” about the unspecified prospects for that site – he told us he cannot comment on any deal that might or might not be in the works, except to say that he has not yet signed any agreements with anyone to move into that site. 4545 Fauntleroy has had proposals before that fell through, he noted. (At one point, you may recall, while BlueStar was developing the site now known as The Hole, it announced an option on the Huling Buick showroom site, for a potential development to be called Gateway Center. In a recent conversation with WSB, BlueStar leadership confirmed they no longer hold that option.)

Before publishing this update, we had one more party to check back with: Trader Joe’s, again, to see if they would change the reply given what’s in the city system. We called and e-mailed the company’s national PR director Alison Mochizuki, who got back to us today:

I wanted to let you know that we are interested in West Seattle, but at this time we do not have a store location confirmed. However, I will be sure to update you if anything changes.

That statement alone is more than they’ve said about West Seattle in the past. But there the trail ends – so far.

110 Replies to "West Seattle Trader Joe's rumor watch: Location to keep an eye on"

  • Brandon April 30, 2010 (2:39 pm)

    maybe if we chant trader joe’s they will bring one here….

    TRADER JOES!
    TRADER JOES!
    TRADER JOES!

  • eileen April 30, 2010 (2:42 pm)

    I read through the DPD permit status windows. It looks like all that has been done is a presubmittal conference has been paid for. This is typically done when you are trying to get a reading from the city on various code implications (such as parking requirements, whether the whole building needs upgrades – i.e. considered substantial alterations.) This is usually done as part of a feasibility portion of a project since these sort of code and permiting issues can dramatically effect the viability and cost to realize a project.

    It’s exciting, but its not a building permit. Great research WSB!!!

  • ln8r April 30, 2010 (2:44 pm)

    WSB I adore you!!!

    Trader Joes please come, PULLLLLLLLHHHHEEEAASE come.

  • WSB April 30, 2010 (2:44 pm)

    Oh, definitely not a permit, and I had hoped to be clear on that regard. Nonetheless, it’s the first time that phrase has turned up in DPD records – and we look at all the major vacant lots periodically – as one example, one of the others nearby had a line in the DPD system about a future Les Schwab’s; we checked that out about a month ago and got a denial from a variety of fronts, seems to be something that was maybe in the works months ago but didn’t go anywhere. All the same, especially given the forum conversation, we thought all this was worth reporting just as a research process :) – TR

  • Mookie April 30, 2010 (2:49 pm)

    I’m almost afraid to get my hopes up…but nonetheless, excellent detective work, WSB! :-D

  • natinstl April 30, 2010 (2:50 pm)

    Not only would it be great to get a Trader Joe’s, but it’s great to see that businesses are taking over these buildings. It’s pretty depressing driving into W. Seattle lately. Most of these buildings have parking lots too, which is great.

  • Lynne April 30, 2010 (2:51 pm)

    If we are going to chant anything it is going to be:
    WSB! WSB! WSB! Thank you for the relentless digging!

  • Bob Loblaw April 30, 2010 (2:53 pm)

    Oh stop it, WSB. Just stop it. :-)
    .
    BTW: Anybody else called by a survey company this week asking tons of questions about your grocery shopping habits, including which stores you go to, and whether you have heard of or go to any of the following: “… Trader Joe’s.” To which we replied “Oh hellz yes!!”

  • WS April 30, 2010 (2:53 pm)

    Am I the only one that is slightly depressed about the idea of a chain store going into what is essentailly the gateway to West Seattle? I relaize a car dealership was not ideal and neither is empty buildings, but the potential is so great for this area. No way is TJ going in without a very long lease.

  • Andy April 30, 2010 (2:55 pm)

    I’ve been hoping for a TJs at High Point next to the library/health center. There are so many grocery stores by the junction and we could use something out here. Still, anything in West Seattle would be great.

  • SarahScoot April 30, 2010 (2:55 pm)

    Eileen, thanks for expounding on what the status involves, but I did think Tracy stated quite clearly that this DPD status update did not equate to building permits.
    Specifically, she wrote “He confirmed by phone that it’s a new case in their system, so new that a ‘pre-submittal conference’ meeting is scheduled for next week – the formal permit has not yet been applied for,” which is more or less what you said in your comment.

  • Valerie April 30, 2010 (2:56 pm)

    Thanks so much for your diligence! I hope hope hope a Trader Joe’s comes out of it, but regardless, you’ve done a masterful job of tracking this down!

  • eileen April 30, 2010 (3:03 pm)

    Sarahscoot – I understand what WSB said but was trying to add some further information to convey what a presubmittal conference was. I’m sorry if some of what I wrote repeated WSB information, but was only meant to add to the discussion.

  • Bob Loblaw April 30, 2010 (3:03 pm)

    WS: Yes.

  • SarahScoot April 30, 2010 (3:13 pm)

    Eileen, no, I definitely appreciate the additional information, I just wasn’t sure if you saw Tracy’s note about what the DPD status meant. Sorry if my “tone” was off! :)

  • Sue April 30, 2010 (3:13 pm)

    A Trader Joe’s 2 blocks from my house would be most awesome – I could bring my shopping cart and not even have to drive there. I will keep my fingers crossed. The only thing I’d miss about the drive to Burien is that we always go to the mongolian grill next door when we make the trip down. Now we have to lobby for a mongolian grill in West Seattle. :)

  • lenguamor April 30, 2010 (3:14 pm)

    Thank you for following up on this, WSB; good news, despite the usual grumblings from the peanut gallery. I’m grateful for the possibility not only because it will add another popular and successful business to our community, but because it will ameliorate our standing as Little Detroit, with all the empty buildings.

  • weloveyoutraderjoes April 30, 2010 (3:15 pm)

    HURRAY! Trader Joe’s has a goldmine in West Seattle waiting to be struck. Seriously they would be dumb to not come here. If you are like me I mention it to them EVERY TIME I go to capitol hill or Burien TJ’s. For years. Long time coming if it happens. Great location I think. Also would love to see life come back into that area. WESTSIDE!

  • Carolyn April 30, 2010 (3:17 pm)

    If they build it, we will come!

    C’mon Trader Joes!

  • eileen April 30, 2010 (3:29 pm)

    Sarahscoot – that’s okay I think I wrote what I wrote so fast because I was hyperventilating at the thought of TJs within walking distance…;-)

  • nmb April 30, 2010 (3:29 pm)

    There are no dates associated with the permit info listed on DPD’s website, but the DPD project number suggest that the project was created at DPD sometime within about the last 4 months.

    Also note that the only task associated with the project on DPD’s website is a pre-submittal conference (which is the very first step in the very early stage of applying for a permit of this nature). The fee for this conference has not been paid, so the conference has most likely not been scheduled yet.

    (woops, sorry, i should have read the other comments before writing this. sorry for the duplicate info.)

    • WSB April 30, 2010 (3:35 pm)

      It’s scheduled for next week, according to Bryan Stevens, as I wrote, and I happened onto one other indication – not alluded to in the article – that it’s indeed happening next week. What I don’t know is whether such conferences involve site visits … or else we’d just stake it out ;)

  • Aim April 30, 2010 (3:43 pm)

    YES YES YES YES YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    I spend about $400-500/month on groceries, and currently about 20% of that is at TJs. That would go up to 100% if they were closer.

  • Jacob April 30, 2010 (3:46 pm)

    Nice work Tracy.

  • Cheryl April 30, 2010 (3:47 pm)

    I really really wish they’d consider the south end of the penninsula instead. There are a ZILLION grocery stores from Admiral to Alaska to Morgan. Ho hum. Apparently those folks get the good chi-chi stores & we just get a junky QFC. At least we have our own liquor store now. I’m gonna go cry in my vodka now.

  • nuni April 30, 2010 (3:50 pm)

    lame..we need a grocery store in high point.

  • nuni April 30, 2010 (3:50 pm)

    and I don’t mean the ghetto mart.

  • Babs April 30, 2010 (3:53 pm)

    Hopefully Trader Joes has their smart business cap on and realizes a store in the WS hood would be a goldmine! Bring it please (with sugar.)
    Keep the sleuthing work up WSB, you guys are the best! :)

  • Twicksea April 30, 2010 (3:59 pm)

    I was one of those emailers, thank you so much for all this research and follow up, WSB! You’re a real community resource. But I’m not holding my breath yet that TJ’s organic peanut butter is going to be within striking distance any time soon.

  • WS Steve April 30, 2010 (4:01 pm)

    While this is interesting, it’s best not to get overly excited until we get more details from the…

    Oh, who am I kidding WE’RE GETTING A TRADER FREAKING JOE’S!!!

  • KBear April 30, 2010 (4:08 pm)

    Good grief.

  • lenguamor April 30, 2010 (4:10 pm)

    lol, WS Steve

  • TLP April 30, 2010 (4:35 pm)

    Although I agree that another grocery store is a bit much, I’m not sure smaller businesses would be willing to take a chance on this area just yet. But, with that said we should all try to stop buy and check out the new West Seattle Produce that is open TODAY. And TJ’s is (to me) a niche store. I also hear that their employees are pretty happy and treated well, which is always a plus. Heck, maybe this area will become the “grocery district” – I know lots of people that go to several stores to gather weekly groceries. Why not have them all in one place? I’d opt for that over empty parking lots any day.

  • Silly Goose April 30, 2010 (4:41 pm)

    Come on George, years ago he and his father were going to build a beautiful Trader Joe’s complex with under ground parking a beautiful dining court yard, etc. where Cafe Ladro is now, and that neighborhood made such a stink about it he moved on, I truely hope these rumors are true as this would be the icing on the West Seattle Cake, WOO HOO come on Trader Joe’s….

  • @SW April 30, 2010 (4:45 pm)

    Nice sleuthing, WSB

    But… I don’t get it. To me, Trader Joe’s is about as exciting as brushing my teeth. Obviously I’m missing something.

    (far more excited for West Seattle Produce)

  • lenguamor April 30, 2010 (4:50 pm)

    West Seattle Produce and Trader Joe’s across the street from each other will complement each other perfectly, because the one and only thing TJ’s does not do well is produce.
    Near-perfect symbiosis.

  • w April 30, 2010 (4:51 pm)

    oh dang – I had one of those grocery survey calls & told them I was too busy! I am never too busy for trader joes!!
    WS – I think you & the owners of qfc/safeway are the only ones! have you ever been to trader joes? trader joes is a magical place where you can get food and other sundries! and we can pay regular price and be just fine! and every cookie known to man! crumpets! Naan! baklava! This Strawberry walked into a bar!…

  • Todd April 30, 2010 (5:14 pm)

    Please let there be a TJ’s in WS!!!

  • WSGuy April 30, 2010 (5:23 pm)

    This is majah. Imagine how much CO2 we’ll spare from the environment from not having to truck down to Burien.

    It’s become very clear that there’s a huge opportunity to make the gateway to WS very nice. TJs – if you’re reading this – DO IT. We’ll spend more money with you.

  • Alki Bee April 30, 2010 (5:24 pm)

    I’ve spoken with TJ people here and in LA and have been told that their policy is to build within a certain distance from a freeway/highway (can’t remember the exact measurement, but it’s quite near), and no place in West Seattle meets that criterion. So maybe we should build a highway first to attract them.

  • k April 30, 2010 (5:28 pm)

    Great job WSB!! Wow TJs and WS Produce all in one week!
    If only they were going in on Delridge or in the HP Area.

    When the Kmart on Delridge closed I emailed Top Foods to see if they would be interested, but I didn’t get a response.

    The south end needs more grocery choices.

  • sophista-tiki April 30, 2010 (5:38 pm)

    Every Trader Joes location in the city is always packed. It would be foolish for them NOT to put a TJ in West Seattle. and I for one am tired of having to leave the hood to shop at a TJ. I’ve got one request for them WHEN they do finally get here. Please dont have jacked up parking like most of your locations.

  • dale April 30, 2010 (5:43 pm)

    I don’t know Trader Joe but if he ran for Mayor he would probably win.

  • Barry April 30, 2010 (5:44 pm)

    We don’t need a trader joes it’s not that special

  • J D April 30, 2010 (5:49 pm)

    Trader Joe’s outside of High Point would be awesome! A community with somewhere around 3,000 people with no grocery store is no good! They would be busy for sure!!!!

  • The Other KBear April 30, 2010 (5:53 pm)

    WSB, thank you for being great investigators! We really appreciate all that you do and how well you do it. = )

    I do think that a solid grocery store near High Point would be a bonus to the entire West Seattle area.

  • kc April 30, 2010 (5:56 pm)

    Personally, I like the current grocery store options, especially with West Seattle Produce coming and feel that additional grocery stores would likely cause one or more of our current stores to go out of business. However, and I did post this on WSB a few months ago, I sat next to a guy on a flight from Orange County, CA to SEA that was the regional director/manager for TJs in WA state. I did not catch his name, he was flying home from a TJs managers meeting in So Cal and showed me the plans for the West Seattle TJs. Again, I do not really want a TJs, so I have no reason to make this up. Just thought that I would share the story.

    • WSB April 30, 2010 (8:11 pm)

      KC @ 5:56 pm – either you posted it here or e-mailed me or both, I remember the “guy on a plane” report. And at the time I followed all the same trails, and everyone denied it. As has happened multiple times before … this just happens to be the FIRST time that TJ’s has even publicly admitted interest in WS when answering one of our inquiries, much less been mentioned in the DPD files. Could be the one from the plane for all we know … or maybe they had another location earmarked at one point (as was the case in Admiral, I understand, long before we arrived on the West Seattle news scene) … But it’s always great to get the “I heard/I saw/I met” reports because that gets us digging on a variety of things. Frankly, **IF** (and remember it’s still an **IF** until and unless there’s an announcement) **IF** this really does pan out, I’m wondering what the next “meme” will be … TR

  • steve April 30, 2010 (6:02 pm)

    I’ve been to tj’s burien and didn’t find it particularly interesting, can someone please explain the attraction?

  • w April 30, 2010 (6:18 pm)

    when I chose to move to West Seattle, “no trader joes” was one thing on the con list. I had to take into account the higher cost of living no longer having close access to those great prices. It really adds up.

    O.J., cereal, box of cereal bars, loaf of whole grain bread-under two bucks each regular price – try comparing prices for things like olive oil, honey, real vanilla, bagged salads, organic oatmeal…sometimes the other stores will come close with their sales – but overall there is no contest! People who don’t get this either have never lived close to tj’s or money is no object to them.

  • jno April 30, 2010 (6:32 pm)

    Alki Bee, if that is true I doubt the Queen Anne store fits the policy. Hope springs eternal!

  • dawsonct April 30, 2010 (6:48 pm)

    Oh BOY!! I can hardly quit hyperventilating long enough to pee my pants!!!

    Now if only we could get a Wal-Mart and Applebee’s and maybe a few more McDonalds and Burger Kings we could be just like a REAL city!
    I think there’s even room for a couple more Starbucks between Avalon and Alaska.

  • pigeonmom April 30, 2010 (7:09 pm)

    “People who don’t get this either have never lived close to tj’s or money is no object to them.”

    Amen, w

  • CB April 30, 2010 (7:19 pm)

    Is there any way to to send Trader Joe’s a link to this discussion? If they saw our enthusiasm, perhaps that would help seal the deal.

  • cakeitseasy April 30, 2010 (7:59 pm)

    TJ’s isn’t quite the bargain it used to be. They’ve been inching up prices, particularly on staples like cereals, pasta, chips and crackers, dried fruit and nuts, milk and butter… among other things. They really don’t have the same bargains they used to, even though they remain low on eggs, cheese and booze, compared to the other groceries. I still shop there, but I’m really getting a little tired of all the prepackaged, frozen, processed stuff that they specialize in. I would’ve been more interested in TJ’s 5 years ago. If they come fine, if they don’t, whatever. At this point, I think I’d actually rather see a Whole Foods.

  • KR April 30, 2010 (8:04 pm)

    Just got a call from a company doing a survey on grocery shopping. They only wanted to talk to people living north of Morgan street. I said, “If this call is on behalf of Trader Joe’s tell them we want them to come to West Seattle!!!” The guy said, you know it just might be a Trader Joe’s survey.

  • Jim April 30, 2010 (8:12 pm)

    More hair salons please! I think there’s a 50-foot section of WS that’s not got 2 of them yet and it’s so obvious that we need more!

  • Amanda T. April 30, 2010 (8:34 pm)

    Where else but Trader Joe’s can you get a package of three single-serving-size chocolate bars — 72 percent cacao — for $1.80? When I lived in Portland, Ore., I could get them for $1.50, but heck, it’s still a good deal.

  • Amanda T. April 30, 2010 (8:36 pm)

    Yes, we do need more hair salons as well.

  • Mike in the Junction April 30, 2010 (8:38 pm)

    The Trader Joes article gets more comments then Christine and Dow raising our taxes.

  • Forest April 30, 2010 (8:44 pm)

    When the grocery survey people called me two nights ago, they said nothing whatsoever about Trader Joe’s. They did, however, specifically ask three separate times during the 10-minute survey whether I ever shopped for groceries at Costco. Perhaps a warehouse club is considering a location in West Seattle.

  • maijawade April 30, 2010 (8:51 pm)

    My comment is not about TJs but Bluestar: One of their vehicles raced up our residential side street today going way too fast. we live on the backside of Gatewood Elementary and there are always kids present, including my own. I’d like them to be better WS citizens while they are here.

    • WSB April 30, 2010 (9:03 pm)

      Maija – they don’t have any currently active projects in West Seattle any more so interesting that they would have a marked car here, unless someone from the firm lives here – TR

  • ws10 April 30, 2010 (9:25 pm)

    Much like increased taxes, shopping at Trader Joe’s is just another way to save money and still eat delicious healthy food. Regardless of the prices inching up which is going on everywhere they have interesting, often organic foods and goods at a fraction of the prices of PCC and Whole Foods. I agree they don’t do produce well. It is getting quite expensive to feed a whole family and stores like this really help get more bang for the buck.

    And I disagree with the comment about being by a major highway because Cap Hill and Queen Anne are off the list then.

    I heard from a checker there that they only use cash to set up a new store – no borrowing etc. They are also very selective about where they put down roots.

  • EyeLiveInWestSeattle April 30, 2010 (9:47 pm)

    Oh yeah… just what we need: a store full of 2nd-tier, low-quality ingredients in our food. Well, we have lots and lots of 2nd-hand stores, so it would fit right in.

  • miws April 30, 2010 (10:10 pm)

    “Just got a call from a company doing a survey on grocery shopping. They only wanted to talk to people living north of Morgan street.”

    .

    Is Pagliacci getting into the grocery business? ;)

    .

    Mike

  • cjboffoli April 30, 2010 (10:34 pm)

    Excellent investigative work, TR! Very nicely done.

  • sgs April 30, 2010 (10:50 pm)

    Would love to have Trader Joes, but that location is not my favorite. Hopefully the entrance/exit to the parking lot would not be on Fauntleroy because of backups during commuting times. I don’t like the Trader Joes on Roosevelt because there is too much traffic to try to merge into.

  • JayDee April 30, 2010 (11:48 pm)

    As a long time TJs fan, Burien is an exception to the typical trend. Easy parking and wide aisles. Trader Joes typically prefer crappy parking and crowded aisles. Queen Anne, Cap Hill, and UDistrict TJ locations are closer to the ideal.

    Steve asked: “What’s the deal?” Well, great cheese prices, great wine prices, fresh produce (only within the past 5 years), good deals on imported and non-localvore fish (negative), good prices on nutrition supplements, pasta, chips, etc. What TJs is poor at is prepared meals. Yes, they are cheap…but they are not Annie’s Organic’s. If you see something, buy it — you may never see it offered again. If TJs causes another store to fold, that’s capitalism, but I’d be bummed if PCC lost out.

  • Trina May 1, 2010 (7:13 am)

    OK WSBFBers! Time to e-mail TJ’s on their website and tell then just HOW much we want them here! get on it!

  • waman May 1, 2010 (8:00 am)

    Trader Joe’s is our Bigfoot!……The rumors continue…

  • timh2o May 1, 2010 (9:43 am)

    Safeway,QFC,Wholefoods(maybe)and Trader Joes all in the same block? Also a produce stand?

  • Smartypants May 1, 2010 (10:16 am)

    If you’re looking for great prices on cheese and other staples, you really should check out Seattle’s homegrown PFI (Pacific Food Importers). They are a major supplier for restaurants and specialty shops, but their retail outlet on Airport Way South is open to the public and usually has great deals on hard to find exotic foods from Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

    Locally owned, down to earth, and (usually) affordable — I’ll take a trip to PFI over TJ’s any day.

  • coffee May 1, 2010 (10:24 am)

    Oh for gods sakes, another grocery store in that area?? Apparently the Highpoint neighborhood is not worth anything?? And really, TJ’s is NOT that great.

  • Kestrel May 1, 2010 (10:38 am)

    Ode to Trader Joe’s

    At one-third the price of others, your Cambozola Cheese
    Is most exceptional, and aimed to please.
    Your Salmon en Croute with Poblano Peppers is quite delish…
    To have you in our neighborhood is what we wish!

    Grana Pardano Parmesan sprinkled over Lobster Ravioli
    ‘Tis heaven, and far above those other stores so lowly.
    Bulgarian Eggplant Garlic Spread with Fefferoni Peppers, oh my!
    We’ll be flocking to your store from Delridge, Admiral, and Alki.

    At night we dream of your Dark Chocolate Pistachio Toffee…
    If only it was there in the Junction with our morning coffee.
    For these reasons and many more, we offer this little ode:
    Please, oh please, let West Seattle get Trader Joe’d!

  • Jen May 1, 2010 (10:54 am)

    Kestrel – *that* should be sent on to TJ’s!! Totally brilliant – thanks for a big, wide, morning smile!!!!!

  • Barry May 1, 2010 (11:10 am)

    Whole foods would be better quality food. Trader joes is pretty poor quality of food

  • Noelle May 1, 2010 (11:27 am)

    yay!!!!!!!!! That would be an AWESOME Trader Joe’s Location! I thought Whole Foods was going to be where that BIG hole is along Alaska? Whole Foods is also wonderful!

    • WSB May 1, 2010 (11:48 am)

      Noelle – technically WF still has a lease for the site. But the development is tied up in a legal mess and as the spokesperson put it last time I called to check on their status, June is when they have the right to say “Well, this is when we were supposed to have a store complete for us, but obviously there’s no store there” and announce their next steps, if any – TR

  • Carson May 1, 2010 (11:49 am)

    Its funny the love/hate for Trader Joes. I could do without Whole Paycheck and never miss a beat. PCC is just as good and almost as expensive. When we have TJ,s here there will nothing Whole Paycheck Sells that I can’t buy cheaper (and often better) than at TJ’s, PCC, Met Market and Seattle Fish

  • Sue May 1, 2010 (11:53 am)

    Time to resurrect the Trader Joe’s “commercial” video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdB7GDZY3Pk

  • LyndaB May 1, 2010 (12:22 pm)

    i love their snacks. :)

    gosh, tracey. i can see why you love doing this. after all of the detective work you explained of how you found out info from here and there. oh, the anticipation of the next tidbit. yay!

  • Jo May 1, 2010 (12:27 pm)

    If you guys get your d*** Trader Joe’s, will we then stop hearing about it a thousand times a day in almost every unrelated topic on WSB?

  • Alvis May 1, 2010 (12:54 pm)

    Interesting that the applicant should be giving a Phoenix address. It belongs to Stantec Engineering & Design (www.stantec.com), a Canadian company with a Seattle office at 1932 1st Avenue downtown.

    • WSB May 1, 2010 (2:18 pm)

      Alvis – The architect listed there is apparently from their Phoenix office, for whatever that’s worth. I couldn’t find any clear online crossreference between him or the firm and TJ’s. I would have called him directly if I hadn’t been able to get past Trader Joe’s receptionist the second time around.

  • Bob Loblaw May 1, 2010 (12:56 pm)

    Jo: No. That’s when the complaining about traffic from Trader Joe’s will start.

  • Janet P. May 1, 2010 (12:56 pm)

    Can someone tell me what is Trader Joes? I am unfamilar with this store!

  • dawsonct May 1, 2010 (4:46 pm)

    Point of clarification:
    Grana Padano and Parmigiano Reggiano are two different cheeses.
    like comparing a Pouligny-Saint-Pierre to a Valençay; similar, but not the same.
    Gee, I hope TJ’s isn’t mischaracterizing their products.

  • grr May 1, 2010 (5:08 pm)

    I’m with the ‘what’s the big deal?’ crowd. I’m also with the ‘Put the thing in High Point where they need it’ bunch. The LASt thing that area needs is ANOTHER grocery store. Why do you think that Whole Foods is thrilled that they’re not going to have to build their place now? IF TJ’s has to show up..show up in High Point..They were promised a grocery store as part of that development, and they got hosed.

  • Carson May 1, 2010 (5:15 pm)

    grr, I am guessing, and its only a guess, that grocery stores and other retail stores only invest in areas where they think they can generate enough business to return a profit. If High Point had the space (I have no clue if they do) and potential to support a grocery store, they would have one.

  • Gretchen May 1, 2010 (6:55 pm)

    okay, not going to read everyone’s comments but was thinking of starting a facebook page and inviting trader joes so they could see how much interest there really is!!

    • WSB May 1, 2010 (7:09 pm)

      There is already a FB page called “West Seattle Needs a Trader Joe’s” …

  • grr May 2, 2010 (12:57 am)

    can I start a “west seattle needs more nail salons and frame shops’ FB page?

    :D

  • Kayleigh May 2, 2010 (6:17 am)

    Addicted to TJ’s flavored nuts, greek yogurt (the BEST!), interesting chocolate, crumpets, flatbread, coffee, dried fruits, bags o’ organic sweet potatoes, limes…the funky marketing and friendly staff…all at reasonable prices…what’s not to like? :)

  • Cheryl May 2, 2010 (9:55 am)

    And don’t forget TRAITOR Joe’s
    .
    http://www.traitorjoe.com/
    .
    For those of you who think everything at TJ’s is “healthy”, “organic” or “sustainable”… think again.
    .
    That said, I DO love them and would very much appreciate a grocery store in West Seattle that doesn’t a$$ rape me every time I shop there. Yes, Metropolitan Market, PCC and Thriftway, I’m talking to YOU.
    .
    Frankly, I’m much more interested in shopping at the Farmers Market and the new produce place. At least there, I know it’s LOCAL and not filled up w/ corn syrup, GMO’s, hormones, SOY, etc.
    .
    The more choices we have, the better IMO. I just wish some of those choices were at the SOUTH end of West Seattle. We need to eat too ya know.

  • Lynne May 2, 2010 (10:17 am)

    Cheryl, Trader Joes states that none of it’s own branded products have GMOs. Are you saying that is incorrect?

  • JenF May 2, 2010 (11:39 am)

    YES! I know they really don’t like to put them too close to each other, but then I really would rarely have to leave WSeattle!

  • rockhills May 2, 2010 (12:15 pm)

    Please, please, please! While it would be great to have TJ’s within walking distance of the Junction, I’d be happy anywhere they landed, as long as it is in West Seattle! So tired of trying to combine enough errands to justify a run down to the south end of Burien…

  • Katie May 2, 2010 (1:31 pm)

    I am living in Germany right now and I have to say one of the things I miss the most about the US is TJs. The parent company, Aldi, is here, but it is not the same. Having said that I agree with cakeiteasy’s post. I have been shopping TJs for over 20 years because I came from So. Cal in 1994 to Seattle. Over the years they stopped stocking a lot of the stuff I loved (Burt’s Bees lotion and Kiss My Face soap come to mind) and substituted their own label stuff (with much more inferior products). But, all in all, I still shopped there regularly and was thrilled when they came to Washington in the late 90’s. When I come back to visit Seattle I bring an empty suitcase for the must-haves from TJs (and cheaper clothes – but that’s another topic). It is disturbing they sell endangered seafood, i.e Traitor Joe’s. I heard the owners are some of the wealthiest people in the world. They should do more to “give back”. They have a bad rep for the way they treat their Aldi employees here. I hope they change these practices. But…it would be nice to have one in W. Seattle. I’ll be back someday :)

  • Diane May 2, 2010 (3:20 pm)

    I got hooked on Trader Joes almost 30 yrs ago, in Newport Beach, CA, before they sold out and became ginormous; still love them and can hardly wait til they open here; I moved to West Seattle 10 yrs ago; been waiting not very patiently; seems now like a dream that I gave up on; also very tired of trip combining to equidistant Burien, Cap Hill, or Queen Anne for TJ shopping; cannot come soon enough for me
    ~
    this is best thing I’ve heard so far to come out of demise of Whole Foods project

  • Carson May 2, 2010 (6:01 pm)

    That Traitor Joe web site is something. Knowing Greenpeace they approached Trader Joes for a cash donation and we re-buffed. Just try and walk into the Trader Joes in the U District without being accosted by a Greenpeace thug! Personally, we love TJ’s, but would never buy fish there. They do somethings really really well, and thats not one of them.

  • Mary T Sheely May 3, 2010 (10:15 pm)

    Wow…who knew how the comments would blow up on this one! Personally we drive to Burien regularly to go to Trader Joe’s, and occasionally we hit the one in Ballard or in Queen Anne. The reason is, we can stock up on lots and lots of high quality food and not spend a ton of money. No, they don’t have everything (no drugstore type items except for a small selection of soaps and paper goods) but that’s okay with me — it just means I’ll still be taking some business to other stores.

    And can anyone argue that a long abandoned car lot with a broken window is BETTER? We’re pretty tired of having to walk through the abandoned wasteland just to get to Alaska Junction.

  • tjfan May 5, 2010 (9:17 am)

    Woop for Trader Joe’s! Can’t wait. Now what about “the hole?”

    Also, for all of you who are supportive of a grocery store at High Point (I agree with you) please send letters to the developer and/or the city. The developers actually have tried to attract a grocery store, but couldn’t find a taker because apparently the people they work working with thought the area was oversaturated with grocery stores. Kind of ridiculous when grocery store clusters seem to be the way of things in WS. Anyway, show your support and maybe one day we’ll see it happen.

  • hopey May 5, 2010 (10:10 am)

    Just confirmed by Burien TJ’s staff member! I asked, “How about that West Seattle store?” He replied,”Yup, this summer.” I said, “Really?!” He said, “Yeah, up on Fauntleroy, right off the bridge I guess?” We chatted about the vacant Huling properties and he said it “sounded right.” YIPPEE!!!!!

    • WSB May 5, 2010 (10:48 am)

      It’s May. Summer rather unlikely.

  • hopey May 5, 2010 (1:35 pm)

    I agree with you, but that’s what he said… *Next* summer would be a little *too* long, wouldn’t it?

  • Mary T Sheely May 5, 2010 (7:18 pm)

    I bet it’s more like mid-winter.

  • Jess May 6, 2010 (1:56 am)

    Good things come to those that wait..

  • Theresa May 6, 2010 (4:28 pm)

    I love Trader Joe’s. I want to marry him…please come to west seattle, I will never cheat on you or look at another store. I promise! cross my heart and hope to die of a two buck chuck death!

  • David May 20, 2010 (7:40 pm)

    Hi TJ, As spoken by our fellow neighbors you would be greatly appreciated by our community!

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