Tap to enable a layout that focuses on the article.
Advertisement

The newest Trader Joe’s opens in Orange County

A worker smooth bubbles out of a fresh decal
A worker Thursday smooth bubbles out of a fresh decal minutes before the grand opening of Trader Joe’s on Harbor Boulevard, the supermarket chain’s second location in Costa Mesa.
(Eric Licas / Daily Pilot)
0:00 0:00

This is read by an automated voice. Please report any issues or inconsistencies here.

See more from the L.A. Times in Google Search. Set us as preferred

Trader Joe’s has opened a new store in Costa Mesa as it continues to grow its footprint across the U.S.

The Costa Mesa location opened Thursday morning after a ribbon-cutting ceremony and is the second Trader Joe’s in the city. There are several more stores throughout Orange County, including in Irvine, Tustin and Santa Ana.

The popular Monrovia-based grocery chain, known for its inventive original products and frozen meals, opened four new stores this month and seven in November. In October, a store opened in La Verne in Los Angeles County.

Advertisement

The popular grocery chain is set to open at least a dozen new locations next year, including three in Southern California.

“We see ourselves as your neighborhood grocery store,” the company said on its website, announcing its latest store openings. “Step inside and you’ll find unconventional and interesting products in the Trader Joe’s label like Mandarin Orange Chicken and Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate.”

The company plans to open at least two more stores before year’s end, in Columbia, S.C., and Williamsville, N.Y.

There are more than 600 Trader Joe’s nationwide and around 200 in California.

The Costa Mesa store will offer fan favorites, including original Trader Joe’s tote bags and a wide selection of cheeses. The city’s other location is nearby on West 17th Street, and competitors such as Whole Foods, Ralphs and Vons also dot the neighborhood.

Advertisement

Your morning catch-up: We’ve found the best supermarket fried chicken, school enrollment drops amid ICE raids and more big stories.

The company’s expansion comes as grocery stores across Southern California and the country compete to win over budget-conscious consumers. Inflation has driven up supermarket prices in recent years, causing average Americans to cut back on discretionary spending and seek out bargains.

Trader Joe’s is privately held and owned by families who also own part of the Aldi supermarket chain, according to its website.

Its first location opened in Pasadena in 1967.

Inside the business of entertainment

The Wide Shot brings you news, analysis and insights on everything from streaming wars to production — and what it all means for the future.

Advertisement
Advertisement