Thousands plead for Trader Joe’s to open in Lexington. Could it happen?
Lexington could be close to getting a Trader Joe’s if enough people sign up to let the popular grocery chain know they would shop there.
The town of Lexington is promoting a petition that could show Trader Joe’s there is enough interest to open its second Midlands location.
Posts on the town’s Facebook and Twitter pages link to an online petition that town leaders plan to present to the store chain’s corporate office.
“It’s not a done deal yet, BUT Trader Joe’s has shown some interest in putting a store in the Town of Lexington!” the posts read. “Sign this petition to let them know we are the perfect place for their next location!”
As of Friday morning, 2,479 people have signed the petition, out of a stated goal of 3,500.
Lexington’s economic development office has been in contact with Trader Joe’s for some time to gauge their interest in the community. The two have talked about placing the store inside the former Greenwise location near Hobby Lobby off Sunset Boulevard, said town spokeswoman Laurin Barnes.
“A few years ago, they were saying they considered this a one-store market, but they still expressed interest in the location,” Barnes said.
The only current Trader Joe’s location in the Midlands is on Forest Drive in Forest Acres. But the comments on the petition do show some of the shoppers there commute from the Lexington area.
“We need you in Lexington! Tired of driving 25 miles with a cooler!” one commenter writes.
The State has reached out to Trader Joe’s.
This story was originally published September 18, 2020 at 11:39 AM.
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