TRADER JOE’S ANNOUNCES NEW SOUTH SIDE LOCATION THAT WILL OPEN LATER THIS YEAR

Trader Joe’s, a grocery store that is known for its unique selection of products and fresh produce, will soon open a new store in Hyde Park. Photo Credit: David Shankbone
Trader Joe’s, a grocery store that is known for its unique selection of products and fresh produce, will soon open a new store in Hyde Park. Photo Credit: David Shankbone

TRADER JOE’S ANNOUNCES NEW SOUTH SIDE LOCATION THAT WILL OPEN LATER THIS YEAR

BY KATHERINE NEWMAN

When the Treasure Island Foods closed for good in October which included their location at the Hyde Park Shopping Center, it left many Hyde Park residents wondering what would take its place? After months of anticipation, the University of Chicago, who owns the Hyde Park Shopping Center, announced that Trader Joe’s will be moving into the vacant space and plans to open their doors this fall.

Trader Joe’s is a chain of neighborhood grocery stores that offers a unique food and beverage selection that ranges from daily staples, like eggs and milk, to one-off imported products.

“When we bring a new business into the community, we carefully consider the impact it will have on existing businesses. We’re thrilled to bring Trader Joe’s to the South Side and believe the grocer will be a solid, affordable addition to the grocery eco-system in our community, complementing our existing grocery options,” said Derek Douglas, vice president for Civic Engagement and External Affairs at the University of Chicago.

Trader Joe’s stores typically have a smaller footprint than most major grocery retailers and in keeping with their traditional design, the company will only be leasing part of the space that Treasure Island Food once occupied.

“We couldn’t be more excited to bring a Trader Joe’s store to the Hyde Park community,” said Kenya Friend-Daniel, Trader Joe’s spokesperson. “As always, our focus is on making sure it’s a great neighborhood grocery store that offers quality products at everyday prices and is run by a team that is passionate about being a part of the community and providing a welcoming customer experience.”

In November, the University of Chicago surveyed more than 3,400 neighborhood residents and found that the four most valued elements of a new grocery store were produce, price and value, quality meats, and specialty foods. The survey also provided space for participants to leave a comment. Over 1,000 respondents shared what their preferred community grocery store would be, and 628 of those unprompted requests were for a Trader Joe’s, according to information provided by the University of Chicago.

“Trader Joe’s complements the existing grocery stores nearby, providing local residents with an array of shopping options within a two-mile radius. Trader Joe’s is known for being a strong community partner and quality employer, and we are looking forward to their grand opening,” said Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Wallace E. Goode, Jr.

Trader Joe’s was named America’s Best Employer and ranked as one of the Best Employers for Diversity by Forbes this year which will be a benefit for the many community members that the grocer plans on hiring.

Because the University of Chicago owns the Hyde Park Shopping Center, their Commercial Real Estate Operations group will be responsible for leasing the remaining square footage and will be releasing more information on those retail opportunities soon, according to information provided by the University of Chicago

Latest Stories

Latest Podcast

STARR Community Services International, Inc.