Trader Joe’s is preparing to expand its Central Ohio footprint with a new store planned near Polaris, marking the specialty grocer’s first new location in the region in more than two decades, according to Columbus Business Journal.
The upcoming store is planned for 2109 Ikea Way in Columbus, where it will occupy a new 12,500-square-foot standalone building with parking for 132 vehicles, according to plans filed with the City of Columbus.
The new store will be located across Ikea Way from Topgolf and the Galaxy at Polaris. Unlike many recent grocery openings, the project will not repurpose an existing retail space but instead involves the construction of an entirely new building.
The Polaris location will become Trader Joe’s third store in Central Ohio. The California-based grocer opened its first area store in Dublin in 2002, followed by a second location at Easton Town Center in 2004. Since then, residents have long anticipated a third store, with the company previously indicating in 2020 that it was exploring another Central Ohio location.
Founded in 1967 in Pasadena, California, Trader Joe’s has grown to more than 660 stores nationwide. The retailer is known for its extensive selection of private-label products, affordable specialty groceries and unique shopping experience, earning a loyal customer base across the United States.
The new store joins a wave of grocery expansion across Central Ohio, as national and regional chains continue investing in the growing market.
What Now Columbus reached out to Trader Joe’s for additional information regarding the upcoming Polaris location, including the anticipated construction timeline and opening date. This article may be updated as more information becomes available.
