Who would get excited about the opening of a new grocery store in New York City, where dozens of grocery stores open (and close) every year without making a ripple? Making a big deal over a new food market seems more appropriate for a sleepy village where nothing ever happens.
But today’s store opening drew reporters, politicians and excitement. Despite the pouring rain, shoppers waited for more than an hour outside the balloon-festooned market just for the honor of saying they were the first to set foot in Brooklyn’s first Trader Joe’s store. The California-based specialty grocery chain, known for their high quality, unusual selection and fair prices, has an almost cult-like following — some shoppers even run fan sites.
This morning, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz stood on the front steps of the building that formerly housed the Independence Bank and declared that this is Trader Joe’s Day in Brooklyn. Then, as a steel band played and the store’s employees applauded, the soggy but eager shoppers burst through the doors.
Balloons signal the opening
Shoppers waiting in the rain
The carts are empty as employees applaud the first shoppers
The JahPan Caribbean Steel Drum Band playing
Banging the drums
Shoppers explore the new store
Trader Joe’s
NY1: A Trader Joe’s Grows In Brooklyn
Brooklyn Daily Eagle: Brooklynites Cheer as Trader Joe’s Opens It’s Doors
NY Daily News: Trader Joe’s gets a grand unwrap
NY Times: For Trader Joe’s, a New York Taste Test
Trader Joe’s Fan
Tracking Trader Joe’s
Love, love, love Trader Joes. Congratulations on getting one in your neck of the woods. Amazing architecture for the store. It certainly doesn’t look like a Mall store.
Best guacamole around and no too mcuh $$$$!