It’s official: Trader Joe’s selects Boulder

BOULDER — City officials want to work with Trader Joe’s to make the grocer’s store opening in Boulder go as smoothly as possible, city economic vitality coordinator Liz Hanson said Wednesday.

California-based Trader Joe’s said Tuesday that it planned to open a new store in Boulder in 2013 at 1906 28th St., currently the home of an Applebee’s restaurant. It’s not clear if Applebee’s plans to relocate. The spot is part of the Twenty Ninth Street retail district.

“There’s a lot of excitement about this retailer coming to town,” Hanson said. “Obviously, the city wants to be as helpful as it can, and, as with any new use coming to town, make that process go as smoothly as possible.”

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A new building of about 14,000 square feet is expected to be built for the new store, according to a press statement from Trader Joe’s. The store will feature a festive decor of cedar covered walls, Hawaiian motifs and art that celebrates the local neighborhood, Trader Joe’s said.

The new grocery store is expected to draw customers from around the region, said Kate Honea, marketing manager at Twenty Ninth Street.

“We are thrilled to have Trader Joe’s joining us here. It’s a great addition for Twenty Ninth Street and the Boulder community and Colorado for that matter,” Honea said. “This news is positive for everybody.”

With all the interest, parking and transportation are expected to be a key discussion point for the site, Hanson said. Twenty Ninth Street has more than 3,300 parking spaces, including a below-ground parking garage, Honea said.

Trader Joe’s bills itself as a “unique, neighborhood grocery store” with more than 1,000 items under its own private label. The company filed documents to operate in Colorado about a month ago.

Trader Joe’s has not filed an application with the city to sell liquor, Hanson said.

The store will join a crowded grocery store market in Boulder that includes three Whole Foods Market stores, three King Soopers stores, three Safeway stores, Sprouts Farmers Market, Sunflower Farmers Market, Natural Grocers By Vitamin Cottage, Lucky’s Market and Alfalfa’s Market.

Trader Joe’s started in 1958 in the Los Angeles area and is based in Monrovia, California. It has 365 stores in 32 states.