SPOKANE, Wash. – Construction crews have started working on the new Trader Joe’s space on N. Division and E Rowan Ave.
Trader Joe’s will be moving into the 12,00 square foot space that was once occupied by Rite Aid. In July, city documents show Trader Joe's filed for its business license to open its second store in Spokane.
Representatives did not confirm an official opening date, but said the store will be open in the spring of 2016. The grocery store's new neighbors said they were under the impression the store would be open in April. Project Managers for J. Hughes Construction confirmed they will be done with construction by April 1.
Greater Spokane Incorporated leaders said the project has long been in the works because of the success of the first Trader Joe's that moved to the South Hill back in 2011.
"They've had a chance to test this market, gain experience in this market, and decided to invest more and expand in this market so that's always a good thing," said Greater Spokane Incorporated CEO Todd Mielke.
Mielke said people should expect to see more business growth in this part of town. Representatives with Trader Joe's said by March they will know how many people they will hire, when they will start hiring, and when they can officially open.
Clerks from the current Trader Joe's said they know the new store will both hire new employees and move some of the South Hill employees over to the new store once it opens.