MELBOURNE, Fla. – Hundreds of eager shoppers lined up for hours Wednesday as Trader Joe’s opened its newest Florida location in Melbourne, marking the specialty grocery chain’s first store in the area.
The new store, located at 2221 Town Center Ave in the Avenue Viera Shopping Center, opened its doors at 9 a.m. following a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Store Captain Keith Miller and crew members.
“We were going to Orlando to go to Trader Joe’s there, so we’re happy there’s one here,” said one shopper, echoing a common sentiment among those waiting in line. Many customers previously made regular trips to Orlando locations to shop at the specialty grocery chain.
Despite long lines that wrapped around the building throughout the day, shoppers remained upbeat about the store’s arrival. The festive atmosphere drew locals like Jenette Roth, who noted the positive energy among fellow customers.
“Well it’s a great atmosphere, everyone’s excited,” Roth said, adding that despite the crowds, shoppers maintained a friendly demeanor.
Tanya Cubeta, who made friends with others while waiting in line, led an impromptu chorus of shoppers listing their favorite Trader Joe’s products.
“All kinds of special things that we only get at Trader Joe’s,” Cubeta said, as others chimed in with items like “enchilada sauce,” “peppermint bark,” “gummy bears,” and “plantain chips.”
The new location has created jobs for local residents, with the company hiring crew members from surrounding areas while also transferring experienced staff from nearby stores. Through Trader Joe’s Neighborhood Shares Program, the Melbourne location will donate 100% of products that go unsold but remain fit to enjoy to local non-profit organizations.
Trader Joe’s now operates more than 610 stores across 42 states and Washington, D.C., with this Melbourne location representing its latest expansion in Florida.
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