Trader Joe’s is coming to Greenville; can Asheville be far behind?

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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Here’s the news, directed to me by loyal reader Miss D – Trader Joe’s is coming to Greenville:

Trader Joe’s, a grocer, popular for its discount prices, organic produce and $2 bottles of wine, is planning to open its first South Carolina store on the Woodruff Road corridor.

That store could become a regional draw, according to a retail expert at the University of South Carolina.

“Trader Joe’s has a cult following, literally,” said Marianne Bickle, director of the Center for Retailing at USC. “People come far and wide for Trader Joe’s.”

The grocer is planning to open next to Academy Sports + Outdoors at 59 Woodruff Industrial Lane, according to an application to sell beer and wine it filed with the state Department of Revenue.

Trader Joe’s has a big fan base here in Asheville, as I reported here. I have no doubt they’ll be coming at some point, just as Whole Foods moved in to Asheville (when folks thought it would not happen.)