Trader Joe's at the Landing???
Speaking of grocery stores, last night was my neighborhood association’s annual meeting with special guest Beth Gottstein, our 4th district city councilwoman. One of the most dramatic moments of her speech was when she said she was working to bring a Trader Joe’s Grocery store to the Landing – calling it her “dream project”. What! Of course everyone in the room ooh’d and aaah’d and clapped, but really- come on! This sounds about as likely as the Chiefs winning the Superbowl this year.
For those of you unfamiliar, the Landing is an old mall at the corner of 63rd and Troost that has been declining over the years. Currently it houses a big thrift store, a Harold Penner’s, a Glamourama, among others. Trader Joe’s is a trendy low cost, health conscious grocery store mainly found along the east and west coasts. It’s kind of like a poor-man’s Whole Foods. Of course I would like nothing more than to see a Trader Joe’s in Kansas City, and the Landing would be extremely convenient for me, but come on. That is so far-fetched and irresponsible for her to be spouting out at neighborhood meetings. If Trader Joe’s were to come to Kansas City, is that really the spot they would choose? No. And does Trader Joe’s even want to come to Kansas City? Probably also no. It’s great to have high aspirations for Kansas City, but I think Beth should have kept this “dream” to herself.
(Thanks to Malls of America Blog for that incredible image!)
Oh my! That part of Troost is one of the worst developed, most unattractive stretches of the city. I can’t imagine TJ’s getting in on that. Of course I’d still happily go there to shop if she pulled it off.
WOW!! It would be extremely convenient and it would help, but what a “BIG-Far fetched dream”.. I would think if they were going to even consider KC it wouldn’t be Troost.
-jw
Previous rumors were for TJ’s to open in the old Skagg’s on Main. They said the demographics weren’t right for their stores. I can’t see how the Landing would be a more desirable locale than Westport Rd and Main. This is a total pipe dream.
Traders Joe’s is coming to 95th & Antioch.
I heard they were coming to Joco at 143rd and Metcalf where Dillon’s pulled out. That would make more sense…..They have a couple in St. Louis now…..maybe KC next?
Moon to CW Gottstein… Trader Joe’s isn’t going anywhere near there. Please stick to things you know about. And please, please spend more time at the New Reform Temple! The congregants need you 🙂
Trader Joe’s will not be on the Kansas due to that state’s archaic laws that prohibit grocery stores from selling alcohol. When they do come to KC, look for them to follow the model of World Market – a central store in Midtown, a far south store along State Line Road, and additional stores in Eastern Jackson County and the Northland.
A couple of years ago while driving one evening past the Landing my children and I had to make some odd car maneuvers due to our preference of avoiding the gunshots going on there.
You’re pessism is well founded. These are the sort of soft balls politicos pitch NH groups to get those oohs and ahhs, knowing full well they could never, ever deliver.
A good deal of reputable, competent developers have been trying to get Trader Joes into KC for years and with no luck. Granted, the addition of World Market in Westport did the most damage to those chances.
Nonetheless, that anything would go in the Landing, much less, the much coveted Trader Joes is, well, hysterical.
I don’t care where. I just want them to come to KC!!!!!!!!!
These guys seems to think it’s going to be down near Sprint Campus: http://smokeandmeers.blogspot.com/2008/10/mystery-of-trader-joes.html
I just got done with a trip in St. Louis and several of the staff members at Trader Joe’s there were telling me and my family that there WAS one coming to KC….no idea where or when, but I think it’s going to happen.
valentine shopping center in the former applemarket
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I am certain that Trade Joe’s will be coming to Kansas and Missouri
They will NOT however be coming to the Landing. They WILL be coming to the Ward Parkway Mall, at 86th and Ward. They will reside in the former Staples location that has been empty since 2009. They also will be coming to Leawood Kansas, and occupy Leawood’s One Nineteen at 119th and Roe. They will occupy the building that was built and failed to attract Dean and Deluca
Both stores should open in the beginning of 2011.
well nevermind that, 2008 was 2 years ago.