LPC Gives Trader Joe's the Go-Ahead
Although Two Trees confirmed last week that the slow-to-materialize Trader Joe’s at Atlantic and Court was all fact, no fiction, we still had no idea why the store was taking so long to become a reality. Now we know: The grocer’s plans had to pass muster with that merry band of preservationists known as the…
Although Two Trees confirmed last week that the slow-to-materialize Trader Joe’s at Atlantic and Court was all fact, no fiction, we still had no idea why the store was taking so long to become a reality. Now we know: The grocer’s plans had to pass muster with that merry band of preservationists known as the Landmarks Preservation Commission. As it turns out, TJ’s original application to make minor tweaks to the old Independence Bank building was incomplete, but the store submitted additional documentation a few days ago and the LPC green-lighted the application, according to a Landmarks spokesperson. (The biggest alteration to the building involves the installation of an HVAC system on the roof.) Time to put the No-Joe rumors to rest forever? We hope so.
Two Trees: Trader Joe’s Is Still Coming [Brownstoner] GMAP
Dude, the Atlantic Center Target has TONS of black folks shopping there. Rich white people don’t shop at Target.
Because, 1:43, corporations are headed by unimaginative suits who “only like other people’s girlfriends” as the saying goes. Something has to be done or liked by someone else before they can do it or like it. A neighborhood has to be already invaded by other businesses and plenty competition before they move into it. Then they whine about the high commercial rents.
Target also opened a store way down Flatbush, further South. At least that company is capable of recognizing not just rich white people buy things. Hilarious.
I’m glad posts are getting back to the substance. I, too, wonder why Trader Joe’s hasn’t figured out that they could make money from having a half dozen stores in downtown Manhattan and downtown Brooklyn neighborhoods. If Target has figured out that they can do well opening another store just a few blocks from their first one in DT BK, others should learn from their experience. Not that grocery retailers should adopt a bodega or Starbucks on-every-corner approach, but they are certainly leaving money on the table. Any ideas why?
Typo – that’s “remote” in my post at 1:26.
Trader Joes could get lower rents further out in Brooklyn in neighborhoods where they would certainly get plenty business, AND importantly, room for a parking lot. Fairway does well even in a more remoate part of Brooklyn because it has a parking lot. You’d think the grocery chains would learn something from that. So I don’t pity the big chain stores for having to pay higher rents. The only reason this happens is because they weren’t smart and strategic enough to be on the first wave of businesses in a neighborhood. They’re followers. And being followers they have to pay higher commercial rents.
Someone once told me that Trader Joe’s got their Union Square Space at below market rents… as a subsidy from NYU. It was kinda like a gift to the commmunity. This enables TJs the keep the cost down on goods…
Does anyone know if this true? Why wouldn’t TJ just pocket the difference?
I still can’t figure out why Trader Joe’s is so slow to open stores in NYC. The Union Sq. store is always mobbed and shelves are empty by the end of the day. I thought after the opened U.Sq. they would have more stores in the pipeline. They have a great reputation and word of mouth is excellent. They are waisting a great opportunity by not doing a full fledge rollout.
off to a running start i see.