Now that we know Trader Joe's has its eye on the Ithaca market, what will it take for Ithacans to finally have their own local source for cookie butter and frozen orange chicken?
"We are working to bring a Trader Joe's store to Ithaca,"Kenya Friend-Daniel, spokesperson for Trader Joe's, confirmed to The Ithaca Journal this week in an email, after the Ithaca Voicebroke thenews of the grocer's interest in setting up a shop in the city."We're still early in the process, so I have little information to share at this time. I look forward to sharing more in the coming months."
Trader Joe's is achain of grocery stores headquartered in Monrovia, California, that has a large following, even in Ithaca, where residents have already set up a "Ithaca Needs a Trader Joe's" Facebook group. The company has more than 500 stores nationwide, including over 180 in California and over 20 in New York.
Allthe Trader Joe's that have opened so far in New York have been located in larger municipalities, including New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Colonie.
Here in Ithaca, local officials have expressed support for the company opening a store in town.
"While we’re not as large as Syracuse or Rochester, I think the demographic characteristics of Ithaca and Tompkins County’s population are likely a good fit for them," said Thomas Knipe, deputy director for economic development for the City of Ithaca."My family is excited that they won’t have to wait for a trip to Rochester or Syracuse to load up on their favorite Trader Joe’s dried mango."
But there are a few steps before shoppers can fill their carts with dark chocolate peanut butter cups and wedges of Unexpected Cheddar.
What needs to happen to open Trader Joe's in Ithaca?
Trader Joe'sfiled an application with the New York State Liquor Authority on March 19 to obtain a license to sell beer and wine products at a store in Ithaca. Wine products are defined as items that have an alcohol content of less than 6%.
In its filing, it appears Trader Joe's may have listed an incorrect or non-existing address. A New York State Liquor Authority representative said Trader Joe's may have to amend the address if they determine the company listed a wrong address.
Knipe said City of Ithaca officials have heard Trader Joe's is considering setting up shop in the retail space once occupied by Hobby Lobby at 744 S. Meadow St., but didn't know for sure. Hobby Lobby closed in August.
A full review of the alcohol application could take months, according to the state liquor authority, but the company can apply for a temporary license whilefull license is pending. It takes 10 to 14 days for a store to get a temporary license.
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To open a store in Ithaca, Trader Joe's would need limited site plan approval from the City of Ithaca Planning and Development Board, a sign permit and the building and electrical permits needed to retrofit the building. Owners would also likely need a standard food retailing permit from the New York State Department ofa*griculture andMarkets.
JoAnn Cornish, planning director for the City of Ithaca, said members ofthe Planning and Economic Development Division knowabout the company's intentions, but havenot seen any official plans or an application for site plan approval.
"We have been getting requests for years from residents for a Trader Joe's, so I think there are many people that will be thrilled (if it comes to town)," Cornish said.
Will new grocer create issues in dense retail area?
If a Trader Joe's is added to Ithaca, the city would have to see if the area by South Meadow Streetcan support five food stores: Trader Joe's, Walmart, Tops, Wegmans and Ollie's Bargain Outlet.
"I guess that remains to be seen," Cornish said. "It will definitely be a more competitive market, and that may be a good thing. Choice is always good."
Knipe said he sees Trader Joe's as a specialty grocer.
"Unlike the existing grocery stores on Meadow Street, they’re not necessarily trying to be the one store that their customers go to for all of their weekly shopping, so I think they can potentially be a nice complement to the great grocery stores we already have in that area," Knipe said.
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Despite the plethora of stores in the South Meadow Street area, Cornish said she would actually be more concerned about competition for GreenStar.
Cynthia Brock, alderperson for Ithaca's First Ward, said she would love to see a Trader's Joe'sbut is uncertain as to whether the store will actually open in Ithaca.
"I’ve been a die-hard fan for decades and have been known to drive out of my way to shop there," Brock said."Ithaca would be a welcome home for their relaxed aloha spirit.I urge them to find a central and walkable location for easy access to residents.”
In a tweet referring to Trader Joe's coming to Ithaca, Mayor Svante Myrick seemed to acknowledge the news, saying, "So stop texting me about it."
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