In a highly anticipated event, Trader Joe’s will open its second South Pasadena store on Monday, October 21, 2024 at 9 a.m., marking a fresh chapter for the location at 1129 Fair Oaks Avenue, previously home to a Vons supermarket. The 13,866-square-foot space has undergone a complete transformation over the past 18 months, preparing to welcome customers into a newly remodeled Trader Joe’s. This development comes as part of the grocery chain’s continued commitment to serving local communities, and South Pasadena residents are abuzz with excitement.
Transition from Vons to Trader Joe’s
The closing of the Vons store in September 2023 left a gap in the community, as the store had been a longtime neighborhood staple. However, the announcement that Trader Joe’s would be taking over the location was met with enthusiasm. South Pasadena residents, many of whom frequent the nearby Trader Joe’s on Mission Street, eagerly awaited the new store, appreciating the convenience it would offer in easing crowding and traffic at the original location.
The remodeling process saw a complete overhaul of the former Vons supermarket to bring it in line with Trader Joe’s distinct aesthetic—smaller, more personal, with a focus on unique products at affordable prices. The new store has been designed to create the signature Trader Joe’s customer experience, characterized by curated aisles of snacks, frozen meals, produce, and other unique items that shoppers love
A Community-Focused Grand Opening
The grand opening of the new Trader Joe’s will kick off at 8:55 a.m. on October 21 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Store Captain Bryan Lo and his crew will be on hand to welcome customers into the store at 9 a.m., marking the official opening. The event will also feature live music and giveaways, adding to the festive atmosphere
As part of Trader Joe’s ongoing community commitment, the new store will hire 50 new crew members from the surrounding area, while transferring 45 others from neighboring Trader Joe’s locations. The company’s Neighborhood Shares Program will continue to be a staple at this new location, ensuring that 100% of unsold yet consumable products are donated to local nonprofit organizations
Ahead of Monday’s grand opening, the South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce held a ceremonial ribbon cutting and toured the interior where Blue Trimarchi has curated art installations that include local artists Jeff Burke and Val Trimarchi.
Excitement Among South Pasadena Locals
Locals have expressed their excitement for the new store, which promises to bring not only convenience but also job opportunities and community support. With Trader Joe’s already a beloved fixture at its Mission Street location, this second store will provide more space for residents to shop for their favorite products, relieving the strain on the original store. The community is particularly pleased with Trader Joe’s focus on sustainability and local partnerships, as the company’s longstanding practice of donating surplus food to local nonprofits aligns well with South Pasadena’s values of community and environmental responsibility
In preparation for the grand opening, a Trader Joe’s staff member shared some insights during the final stages of setting up the new South Pasadena location:
“Yeah, I’ve worked at other locations before. I’m coming from a different store about an hour away, and I’m just getting to know the Pasadena community. It’s really exciting to see how the community is already reacting to the new store—people are peeking through the windows, and there’s this buzz of excitement. Everyone is talking about how massive this store is going to be compared to the old Trader Joe’s, and they’re especially excited about the large parking lot.”
The staff member also mentioned the anticipation from local residents: “As soon as they started seeing products come in, they realized this was going to be a Trader Joe’s, and they kept asking, ‘When’s the opening date? When’s the opening date?’ The excitement is really building, especially with the grand opening ceremony and ribbon cutting on Monday, October 21st at 9 a.m.”
Reflecting on the store-building process of getting the new store ready, the staff member shared, “This has been an ongoing project behind the scenes for over a year, with a lot of groundwork involved. The property itself took many years to secure—some have said it goes back decades. It’s taken a whole team to make this happen, but we’re all excited to finally bring this Trader Joe’s to the community. We’re ready to continue providing the same customer service and experience people expect from us.”
A Look Back: Trader Joe’s History
Trader Joe’s was founded in 1967, just a few miles from its new South Pasadena location, in Pasadena, California. Over the years, it has grown to more than 500 stores across the United States, all while maintaining its reputation for offering unique, high-quality products at everyday low prices. From its humble beginnings as a single store, Trader Joe’s has carved out a niche in the grocery industry, known for its wide selection of both domestic and imported items that often can’t be found elsewhere.
The company’s philosophy of serving the community through neighborhood stores, sustainability programs, and local hiring has resonated strongly in Southern California, where the demand for Trader Joe’s locations remains high. The new South Pasadena store on Fair Oaks Avenue is part of the company’s continued expansion, catering to customers who value both quality and affordability in their shopping experience
Join the Celebration
The grand opening of Trader Joe’s at 1129 Fair Oaks Avenue will be a celebratory event for the South Pasadena community, filled with live entertainment, exciting giveaways, and the chance to explore a brand-new shopping destination. The store will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., ready to serve residents with the same quality and value that Trader Joe’s is known for across the country.
As the countdown to the ribbon-cutting begins, South Pasadena is preparing to welcome Trader Joe’s newest addition with open arms. Be sure to stop by and join in the celebration of this exciting new chapter for the community
