Trader Joe’s is lining up two new San Diego County locations, one in Clairemont and another in Encinitas, a move that would bring the county’s total store count to about 20 once both open. The plans surfaced after a recent company notice and local filings pointed to the targeted sites, a potential relief for shoppers who currently trek across the county for their favorite frozen meals and snacks.
The grocer confirmed it is pursuing both additions in a company email, according to The San Diego Union-Tribune. The paper reports that one store is slated for Clairemont Town Square and the other for Encinitas, and that the county’s Trader Joe’s tally will hit 20 when the new locations open. The company has not released firm opening dates.
Clairemont License Filing Targets Town Square
A liquor-license application lists what appears to be “Trader Joe’s Store 299” at Clairemont Town Square, suggesting the company has its eye on space in the center’s former Burlington spot, according to WhatNow. A liquor-license filing is an early procedural step and does not guarantee a store will open, but a specific store number is often a sign that lease and buildout plans are moving forward. The proposed site would sit alongside existing anchors and draw customers from North Clairemont neighborhoods.
Encinitas Poised For A Second Store
Encinitas already has a Trader Joe’s, according to the chain’s store locator, and the company’s recent notice points to an additional store in the coastal city. Per Trader Joe’s, the current Encinitas location sits on N El Camino Real. The new store would mirror a broader expansion pattern in Southern California, where the chain has opened multiple locations in recent months, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.
Neighborhoods Finally Get Their Wish
Clairemont residents have been lobbying for a Trader Joe’s for years, a push that dates back at least to 2012, according to the San Diego Reader. Many North Clairemont shoppers currently drive to Pacific Beach, La Jolla or Mission Valley for Trader Joe’s staples, and a local store would trim at least some of those grocery runs. Even with filings in place, final lease terms, permits and remodel work will ultimately determine when the shelves are stocked.
For now, there are no official opening dates. The liquor-license application remains listed as pending and must clear reviews before buildout work can begin, according to WhatNow. More detailed timelines will likely emerge as permit filings advance and the company releases additional notices.
