Beloved grocery chain to open new stores across 12 states… is YOUR neighborhood on the
Trader Joe’s is going on a nationwide expansion spree as Americans hunt for cheaper groceries.
The cult-favorite chain, founded in 1967, is planning to open more than 20 new stores in 2026 – including at least 17 already confirmed across 12 states.
New locations are set to land in cities including Paso Robles and Anaheim Hills in California, Spokane Valley and Seattle in Washington, Oswego in Illinois, West Orange in New Jersey, Lafayette in Louisiana and Herriman in Utah.
The grocer has already opened two stores in 2026 – one in Miller Place, New York, and another in Hamden, Connecticut.
Trader Joe’s added 34 locations in 2024 and a further 43 in 2025, taking its nationwide footprint to more than 600 stores across 43 states.
The only states left without a Trader Joe’s are Alaska, Hawaii, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, West Virginia and Wyoming.
Trader Joe’s is in an expansion battle with rival Aldi, America’s fastest-growing grocery chain.
German‑owned Aldi – founded in 1946 – operates more than 2,500 locations across 40 US states and opened 225 new stores last year alone, on top of the 105 in 2024.
Trader Joe’s currently has over 600 stores nationwide, with plans to open more across California and Washington
Despite long lines and infamously complicated parking lots, Trader Joe’s remains a fan-favorite grocery chain in the US
Trader Joe’s customers shared their love for products like chicken tikka masala and chicken soup dumplings
Trader Joe’s also unveiled plans for a distribution center near New York – creating up to 800 jobs – in September.
The brand’s popularity is reflected in customer rankings. Trader Joe’s recently took the top spot in the American Customer Satisfaction Index, snatching the top spot from reigning grocery chain Publix.
Trader Joe’s, known for its quirky branding and private-label grocery items, first opened in Pasadena, California in 1967.
In recent years, the brand developed a cult following, with some social media users claiming it’s their go-to spot for snacks, ready-made frozen meals – and branded mini tote bags.
Earlier this year, Trader Joe’s was forced to recall millions of pounds of frozen fried rice products after safety concerns, with the total recall eventually ballooning to around 47 million pounds.