Trader Joe's is inching closer to opening at Rockville Town Square. Any Trader Joe's regular will quickly recognize the wood checkout counters and wall trim now visible inside the former Dawson's Market at 225 N. Washington Street. Some refrigerated displays and shelving are in place. There is another Trader Joe's down the Pike at Federal Plaza, but this one will be much closer to many Rockville neighborhoods, and walking distance for residents in the Town Center area. Don't expect the other to close, as Trader Joe's has recently adopted a CVS Pharmacy/Starbucks geographic strategy, as demonstrated by its opening of two more locations near its longtime Bethesda store.
No opening date has been announced by the grocery chain. It has confirmed that, under Montgomery County's antiquated liquor laws, no beer or wine will be sold here. There are several beer and wine retailers in the Town Center vicinity, but your elected officials want to ensure that you will not just be able to grab a bottle of wine conveniently when you purchase your dinner at Trader Joe's!
"At Trader Joe's in Rockville Town Square, we see ourselves as your neighborhood grocery store," the company says. "Step inside and you'll find unconventional and interesting products in the Trader Joe's label like Mandarin Orange Chicken and Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate, as well as everyday basics like milk, eggs and fresh produce. Most importantly, we offer all of our delicious, quality products at the very best prices. We’re happy to be part of your community, and proud to offer you unique products and an exceptional shopping experience, every day."
Looking great. Feel like we’ve got some momentum building for the town center, hopefully the other vacant spaces can fill up, see folks having a beer after work walking home from Metro soon.
ReplyDeleteTJ's doesn't sell beer.
DeleteIt’s a comment about town center generally, noting Trader Joe’s is adding to the sense of the area getting better. But thanks for the smart input on what Trader Joe’s sells.
DeleteFinally some encouraging news there! Why could Dawsons sell beer and wine(they had some great selections) and not Traders?
ReplyDelete7:50: Outdated liquor laws again - every retail business can sell beer & wine at one location in the County. So Dawson's had just one MoCo location, allowing it to sell. Trader Joe's can only designate one of its MoCo stores for alcohol sales. They could switch the license to a different location, but only one at all times. Giant has one store that sells beer & wine, for example.
DeleteSafeway has an extensive collection of B&W at its single location.
DeleteDawsons got themselves considered a “specialty grocer” instead of as a super market before the county liquor commission. They also essentially said they wouldn’t move in without a liquor license. The space was empty for a while after town center got built. The same grocery store from down in Richmond also ghosted DC for a long-awaited store in DC USA in Columbia Heights. (I think dsw took the space eventually.)
ReplyDelete