Most of the Rockville grocery store excitement at the moment is focused on the June 25 opening of Wegmans on Rockville Pike. But those living closer to "The Square," a.k.a. Rockville Town Square, are eagerly awaiting the opening of Trader Joe's at 225 N. Washington Street. This is one of 21 new Trader Joe's stores opening nationwide this year. Three will be in the Washington, D.C. area, including this one, which will take the place of former grocery tenant Dawson's Market.
I'm glad this is happening, but parking is going to to a nightmare. Parking was horrible when it was Dawson's Market, but they had a fraction of customers that Trader Joe's will have.
ReplyDeleteBetter bad parking than empty store fronts. The City fundamentally screwed up town center 20 years ago with poor design. Best we can do now is cope and think creatively. Maybe use the underutilized private lots on the west side of North Washington as overflow?
ReplyDeleteWell, to me, bad/poor parking arrangements increases the likelihood Trader Joe’s won’t get the number of customers necessary to keep the store afloat. I think you guys have touched on the critical issue. I think it’s a fantasy to expect foot traffic to keep the store afloat. I think the developer, TJ’s and the city are going to have to be creative alright. Maybe using that side of the above ground and garage parking only for TJ’s only.
ReplyDeleteI think this is the number one issue that will determine the success of Trader Joe’s in the Square. Relying on foot traffic is a fantasy. How will the developer, TJ’s and the city handle this? I hope they are all on the same page, as I would think they are. How about also making all above ground and most garage parking on the TJ’s side of the Square reserved for TJ’s parking only. Welcome to the neighborhood TJ’s. I hope the store is successful.
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