Trader Joe's location coming to Mandarin, company confirms

Grocer plans to open San Jose Blvd. store in second half of 2017

JACKSONVILE, Fla. – Trader Joe's has signed a lease for a new location in Jacksonville in the Mandarin neighborhood, the grocer announced Tuesday.

Currently, the only Trader Joe's location in the area is in Jacksonville Beach at A1A and Butler Boulevard. It opened in October 2014.

The new  13,700-square-foot Jacksonville store, which will be at 11112 San Jose Blvd. inside the Claire Lane Shopping Center, is scheduled to open in the second half of 2017.

The "Trader" in Trader Joe’s refers to the way the company blazed a distinct trail through the grocery industry, searching the world for great values and distinctive products, according to a company news release.

Many area residents can expect to receive a copy of the Trader Joe’s “Fearless Flyer” in their mailboxes after the store opens. The Fearless Flyer is a somewhat irreverent description of a timely selection of Trader Joe’s products, which has been called a cross between Consumer Reports and Mad Magazine. Each edition highlights a selection of Trader Joe’s products that the company’s buyers believe are worthy of customer interest, from comfort foods to items that are organic or that boast other special attributes.

Trader Joe's carries an extensive array of domestic and imported foods and beverages, including artisan breads, Arabica bean coffees, international frozen entrées, 100% juices, fresh crop nuts, deli items, vitamins, and more, the company said. Stores also offer customers the basics, like milk and eggs, at low prices.

The store also offers about 4,000 items under the Trader Joe’s private label, which includes Trader José's salsas, Trader Ming’s fried rice, Trader Giotto’s marinara sauces, and other specially purchased items.