Shreveport, LA, September 10, 2025
News Summary
Residents in Shreveport are pushing for the grocery chain Trader Joe’s to open a location in their city as it plans to expand nationwide. Advocates, led by local resident Sylvia Goodman, have proposed potential sites and are calling for a citizen’s committee to help facilitate the process. Despite Trader Joe’s stating that petitions do not influence their location decisions, support for the initiative includes local leaders and numerous citizens eager for access to affordable grocery options. The push highlights the community’s desire to enhance local shopping experiences.
Shreveport Residents Urge Mayor to Attract a Trader Joe’s as Expansion Plans Unfold
Shreveport residents are advocating for their city to attract a Trader Joe’s grocery store, as the popular chain prepares for an expansion that includes numerous new locations across the United States. Local advocate Sylvia Goodman is leading the charge, expressing her admiration for Trader Joe’s quality products and affordable prices.
Goodman, who currently travels to New Orleans to shop at Trader Joe’s, has identified potential locations for the store to open in Shreveport. Suggested sites include Line Avenue, Youree Drive, and Ellerbe Road, which are all close to the South Highlands area. In an effort to facilitate the process, Goodman proposes the formation of a citizen’s committee involving the mayor and a realtor, offering her service on that committee to help bring the grocery chain into the city.
Support for a new Trader Joe’s extends beyond Goodman, with numerous Facebook users, including District D Councilman Grayson Boucher, sharing their excitement and encouraging residents to submit requests on the company’s website or to start a petition. However, Trader Joe’s has stated that such petitions do not influence their decision-making process regarding new store locations.
While Trader Joe’s is exploring approximately 1,000 potential sites across the country, it plans to open only 41 new stores in 2025, according to industry reports. The chain evaluates locations based on several factors, including population density, disposable income, traffic patterns, and parking availability. Insights from former Shreveport Economic Development Executive Director Bill Sabo indicate that Trader Joe’s typically seeks high-growth areas, particularly those with a college population exceeding 15,000 students.
Shreveport’s ongoing economic development initiatives, such as the Block by Block program, may improve the city’s appeal to Trader Joe’s. Elliott Cook, Director of Real Estate for Retail Strategies, explains that the chain has specific site requirements, looking for properties with visibility and access, typically preferring corner lots with traffic signals. Notably, Trader Joe’s tends to avoid the most affluent neighborhoods, instead targeting areas with educated populations that are also price-sensitive.
The average Trader Joe’s store spans between 12,000 and 15,000 square feet, often situated in previously occupied spaces such as former Michael’s or Bed, Bath & Beyond stores. The chain benefits significantly from having a crowded parking lot, as it is an indication of customer demand.
In Louisiana, Trader Joe’s currently operates two locations: one in Baton Rouge and one in Metairie. The company plans to expand with two additional stores in New Orleans, slated to open in 2025. Overall, the grocery chain’s expansion reflects shifting consumer habits favoring budget-conscious shopping options, particularly as competitors increasingly adopt automation in their operations.
As the push for a Trader Joe’s continues in Shreveport, community leaders and residents alike are eager to see their city join the ranks of other urban areas benefitting from Trader Joe’s commitment to delivering high-quality products at reasonable prices while maintaining strong customer engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do residents want a Trader Joe’s in Shreveport?
Residents believe Trader Joe’s offers quality food at reasonable prices and want to avoid traveling to New Orleans to shop at the closest store.
What locations have been proposed for a new Trader Joe’s in Shreveport?
Proposed locations include Line Avenue, Youree Drive, and Ellerbe Road, which are closer to the South Highlands area.
What factors does Trader Joe’s consider when choosing new store locations?
Trader Joe’s evaluates potential locations based on population density, disposable income, traffic patterns, and parking availability.
Key Features of Trader Joe’s Expansion
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Store Size | 12,000-15,000 square feet |
| Current Louisiana Locations | Baton Rouge, Metairie |
| Planned New Store Openings in 2025 | 41 stores across the US, including 2 in New Orleans |
| Target Demographic | Educated, price-sensitive populations |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate
- KTAL News
- Newsweek
- Real Simple
- THV11
- Wikipedia: Trader Joe’s
- Google Search: Trader Joe’s new locations
- Google Scholar: Trader Joe’s expansion
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Trader Joe’s
- Google News: Trader Joe’s expansion
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
