Trader Joe’s opens new Burbank post

Jackson Bell

Residents interested in hard-to-find specialty foods and organic

produce sold at Trader Joe’s no longer have to drive through the city

to ones in Toluca Lake and Glendale.

The 128th Trader Joe’s on the West Coast and the first one in

Burbank opened the doors of its 10,100-square-foot store Friday at

220 W. Alameda Ave.

“We’ve had a lot of comments from people in Burbank at our other

locations, asking us to open here,” said Pat. St. John, vice

president of marketing at Trader Joe’s. “I also think that Burbank

people will be inclined to shop with us if we make it easier for

them.”

Martine Christensen, who lives and works in the city, said the

choice of location -- next to Walgreens at Alameda Avenue and San

Fernando Road -- couldn’t have been any better. She does half of her

grocery shopping at the store.

“Trader Joe’s is not very expensive and I’m into the cheeses,

wines and organic food [it sells],” she said. “I also like it because

it carries French products.”

Susan Bowers, executive director of the Burbank Chamber of

Commerce and a regular shopper at the store, said locals have been

waiting a long time for a closer location.

“I think their target market works and resides here,” she said. “I

think Burbank is a population that is aware of the kind of uniqueness

and the quality items they carry.”

During the opening weekend, the Chamber of Commerce hosted a

grand-opening ribbon cutting, eight product buyers were in their

respective isles to answer customer questions and Hawaiian dancers

provided entertainment. Based in Monrovia, Trader Joe’s operates 170

stores in 17 states.