Trader Joe’s in Glendale reopens after move

Trader Joe’s newest location opened in downtown Glendale on Tuesday after relocating from its longtime storefront on Glendale Avenue.

The new store at the corner of Brand Boulevard and Glenoaks Boulevard is 11,770 square feet in size, about 4,000 square feet larger than the previous location that opened in south Glendale back in 1995, said Alison Mochizuki, director of public relations for the grocery retailer.

However, she declined to comment on the reasoning behind the move.

Philip Lanzafame, director of economic development for the city, said by moving the store north, Trader Joe’s could still draw in shoppers from south Glendale while expanding its customer base.

He added office workers along Brand Boulevard have long been asking for more stores within walking distance.

“It’s important for them as well to have some kind of amenity in that area to serve that need,” Lanzafame said.

Mochizuki said the new Trader Joe’s parking lot has 43 more parking spaces than the previous location to be shared with the adjoining Walgreens, itself set to open Oct. 24.

Michael Rosenbaum, a resident of Fairview Avenue, lives near the new Trader Joe’s and says he’s worried the allotted parking might not be adequate and is concerned shoppers could start leaving their cars on his street.

“I’m a little fearful about it,” he said. “I can’t see how it won’t have an effect on our neighborhood.”

While he said he’s not against Trader Joe’s and has shopped at the chain’s other locations, he might consider pursuing permit parking for his street if parking becomes a problem.

Sam Manoukian, director of the commercial division at RE/MAX, said he is in talks with eight or nine prospective tenants to take over Trader Joe’s former location on Glendale Avenue. He said he does not expect the location to remain vacant for very long due to its prime location.