A Waco real estate agent has launched a public campaign to attract the popular grocery chain Trader Joe's to a vacant commercial property. The initiative, centered around the former Big Lots building in Richland Hills, has gained significant traction online, highlighting strong local demand for the retailer.
Key Takeaways
- A social media campaign led by real estate agent Cody Powell is advocating for a Trader Joe's in Waco.
- The proposed location is the recently purchased former Big Lots building in the Richland Hills area.
- The campaign's video has received over 45,000 views, indicating substantial community interest.
- Trader Joe's is known for its highly selective process for choosing new store locations, which presents a challenge for the campaign.
A Social Media Push for a New Grocer
Cody Powell, an agent with Brentwood Commercial, initiated a public appeal on Facebook after a client who recently acquired the old Big Lots building suggested leasing the space to Trader Joe's. Believing in the idea's potential, Powell created a video to gauge and rally community support.
The video encourages Waco residents to voice their opinions and demonstrate to the national grocery chain that a market exists in the city. The goal is to create a compelling case built on public demand that can be presented directly to Trader Joe's corporate decision-makers.
Overwhelming Community Response
The reaction to the campaign was immediate and widespread. According to Powell, the response was overwhelmingly positive, with his phone buzzing constantly over the weekend with notifications. As of the latest report, the video has amassed more than 45,000 views and hundreds of supportive comments.
This digital enthusiasm reflects a long-standing desire among many Waco residents. Currently, shoppers must travel significant distances to reach the nearest Trader Joe's locations in Dallas or Austin, a drive of approximately an hour and a half in either direction.
Did You Know?
The social media video campaign aiming to bring Trader Joe's to Waco has generated more than 45,000 views and 500 comments of support from local residents.
Student and Resident Demand
The city's large college population is a significant driver of this demand. Baylor student Julia Lampard noted the lengths to which her peers go for the store's products.
“The amount of girls I know who take trips to Dallas just for Trader Joe’s is absolutely amazing. So many people would love to have it right here in our backyard.”
Another Baylor student, Lindsey Johnson, echoed this sentiment, pointing to the city's broader growth. “I am a huge Trader Joe’s fan! Waco can certainly sustain a Trader Joe’s between its growing population, consistent influx of college students, and rising popularity as a tourist destination,” Johnson stated.
The Challenge of Attracting Trader Joe's
Despite the strong local support, securing a new Trader Joe's location is not a simple task. The company is famously deliberate and data-driven in its expansion strategy. This was highlighted in an episode of the company's official podcast last year, where hosts explained their rigorous site selection process.
Trader Joe's Selection Criteria
According to company sources, Trader Joe's analyzes several key demographic and logistical factors before opening a new store. These include:
- Population density and growth projections
- Traffic patterns and accessibility
- Adequate and convenient parking
- Specific community demographics and household incomes
Powell acknowledges that Waco might not meet every single metric on the company's checklist. However, he believes a powerful display of public support can be a persuasive factor.
“Maybe we don’t meet all of the on-paper qualifications, but if I can help Waco out by gathering all the support, packaging it, and sending it to corporate and saying, ‘Hey, look, you need to come here because you would be extremely valued,’” Powell explained.
Next Steps and Building Plans
To further bolster the effort, Powell is encouraging community members to not only comment on his video but also to submit official requests through the Trader Joe's website. This creates a direct line of communication with the company's real estate and development team.
The former Big Lots building itself presents another consideration. Its total square footage is larger than what a standard Trader Joe's store typically occupies. Because of this, Powell has suggested that the space may be divided.
He is also seeking public input on which local businesses could be a good fit to lease the remaining portion of the building, creating a complementary retail environment. Powell continues to provide updates on the project's progress through his professional Facebook page, keeping the community engaged in the process.
