Should Sarasota's Trader Joe's Relocate?

When it was announced back in February that Trader Joe's, the California-based grocery store with a cult-like following, was coming to Sarasota, residents and Patch readers were overjoyed.

When the store opened in September at 4101 S. Tamiami Trail, and beyond, just to visit the second Trader Joe's to open in Florida.

But a recent Patch store that asked what should replace a former Borders bookstore also on Tamiami Trail revealed some discontent with the Sarasota Trader Joe's location, which was previously home to a Rooms To Go furniture store.

A few commenters, like ava whaley, said Trader Joes should relocate to the shuttered book store a few blocks away:

Yes, I know they are right down the street. But they picked a horrible location for their store...a short light to turn in, little parking, an endless line to get back out to 41 etc. They should move to this vacant store where there is plenty of parking. Poor corporate planning, me thinks.

Kathryn Baker concurred:

I agree that Trader Joes corporate chose one of the worst locations in Sarasota for their store. Went there once, it was so aggravating to get in and park and then try to shop in that squinchy store that I never went back.

And so did alex arl:

"When it was announced they were going into former Rooms to Go bldg I wonder what they were going to go about the parking lot - having shopped at the bldg during it's previous seasons' Halloween usage (never went to Rooms to Go). whoever selected that site for Trader Joe's should have their head examined. Horrible parking: the first opening week, the following months, even now. Still only shop there occasionally (and I'm a fan) because of the, by default, off site parking. A neighbor's relative has a business nearby & is always complaining about cars taking up his customer space.

Other readers also chimed in to express their displeasure with the parking situation and the size of Trader Joe's building.

So what do you think? Are these readers on to something? Do you think Trader Joe's should move to another spot or are you happy with where they're at now?

Post a comment below and join the conversation.

Related Coverage

• Trader Joe's to Open Sarasota Store
• Trader Joe's Opens Today in Sarasota
• Trader Joe's to Celebrate Sarasota Grand Opening in Style
• What Should Replace This Bookstore in Sarasota?

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