News Summary
Trader Joe’s is planning to open a second grocery store in Costa Mesa, with speculation pointing to the vacant 99 Cents Only Store as the potential location. The new store is expected to intensify competition in the grocery market, as residents share mixed reactions on social media regarding parking and other grocery options. Trader Joe’s continues to expand its footprint in Southern California, and this move reflects their commitment to meeting consumer demand. Community members have also expressed a preference for rival chain Aldi to occupy a different location.
Costa Mesa, CA – Trader Joe’s is set to expand its presence in Costa Mesa with plans to open a second grocery store in the area. While the specific location of the new store has not yet been confirmed by the company, speculation among residents suggests that it may take over the vacant 99 Cents Only Store located at 2180 Harbor Blvd.
Nakia Rohde, a representative for Trader Joe’s, confirmed the plans for the new store but did not disclose a specific timeline or address. However, a marketing brochure indicates that over half of the empty 99 Cents Only Store, specifically Suite 50 which comprises 18,090 square feet, has been leased to a “national specialty grocer.” Meanwhile, the remaining space (Suite 100), consisting of 14,624 square feet, is still available for leasing.
The proposed location for the new Trader Joe’s is approximately two miles north of the existing store at 640 W. 17th St. This area is already home to several grocery competitors, which include Smart & Final, Grocery Outlet, Mother’s Market, Stater Bros., Northgate Market, and multiple Ralphs grocery stores. The entrance of a second Trader Joe’s is likely to further intensify this competitive landscape.
Community reactions to the news on social media platforms, especially Facebook, have been mixed. Some residents have voiced concerns regarding the existing parking situation in the area, while others have expressed excitement about the potential for a new Trader Joe’s. Additionally, there has been a preference voiced by some members of the community for the rival grocery chain Aldi to occupy the location previously held by At Home.
In addition to the anticipated opening in Costa Mesa, Trader Joe’s is continuing its expansion efforts elsewhere in Southern California. The company is set to take over a former CVS store in Orange, located at 2138 N. Tustin St., which had been closed for a year prior to the announcement.
Trader Joe’s, known for its unique grocery offerings and commitment to quality, was founded in 1967 in Los Angeles. As of now, the company operates 576 stores across 42 states and Washington, D.C. Its decision to expand in Costa Mesa reflects ongoing growth efforts as it looks to meet consumer demand.
In other local news, Mimi Garden, a new Chinese dumpling restaurant, is planning to open this month in Newport Beach at 3142 W. Balboa Blvd. Additionally, Golden West College in Huntington Beach has announced the launch of a new Associate of Science in Engineering program to keep up with rising demand in that field. In a separate development, Jessica Berger has been appointed as the new executive vice president and chief advancement officer at Chapman University while Madelynn Hirneise from Families Forward has joined the board of directors for First 5 Orange County.
Moreover, Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County recently held a grand reopening for its Founders Farm at Southwinds Farm & Gardens. Finally, the 37th annual Hoag Summer Fest successfully raised $528,000 for the hospital’s foundation campaign aimed at expanding the Sun Family Campus in Irvine. The Plaza de la Paz shopping center welcomed a new eatery, Nick the Greek, which opened on July 15.
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Additional Resources
- OC Register: Trader Joe’s Confirms New Store Coming to Costa Mesa
- Google Search: Trader Joe’s Expansion
- KTLA: Trader Joe’s Opening New Stores 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Trader Joe’s
- Food Poison Journal: Bamboo Shoots and Canned Tuna Recalled
- Google News: Trader Joe’s Costa Mesa
- Patch: Trader Joe’s Continue SoCal Expansion 2025
- Real Simple: New Trader Joe’s Locations
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, 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 the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
