SANTEE, Calif. — A much-anticipated grocer is moving to East San Diego County on Aug. 1 and there’s a lot of hype from locals.
Trader Joe’s says it will open its doors in Santee at 9860 Mission Gorge Road on Thursday, located at the old Best Buy space.
First look
CBS 8 got an inside look at the 15,000 square-foot space before the doors opened to share the store’s unique feel in Santee.
From the colorful artwork reflecting Santee, Lakeside and other East County landmarks to the store’s unique mascot, big mouth bass after Santee Lakes, the large space still feels like a neighborhood store.
“There has been such a buzz from the neighborhood of people driving by and wanting to check out the store,” said Keith Miller, Trader Joe’s Captain.
CBS 8 has been Working for You on this story since 2023, when we received lots of questions on what was going on with the former Best Buy building that had been vacant since 2021.
“It was empty for so long we were excited when we learned it would be a Trader Joe’s,” said Sharron Gideon, Santee shopper.
The Santee resident is beyond excited, she showed up two days before the doors opened.
“I’ve been excited, I’ve been waiting, I drive by everyday,” said Gideon.
When does it open?
The store opens on Aug. 1 at 9 a. .and will be open every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Gideon isn’t the only customer clambering to push their red cart down the aisle of Trader Joe's to grab the popular Trader Joe’s Chili and Lime-flavored Rolled Tortilla chips.
If you mentioned empty buildings in Santee, many locals welcomed Trader Joe’s and the conversation went gangbusters. The nearest TJ’s was over the hill in Santee.
“This is great because La Mesa didn’t have a big parking lot,” said Gideon.
The crowds are worth the hassle to get mandarin chicken and other unique and affordable produce and snacks, and you can’t forget about the friendly employees.
“We are all about people we just happen to sell groceries,” said Miller.
Trader Joe’s says they’ve hired 80 new crew members in the area and 25% are transfer employees from neighboring stores.
“A lot of the people that we hire are customers and so when they come in they are energized what they see and they want to be a part of it,” said Miller.
There is still 15,000 square feet of space left from the former Best Buy store. Job postings for an Ulta Beauty store in Santee have been posted. In May Ram Construction announced on social media that Ulta Beauty would be moving in soon. A lease is still available for a smaller storefront next to Ulta.
In March, Trader Joe’s announced it would open a store in the old Stein Mart building at 13644 Poway Road in Poway. An opening date has not been released.
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