Columbia, South Carolina, September 30, 2025
News Summary
Columbia, South Carolina, is set to welcome a new Trader Joe’s grocery store by late 2025. Located at 275 Harbison Blvd, this expansion aims to alleviate congestion at the existing Forest Acres location. The new store will occupy a former Crunch Fitness space, with renovations costing approximately $5 million. Trader Joe’s, known for its quality products, is excited to provide greater accessibility to local residents, who have expressed enthusiasm for the addition on social media.
Columbia, South Carolina is set to welcome a new Trader Joe’s grocery store by late 2025, expanding the popular chain’s footprint in the region. This new location will be situated at 275 Harbison Blvd in the northwest Columbia’s Harbison retail district, a busy area adjacent to the Columbiana Centre mall and close to Interstate 26.
The announcement comes from Carolina Retail Experts, a commercial real estate firm based in Charleston, which is managing the listing for the new specialty grocer. While Trader Joe’s has confirmed its plans to enter the Columbia market, it has not yet provided a specific opening date. The existing Trader Joe’s in Forest Acres has been well-received in the community but is often congested, leading to traffic issues in the area.
Construction permits for the new store were filed in January, following discussions that started in November 2024. Notably, the new Trader Joe’s will take over a space previously occupied by a Crunch Fitness facility, and the renovations will represent a significant investment of approximately $5 million.
The Harbison Boulevard area is characterized by heavy traffic, with an average daily traffic count reported at 19,600 vehicles in 2024. The new Trader Joe’s location is conveniently located next to a Rooms To Go furniture store, further enhancing the shopping experience in the district.
Trader Joe’s, originally founded in South Pasadena, California, in 1967, operates over 560 locations across the country and is well-known for its private label products and seasonal offerings. The company has garnered a loyal customer base nationwide, and the news of this new location has ignited excitement among local residents, as evidenced by discussions on social media platforms, including a particularly active thread on Reddit.
This impending addition to the Harbison district is expected to provide greater accessibility to Trader Joe’s products for residents in the surrounding areas, aiming to relieve the congestion encountered at the Forest Acres store. As the opening date approaches, community members are likely to keep a close eye on developments related to the renovations and eventual store launch.
Background Information
Trader Joe’s has established itself as a beloved grocery chain, renowned for its unique offerings and customer-friendly shopping experience. Over the years, it has successfully cultivated a distinctive brand identity with its emphasis on quality products, including organic and specialty items. The decision to expand into Columbia reflects the chain’s strategy to reach more customers and diversify its market presence, particularly in growing areas like Harbison.
Key Features of the New Trader Joe’s Location
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 275 Harbison Blvd, Columbia, SC |
| Estimated Opening Date | Late 2025 |
| Previous Occupant | Crunch Fitness |
| Investment | $5 million renovations |
| Daily Traffic Count | 19,600 vehicles (2024) |
| Nearby Establishments | Rooms To Go, Columbiana Centre mall |
| Current Trader Joe’s | Forest Acres location |
| Established Year | 1967 (South Pasadena, CA) |
FAQ
When is Trader Joe’s opening in Columbia?
Trader Joe’s is expected to open by late 2025, but a specific date has not yet been announced.
Where will the new Trader Joe’s be located?
The new Trader Joe’s will be located at 275 Harbison Blvd, in the Harbison retail district of Columbia, SC.
How much is being invested in the renovations?
Approximately $5 million is being invested in renovations for the new Trader Joe’s location.
Why is Trader Joe’s expanding to Columbia?
The expansion aims to provide greater access to Trader Joe’s offerings, addressing the high traffic and demand at the existing Forest Acres location.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Columbia, SC Welcomes Second Trader Joe’s Location
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Trader Joe’s Plans New Store in Harbison Area of Columbia
Potential New Trader Joe’s Location in Columbia, SC
New Retail Stores Open Along Harbison Boulevard in Columbia
Additional Resources
- Columbia Missourian
- Wikipedia: Trader Joe’s
- Columbia Tribune
- Google Search: Trader Joe’s news
- KOMU News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Trader Joe’s
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