That is actually better than I expected, based on the "before Thanksgiving" timeline previously given, so I hope it is true.
Meanwhile TJ's Corporate still sends mixed messages to fans that ask them for information. Someone emailed me today to ask if TJ's was really coming to Nashville, because when she inquired about whether they would have wine at their Nashville store, she received this message:
...We appreciate your suggestions and enthusiasm regarding opening a store in Nashville, TN. We regret to inform you that at this time we have no confirmed plans for a store location in this area...
Much thanks,
Nicki
Customer Relations
I've also had real estate folks from East Nashville contacting me about getting in touch with TJ's, so don't give up hope, Eastside peeps!
4 comments:
I wrote an article (for a business newspaper) when TJ's opened its first city of Chicago store (on Lincoln Ave). Despite the fact that the papers were signed and there was a store sign out front, they would not confirm the store opening until the doors opened. (I had to quote the people from CB2 and the realty company as sources in the article). I think this is just their SOP, so I would not be worried by the email response.
Thanks, Meg. I used to shop at that store when I lived in Lincoln Square. Before that, I drove out to the burbs (which I guess I'll be doing again, here, hopefully very soon).
I don't understand your motivation. why do you put so much effort into bringing corporations to nashville. sure the prices are cheap, but what is the real cost.
Maybe some of your energy could be spent helping the family co op on Cleveland find a cheap organic distributor.
did you know that that store sometimes sells stuff from their own 42 row garden?
I don't know if you ever go there, but the owners I think are going to quit the produce business, since no one wants vegetables.
Well, erk, if "no one wants vegetables" it would be pretty irresponsible of me to encourage our local produce stand to start carrying expensive organic ones, wouldn't it?
When I moved to Cleveland Park in 2003, that building was used as a numbers racket with a few wilty piles of greens out front as a cover. When the actual produce stand opened in 2004, I went to considerable effort to advertise its existence to this neighborhood and others. I was thrilled to have a legitimate business there.
The owners attended neighborhood meetings and we chatted about what might happen in the neighborhood in the years to come.
There is a reason I am not asking Trader Joe's to move to Cleveland Park. The demographics in this neighborhood wouldn't support it. The owners have shut the stand down at least once since it opened and I am happy to see it back in business.
My effort to get TJs here actually has not been "so much effort" (and it is the only store I have tried to woo, so I'm not sure what is with the plural). Setting up a blog and a petition, leaving a few comments on websites, and making a few flyers is pretty simple. As to my motivation, I like TJ's and it was clear from the local listservs and chatboards that others do, too.
I don't question you about how you spend your free time, so I'd appreciate it if you don't judge me.
Finally, I think the power that corporations have in our society is far too great and often abused. That does not mean all corporations are evil. I'm so weary of everyone thinking they need to take some dichotomous stand on every issue. Local, small businesses are great. That doesn't mean that they should be the only ones around. Trader Joe's is a responsible business with great products. I am happy they are coming.
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