Trader Joe’s opening late October in Peachtree City

Peachtree City’s long wait is nearly over—Trader Joe’s is preparing to open at The Avenue by the end of October, marking the grocery chain’s first location on the south side of metro Atlanta.

For decades, residents have requested a store closer than Midtown in Atlanta, and that enthusiasm hasn’t gone unnoticed. “The demand has been big,” said Store Manager Reggie Jones, who has worked for 10 different Trader Joe’s across the Southeast. “People have been coming by the doors for weeks saying, ‘We’ve wanted this for 10 years.’”

A new chapter in The Avenue

The new 13,000-square-foot store will feature 11 checkout lanes, a bright mural welcoming shoppers to Peachtree City, and easy access from the golf cart path. Regular hours will run from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, and the opening celebration will include giveaways of 200 reusable Georgia tote bags.

While parking at The Avenue has already sparked discussion online, Jones said the company is prepared. “We know parking is a concern, but our employees park around the back of the facility,” he said. “We want to make sure customers have the front spots.”

He added that the layout is similar to other stores in metro Atlanta and that the team expects traffic to flow smoothly once shoppers establish their routines. “People come for the experience, and they leave smiling—that’s what evens things out,” Jones said.

Jones suggested one “hack” is to come early to the store, as they will open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and the rest of The Avenue won’t be open until 10 a.m.

Building a team rooted in the community

The Peachtree City location will employ roughly 60 local residents, with no hires from outside the region. “Pretty much everybody we’ve brought on is from a neighboring town,” Jones said. “We want this to be a true neighborhood grocery store.”

Among the team is Dennis Smith, a 28-year Trader Joe’s veteran who lives in Tyrone. Smith previously worked in Buckhead and is thrilled by his new six-minute commute. “A week ago, it took me almost an hour to get to work,” he said. “Now, I’m here in six minutes. I told everyone, that’s a raise right there—just in gas.”

Smith said he’s been hearing about the desire for a local Trader Joe’s since before moving to Georgia. “People have been waiting 20 years for this,” he said. “There’s such buzz about it—it’s going to be big.”

Jones has already had two sets of Peachtree City welcoming committees, one when Mayor Kim Learnard visited the store and took photos of their now hiring banners. And a second when code enforcement came and told them they couldn’t have banners up in Peachtree City. 

Mayor Learnard’s social media post about Trader Joe’s has over 872 likes, so far, and 89 shares—showing Peachtree City is excited about this new neighbor. Local people who would like to work at Trader Joe’s may still apply at traderjoes.com. 

Culture, value, and creativity

For those who have never been inside one, Trader Joe’s is known as much for its culture as for its groceries. Stores are famous for hand-drawn chalkboard signage, Hawaiian shirts, and quirky product names. The Peachtree City team plans to feature murals inspired by local landmarks, created by artists from the community.

“About 80% of our products are Trader Joe’s private label,” Jones explained. “You won’t find them anywhere else, and they’re free from MSG, artificial colors, flavors, and high-fructose corn syrup. We go straight to the supplier—no middleman—so we can keep prices low.”

He added that despite The Avenue’s reputation as an upscale retail destination, the store’s value will surprise shoppers. “People leave with two bags of groceries for $40,” Jones said. “That would easily be $100 somewhere else.”

Giving back and looking ahead

Trader Joe’s also carries its community ethos beyond the checkout line. The company donates all unsold but still consumable food to local food banks. “We don’t throw away anything that’s still good,” Jones said. “Every store partners with neighborhood organizations, and we’ll be doing the same here.”

From pumpkin butter to the beloved holiday “Jingle Jangle” tins, seasonal favorites will arrive just in time for the holidays. “We call it Candy Land,” Jones joked. “It’s everyone’s favorite time of year.”

With its mix of local hiring, accessible pricing, and commitment to giving back, Peachtree City’s newest grocery store is shaping up to be more than a retail addition—it’s a cultural arrival years in the making.

Stay tuned to The Citizen for a notice about Trader Joe’s firm Grand Opening day.