Trader Joe’s in Waco? Real estate agent looks to old Big Lots building

WACO, Texas (KWTX) - Cody Powell, a real estate agent from Brentwood Commercial, stirred up public support on Facebook for Trader Joe’s to lease a newly opened space at the old Big Lots building in Richland Hills.

Powell’s client just purchased the building and approached him about leasing the space out, suggesting Trader Joe’s. Powell loved the idea and took to Facebook to see if others in the community agreed. His video, which can be found here, calls for the public to “make your voice heard,” and he said the response was overwhelmingly positive.

“My phone was buzzing all weekend. Just comment, comment, comment,” he said.

As of today, the video has over 45,000 views and 500 comments of support.

The nearest Trader Joe’s stores are located in Dallas and Austin - about an hour and a half drive away. But Julia Lampard, a Baylor student, said that doesn’t stop her or others from getting their goods.

“The amount of girls I know who take trips to Dallas just for Trader Joe’s is absolutely amazing,” she said. “So many people would love to have it right here in our backyard.”

Lindsey Johnson, another Baylor student, agrees with Lampard.

“I am a huge Trader Joe’s fan! Waco can certainly sustain a Trader Joe’s between its growing population, consistent influx of college students, and rising popularity as a tourist destination,” Johnson said.

However, Powell said it might not be an easy “Yes” from Trader Joe’s. During an episode of Trader Joe’s insider podcast last year, the hosts said they are extremely deliberate about choosing store locations, looking at population, traffic, parking, and other demographics.

“Maybe we don’t meet all of the on-paper qualifications, but if I can help Waco out by gathering all the support, packaging it, and sending it to corporate and saying, ‘Hey, look, you need to come here because you would be extremely valued,’” Powell said.

Powell said commenting on his video will help rally more support, and encourages community members to fill out the Trader Joe’s request form here.

In addition, the entire building has more square footage than a typical Trader Joe’s usually fills, so Powell said they may split the space in half. He wants public opinion on some possible local businesses that can fill the remainder of that space.

You can reach out to Powell directly on his Facebook page, where he will continue to keep Waco updated about the building’s use.

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