Why some states don't have Trader Joe's

The eight states without Trader Joe's may appear to be an arbitrary selection, but there is a strategic rationale behind the establishment of new locations. Much of this is tied to logistical considerations, which explains why some states seem to be left out of the Fearless Flyer offerings. Reports suggest that regions with higher median incomes and younger populations create the most favorable conditions for new stores. Consequently, it’s likely that certain states do not yet align with the criteria Trader Joe's uses when evaluating potential sites.
The "Freakonomics" podcast has also pointed out similar trends, noting that Trader Joe's typically opens stores in areas where the average income exceeds the national median by $10,000. For instance, Mississippi's median income of approximately $53,000 in 2022, compared to the national median of around $77,000, likely falls short of Trader Joe's desired benchmarks. While it may seem like a numbers game, there is still hope for devoted Trader Joe's enthusiasts. Customers can advocate for a new store by completing the "Request a Trader Joe's In My City" form on the company's website. Trader Joe's has a history of responding to customer demand, so it’s possible that one day, every state could have a Trader Joe's location.
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