Trader Joe's plans two more Phoenix stores

Trader Joe's is preparing to add two Phoenix stores, giving shoppers more options beyond the chain's current city locations. One planned store appears in a liquor license application for 4519 E. Thomas Road, while another is listed as coming soon at 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Suite 1030, in Desert Ridge Marketplace.

The Desert Ridge Marketplace store has also been announced by Vestar, the shopping center's owner. The two planned locations would add to a Trader Joe's network that already includes more than 20 stores across Arizona.

Trader Joe's began in 1967 under founder Joseph Coulombe. Its stores are known for private label groceries, produce, flowers, specialty food items and seasonal products that rotate during the year.

Phoenix already has Trader Joe's stores at 4025 E. Chandler Blvd. in Ahwatukee, 4726 E. Shea Blvd. in Paradise Valley and 4821 N. 20th St. at Town & Country Shopping Center. The Thomas Road and Desert Ridge sites would bring the grocer to additional parts of the city.