Affton resident Carol Boss isn’t the only person hoping to get Trader Joe’s to consider setting up shop in South County. The Affton Community Improvement Association, which has also served as a driving force in the effort, recently focused on a potential location: Grasso Plaza. One of its anchor stores, Save-a-Lot, closed in February.

The group discussed during a February meeting whether they should reach out to Trader Joe’s about considering the space, according to ACIA Chairman Larry Stone. Member Gene Murphy reached out to Ed Cohen of Greenberg Realty, which owns Grasso Plaza.

“He told me that he had been contacted by a couple of gym and exercise companies who have expressed an interest in the location. However he wasn't interested in leasing to them, feeling they are not a good fit for this space. He would like to have another grocery operation in this spot and he expressed great interest in Trader Joe’s,” Murphy said via email.

Murphy put the realty company in touch with Boss, he said.

Interested in joining the letter writing campaign?

Carol Boss headed efforts last fall with petition signing events, a video, and online petition and a Facebook page. She has invited new members of the “Bring Trader Joe’s to the Communities of South St. Louis” Facebook page to win a chance at a $50 gift card if they write a petition letter to the company. The drawing will take place on March 29.

Boss spoke with Trader Joe's new Vice President of Real Estate and Construction on March 1, she said in a Facebook update.

"In their recent review Trader Joe's has decided to focus funds/distribution toward the Texas and Florida Markets for 2013," she said. "He did however take notice of all the letters you have been sending and said they will definitely take a look at it again for the next review. He was quite attentive and sincere and did sound hopeful for the future. Hold strong. Keep sending letters. They are noticing."

Letters may be sent to Ben Myers c/o Angus Armstrong, SVP-General Counsel & Real Estate, 800 South Shamrock Ave., Monrovia, CA 91016.

Boss asks that those who wish to be considered for the drawing send a copy of the letter to TraderJs2STL@yahoo.com.    

Read more on the efforts to bring Trader Joe's to South County:

• Letter-Writing Effort to Bring Trader Joe's to South County Still Has Steam
• Letter to Affton: Help Me Bring Trader Joe's to South County
• Affton Save-A-Lot Grocery Store Will Close Feb. 23
• South County Mails 2,800+ Petition Signatures to Trader Joe's
• Crestwood Mall Developers Want Trader Joe’s (Or Something Like It), Too
• What Should Replace Sappington Farmers' Market?