Letter-Writing Campaign Hopes to Bring Trader Joe's to South County

Residents, elected officials and businesses are all coming together in a letter-writing campaign petitioning the Trader Joe’s specialty grocery chain to open a new South St. Louis County store.

Activists have been working for months to get the store's attention. Organizer Carol Boss has launched a petition, shot a video, held events and talked to countless residents and businesses in the area gathering support.

"With a little faith and your help, together we can make this happen," Boss wrote in a letter to the Affton-Shrewsbury Patch community.

See all Patch's Trader Joe's coverage here.

Several local groups and people have agreed to write letters supporting a new Trader Joe’s store, including House Rep. Genice Monticello, the mayor of Crestwood, the Village of Marlborough, the St. Louis County Economic Council, Orlando’s banquet center, Uncle Sam’s, Grant Thrift Store, Subway, Tropical World, Cheshire Laundry, General Grant Car Wash, Foot Healers, The Book Shelf, The Monogram Shop, Ryan Sanders office and Allstate Insurance Agent.

If you write your own letter, mail it to Trader Joe's Angus Armstrong, SVP-General Counsel & Real Estate, 800 South Shamrock Ave., Monrovia, CA 91016.

Two chiropractors have also written letters. See the full text of their letters below. 

Dear Mr. Armstrong,

I am a chiropractor in the City of St. Louis.  I had my patients sign the petition to get a new Trader Joe’s in the old Sappington Market in St. Louis.  The reason I feel it would be beneficial is that it would help me in helping my patients to eat in a healthier and more preservative free lifestyle!  

I myself have been on Weight Watchers for the last 16 months.  I use many products from Trader Joe’s.  By incorporating the products I purchase, I have been able to lose 42 pounds.  Honestly, I have thought about writing you many times to thank-you
 for the great products!!!!

This area of St. Louis and the surrounding cities that make up this part of St. Louis are one of the more stable areas of the city.  I have been in practice here for 24 years.  This area incorporates the city folk and the county folk that are looking to improve their overall health.  Please think about it, reconsider, come visit.  You can even come to the office and I will sponsor a question and answer for you. 

We have been wishing and hoping for a Trader Joe’s for quite a while. Please take a look at us!!!!

Yours in Good Health,
Nancy Lee Young, D.C.

Letter #2, from Daneille Spath of Spine & Joint Center of Affton:

Dear Mr. Armstrong,

I am writing today on behalf of my small business to let you know that we are highly in favor of a Trader Joe’s store opening in the South Saint Louis County area.  As a health care provider, I feel our community would benefit greatly by having a TJ’s nearby.  There is not another grocer who offers healthy and convenient food options at affordable prices in this area.  I would happily refer our patients to your store for their everyday grocery needs.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or would like further information.

Yours in Good Health,

Dr. Danielle A. Spath

Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician ®