Trader Joe’s to open in a neighborhood without a grocery store for seven years, with shoppers exempt from local taxes

Merriam, Kansas – Shoppers in Merriam will soon have a reason to rejoice: Trader Joe’s is coming back to the area, marking the return of a full-service grocery store after the city went seven long years without one.

The new location will anchor the Merriam Grand Station Marketplace, a $102 million mixed-use redevelopment project designed to revitalize the area with apartments, dining, and retail space. City leaders gave the project the green light this week, clearing the way for construction to begin next year.

Photo by Pixabay

Filling a Long-Vacant Gap

The new Trader Joe’s will occupy approximately 12,500 square feet on the former site of the Antioch Library, at the northwest corner of Shawnee Mission Parkway and Antioch Road.

Merriam residents have been without a nearby grocery option since Hen House closed in 2018, forcing many to travel to neighboring cities for groceries. The addition of Trader Joe’s is expected to serve thousands of residents, restore convenience, and act as a catalyst for further development in the area.

Mixed-Use Development

The Merriam Grand Station Marketplace isn’t just about groceries. The complex will also feature:

• Apartments, providing new residential options and helping meet local housing demand.
  
  
• Dining establishments, giving residents and visitors a variety of culinary options.
  
  
• Retail spaces, supporting local businesses and increasing economic activity.
  
  

Together, these elements aim to create a walkable, vibrant community hub that blends living, shopping, and entertainment.

Tax Incentives and Community Support

One unique benefit for shoppers: the city announced that purchases at the new Trader Joe’s will be exempt from local sales tax, providing additional savings and encouraging community engagement. City officials emphasized that this move is part of a broader strategy to stimulate economic growth and attract long-term investment to Merriam.

Timeline and Outlook

Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with the grocery store and surrounding amenities slated to open shortly thereafter. Local leaders, residents, and business owners have expressed optimism that the development will revitalize the neighborhood, create jobs, and boost property values.

“This is more than just a grocery store; it’s a community investment,” said a city spokesperson. “Merriam is gaining a vibrant, multi-use destination that will serve residents for years to come.”