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

Merriam, Kansas – Merriam shoppers will soon have something to celebrate: Trader Joe’s is returning to the area, restoring a full-service grocery option after the city has gone without one for seven years.

Image Source: The U.S. Sun

The new store will serve as the anchor tenant of the Merriam Grand Station Marketplace, a transformative $102 million mixed-use redevelopment that will introduce new residential, dining, and retail amenities. City leaders officially approved the project this week, paving the way for construction to begin in 2026.

Filling a Long-Standing Void

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

Since the closure of Hen House in 2018, Merriam residents have lacked a nearby grocery store, often traveling to surrounding communities for basic food shopping. The arrival of Trader Joe’s is expected to significantly improve convenience for thousands of residents and act as a catalyst for additional investment and neighborhood revitalization.

A Mixed-Use Destination

The Merriam Grand Station Marketplace is designed as a walkable, community-oriented hub that will include:

• New apartment housing, helping address local residential demand

• Dining establishments, offering expanded culinary options

• Retail space, supporting business growth and increasing economic activity

Together, these components aim to create a vibrant district that integrates living, shopping, and entertainment in one cohesive environment.

Tax Incentives and Community Impact

In a notable benefit for consumers, the city announced that purchases at the new Trader Joe’s will be exempt from local sales tax, providing added savings and encouraging frequent patronage. City officials emphasized that the incentive is part of Merriam’s broader strategy to drive economic development and attract sustainable, long-term investment.

Timeline and Outlook

Construction is slated to begin in 2026, with Trader Joe’s and the accompanying amenities expected to open soon after. Local officials, residents, and business owners have voiced strong support, anticipating that the project will bring new jobs, increase property values, and inject fresh energy into the community.

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

As the Merriam Grand Station Marketplace moves forward, the development is poised to transform a long-vacant site into a modern, thriving destination—offering convenient access to groceries, dining, and retail all in one place.