Retail

First Look: Trader Joe’s in Leesburg is open for business

The big morning has arrived. Trader Joe’s in Leesburg officially opened its doors to a long line of eager shoppers this morning — Tuesday, October 22.

The line stretched from the front doors of the new boutique grocery store all the way down past the HomeGoods store and to the doors of Bkd Bagels at the end of the Fort Evans Plaza II shopping center.

Inside, staff wearing Hawaiian style shirts and purple TJs shirts and carrying celebratory flower leis waited to welcome shoppers.

The store — which looks to our eye identical to the store at One Loudoun in Ashburn — was in pristine shape — shelves laden with products, shiny floors, checkout counters lined up waiting.

Painted on one wall, we spotted a hat tip to the W&OD trail, showing it running from Sterling to Leesburg and on to Purcellville.

Just before 9 a.m., store captain Chris Mooring (seen in photo at top) stepped outside and greeted the crowd, then quickly cut a ceremonial ribbon and the store was open.

Mooring also opened the One Loudoun TJs store six years ago.

It’s a big week for grocery shoppers in the Leesburg area. As The Burn has been reporting, not only has Trader Joe’s opened this week, but the new Sprouts Farmers Market grocery store is set to open this coming Friday, October 25.