Trader Joe’s

Interested in selling your Trader Joe’s NNN property or Trader Joe’s ground lease property and wondering what you can get for it in today’s changing market?

Contact us for a complimentary broker opinion of value for your off-market Trader Joe’s NNN property for sale or Trader Joe’s ground lease property for investment, specifically tailored to support your 1031 exchange requirements. This valuable assessment will provide the clarity you need to make informed decisions regarding the sale of your Trader Joe’s NNN property or the inclusion of a Trader Joe’s ground lease in your investment portfolio. As specialists in working with 1031 exchange buyers seeking off-market Trader Joe’s properties, we are committed to delivering competitive offers with reduced fees to help you maximize your investment returns.

Number of locations

As of 2025, Trader Joe’s operates about 608 stores across the United States. The stores span 43 states + Washington, D.C. The largest share of stores are in California — around 205 locations, ~34% of the total.

Revenue and income

Publicly available data shows Trader Joe’s had revenue of US$ 16.5 billion in its fiscal year 2020. Because Trader Joe’s is privately held, the company does not regularly publish net income data, so reliable recent net-income numbers aren’t publicly available. Analysts estimate that the chain remains profitable, though exact figures are not disclosed. Some sources (industry estimates) suggest that by 2023, annual revenue could be over US$ 20 billion, though this is not independently verified.

Future plans

Trader Joe’s continues expanding: between 2023-2025 the chain added stores — as of late 2025 the count reached ~608. Their typical store size remains modest: around 10,000–15,000 sq ft. Their business model emphasizes a curated, private-label centric assortment rather than carrying many national brands. Roughly 80% or more of the products sold are under Trader Joe’s own label.

Corporate vs. franchise

Trader Joe’s is not a franchised chain. All stores are company-owned and operated. The chain has been privately held since 1979, when it was acquired by the family behind Aldi Nord (through family foundations). As such, there are no franchise fees or royalty payments, unlike what you described for Wawa.

Additional information Trader Joe’s Properties

1. Trader Joe’s started in 1958 (as “Pronto Markets”) but was rebranded as “Trader Joe’s” in 1967 when founder Joe Coulombe opened the first store in Pasadena, California.

2. The name “Trader Joe’s” comes from its founder “Joe” — there’s no connection to a native animal or geographic name.

3. Trader Joe’s is known for offering a limited—but curated—selection of items (typically ~4,000 SKUs), most under its private-label brands.

4. Because it remains privately held and is run through family foundations (via Aldi Nord lineage), its detailed financials and growth plans are not always publicly disclosed.

Trader Joe’s History

Trader Joe’s traces its origins back to 1958, when founder Joe Coulombe began operating a small chain of convenience stores called Pronto Markets in Southern California. Recognizing shifting consumer trends, Coulombe rebranded the business as “Trader Joe’s” in 1967, opening the first official store in Pasadena, California. Inspired by global travel themes and a focus on unique, high-quality products, Trader Joe’s built its reputation on offering private-label foods, specialty items, and value-driven groceries. Over the decades, the brand developed a loyal nationwide following, known for its friendly customer service, creative product selection, and commitment to affordability. Today, Trader Joe’s operates more than 600 stores across the United States and continues to grow strategically while maintaining its distinctive identity and customer-focused culture.

Why Invest in Ground Lease and NNN Lease of Trader Joe’s?

Investing in Trader Joe’s ground lease and triple net (NNN) lease properties offers several compelling advantages:

1) Trader Joe’s NNN Property Investment: Stable income

Trader Joe’s is one of the strongest grocery brands in the U.S., known for high sales per square foot and consistent customer traffic. Their long-term ground and NNN leases provide predictable, stable cash flow backed by a high-performing, creditworthy tenant.

2) Trader Joe’s NNN Property Investment: Established tenant

Trader Joe’s has over 600 stores nationwide and remains a top performer in the grocery sector. As a nationally recognized and privately held company with a loyal customer base, Trader Joe’s significantly reduces vacancy risk and provides reliable tenancy for decades.

3) Trader Joe’s NNN Property Investment: Low management responsibility

Under NNN and ground lease structures, Trader Joe’s typically handles property expenses—including maintenance, operations, taxes, and insurance—resulting in minimal landlord involvement and reduced management burden.

4) Trader Joe’s NNN Property Investment: Favorable lease terms

Trader Joe’s commonly signs long-term leases (often 15–20+ years) with structured rent escalations. These built-in increases support predictable revenue growth while strengthening the property’s long-term investment value.

5) Trader Joe’s NNN Property Investment: Real estate value

Trader Joe’s targets high-income, dense urban and suburban trade areas, often becoming an anchor tenant that significantly improves traffic for surrounding retailers. Properties leased to Trader Joe’s tend to retain strong value and offer attractive potential for capital appreciation.

Pros and Cons of Trader Joe’s Ground Lease and NNN Lease Investment

Pros:

1. Stable income from a top-performing national grocery brand.

2. Established tenant reduces vacancy and lease default risks.

3. Minimal management responsibility for landlords.

4. Long lease terms provide stability and potential income growth.

Cons:

1. Lease renewal risk when the term expires.

2. Dependency on Trader Joe’s store performance and corporate strategy.

3. Limited availability of Trader Joe’s NNN or ground lease opportunities.

4. Limited control over property decisions.

5. Economic and market risks inherent in real estate investments.

Thorough due diligence—including analysis of location quality, lease structure, rent escalations, corporate strength, and exit strategy—is essential.
Consult with NNN real estate professionals and financial advisors to ensure the investment aligns with your goals and risk tolerance.

MarketWatch: Trader Joe’s