Trader Joe's hosts a hiring fair for new location

While an official opening date has yet to be announced, the new Trader Joe’s in the Sarasota-UTC area is getting close with a three-day hiring fair this week. 

Applicants are encouraged to visit the new store location at 8111 Cooper Creek Blvd. in The Shoppes at University Town Center to apply. The fair is ongoing now through Wednesday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. Company officials say they're hoping to add 25 crew members.

The Benderson Development-owned shopping center is across the street from the Mall at University Town Center. (The mall is in Sarasota County, while across University Parkway, The Shoppes is in Manatee County.) Other tenants in The Shoppes include T.J. Maxx, Fresh Kitchen, Total Wine & More and Jo-Ann Fabric and Crafts.

The new location was confirmed by company officials in May. The Monrovia, California-based grocer operates 23 stores statewide, with one location in Sarasota off of South Tamiami Trail. It also has locations in Tampa and St. Pete. 

Grocery store competition is heavy in the UTC area. Within 1 mile from the new Trader Joe's there's a Fresh Market, a Whole Foods and a Publix.