It’s been confirmed — Trader Joe’s currently does not have any plans to open in the Sun City.
The El Paso Times reached out to the popular grocery chain after two locations opened in Texas this year and received a response via email stating that Trader Joe’s would not be coming to El Paso “at this time.”
In case you’re wondering what makes Trader Joe’s so special, and why many El Pasoans have hoped for one, the national chain says customers can “discover a store full of unique and interesting products, along with everyday basics, in the Trader Joe’s label.”
“To earn a spot on our shelves, each product is submitted to a rigorous tasting panel process, in which every aspect of quality is investigated in context of the price we can offer,” Trader Joe’s writes on its website. “If a product is assessed as an outstanding value, it becomes an essential part of the Trader Joe’s shopping adventure.”
Trader Joe’s released some of its most popular items, or its “Product Hall of Fame,” in early 2025. Customers voted on their favorite items, and topping the list was Trader Joe’s Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips (similar to Takis) and its Mandarin Orange Chicken — a frozen, microwavable meal.
Other popular products include Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups and Trader Joe’s Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets.
So, if any of these sound good to you, how far would you have to travel from El Paso to get to a Trader Joe’s?
What’s the nearest Trader Joe’s to El Paso?
While Trader Joe’s has 26 locations in Texas, you’ll have to travel far, over 500 miles to San Antonio, if you want to stay in the Lone Star State.
The closest location to El Paso is in the state over, about 275 miles away in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This translates to about a 4-hour drive. There are two locations in Albuquerque, and one a bit further north, in Santa Fe.
Trader Joe’s near me
To find the nearest Trader Joe’s near you, here’s the grocery chain’s location finder.
Natassia Paloma may be reached at npaloma@gannett.com, @NatassiaPaloma on Twitter, natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma Thompson on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Where’s the nearest Trader Joe’s to El Paso? Here’s how far you’ll have to travel
Reporting by Natassia Paloma, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
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