If there’s one thing that unites Billings residents (besides a deep love for Montana), it’s this: we want a Trader Joe’s. And who can blame us?

Affordable prices, quirky products, seasonal snacks you can’t get enough of, Trader Joe's is the grocery store that people get genuinely excited about. And yet… we’re still waiting.

The Trader Joe’s Demand Is Strong

Every time a new business moves to town, someone brings it up: “Any word on a Trader Joe’s?You’ll see it on Facebook community pages, in local Reddit threads, and even in line at the coffee shop. People aren’t shy about it, Billings is practically screaming for a Trader Joe’s.

How Trader Joe’s Chooses New Locations

Trader Joe’s doesn’t exactly expand like other grocery chains. They don’t franchise, and they don’t rush. They’re choosy, and they want to know there’s a loyal customer base waiting.

You Can Request a Store Location Online

Did you know there’s actually a whole section on the Trader Joe’s website called “Reader Joe’s” where fans can suggest new store locations? That’s right, you can make your voice heard directly. It’s super easy. All you have to do is head to Trader Joe’s Request a Store and fill out a quick form. Takes two minutes, max.

Community Support Could Make a Difference

You can even be a little persuasive. Tell them why Billings would be perfect. Mention our growing population, the loyal following of Trader Joe’s fans already here, and how our nearest stores are hours away (because they are!).

READ MORE: What Should Fill the Empty Costco Building in Billings?

Billings Has the Space and the Shoppers

Billings has been growing fast, and smart retailers are starting to take notice. We’ve got room for a new store, and plenty of foodies and families who love good deals. We’re Trader Joe’s ready!

How You Can Help Bring TJ’s to Billings

If you’ve ever said “I wish we had a Trader Joe’s,” now’s your chance to do something about it. Visit the Reader Joe’s store request form, fill in Billings, and maybe, just maybe, we’ll finally get our own location.

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Because honestly? We’re tired of Idaho and Wyoming being the closest states where we can fill up on Everything But the Bagel seasoning and dark chocolate peanut butter cups.

Find These 15 Seasonal Specialty Items Only at Trader Joe's

Here are a few essential specialties that are available at Trader Joe's.

Gallery Credit: Chrissy-Trader Joe's Halfmoon

Are These the Best Products at Trader Joe's?

Trader Joe's Cookie Butter. That was the first time I had ever heard the words Trader Joe's a few years ago. My friend was raving about this stuff. The store sounded intriguing. I read more about Trader Joe's and I thought it was a health food store with a bunch of products I would never put in my mouth. This place did not sound appealing to a super-picky, Midwest-comfort food-eating gal.

My doctor suggested I monitor my sodium intake, which led me to Google 'low sodium foods." An article about the topic featuring Trader Joe's low sodium products popped up in my search. The included list was long and a lot of the food sounded like something I'd actually eat. But, was it going to taste good?

I've been having to visit Rochester, MN every few months and told Google to take me to Trader Joe's. I was picturing a huge store, like a warehouse club, with a modern look. I was way off. In Rochester, Trader Joe's is located in a strip mall with a couple of other businesses. It didn't look like a fancy, hip, Gen Z kinda joint, which is what I had in my head. It seemed small. As a matter of fact, it looked old, like it had been there a while.

I was greeted with a massive display of fresh flowers. I had no idea fresh flowers were a Trader Joe's staple. As I walked through, I carefully read the labels of several products to suffice my special, low sodium diet. I had a cartful of products to try and my bill was under $80. Not only were there several products I was willing to try at Trader Joe's, they were reasonably priced. The Trader Joe's business model is based on no frills so they can provide the best products for a low price. I like that idea. I don't need fancy, I just want low prices.

I am now a Trader Joe's convert and I know what all the hype is about. Here are some of my favorite products.

P.S. Cookie butter did not make the list.

Gallery Credit: Karla Brown