A brand-new Trader Joe’s is opening in Bellingham soon, but Vancouver residents are divided on whether or not they’ll visit.
Yesterday, we learned that May 29 was the date set for the opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Trader Joe’s, which features a much bigger parking lot than the James Street location you’re probably used to.
In our story about the opening date, we asked readers if they planned to visit, and the results were pretty mixed. We also saw some reaction on social media, and it seems clear that even a brand-new Trader Joe’s is not enough of a reason for some Canadians to cross the border.
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Bellingham’s newest Trader Joe’s, located at 4255 Meridian St., officially opens its doors next Thursday at 8 a.m. The new location is replacing what used to be a Bed Bath & Beyond store.
“The Crew has designed the store to immerse you in a Pacific Northwest experience at Trader Joe’s, like an outdoor excursion paired with great food and beverages,” Trader Joe’s said in a press release.
Bellingham and Vancouver residents have had an interesting relationship over the past few years. Tensions over traffic and Canadian hoarders are a thing of the past. Since political tensions emerged between the two nations, Washington has seen a drop in the number of travellers. We’ve also heard from businesses that traffic is down.
Instead of conversations about Canadians acting entitled, some Bellingham residents now wish that Canadians would visit again, with some even saying they miss the Vancouver traffic!
We’ve heard from some folks who are conflicted about the new location, and others who are standing firm in their resistance to travelling to the States.
A Daily Hive reader said they have no plans to cross the border anytime soon. They said, “Staying North of 49 for the foreseeable future.” Someone else commented that they won’t be heading that way even once Donald Trump is no longer the American president.
“I’ll spend my money anywhere but the U.S. even after stumpity is dethroned.”
That sentiment wasn’t unanimous, and some plan to take advantage of the fact that a segment of Vancouver travellers likely won’t ever go.
“All you guys can stay in Canada and vacation in Winnipeg. Makes the border line up shorter for me hahahah.”
Another reader concurred, saying, “ I think the exact same thing. My family and I all have Nexus, so the border isn’t an issue, but if I have to battle a few less customers at Costco and Trader Joe’s, all the better!”
In response to our story on social media, the Vancouver response was one-sided and unanimously “no” regarding whether or not they’d travel down for the new store.
Nope, I hope not. I am sure they are nice folks, but I wouldn’t go even if they are going bankrupt.
— Bitemesideways (@nunyabizness231) May 20, 2025
One Daily Hive reader said, “Bring it up to Canada already!”
Maybe Pirate Joe’s was ahead of its time?