Trader Joe’s hoax disappoints Logan

SALT LAKE CITY — Just as Riverdale was celebrating the opening weekend of its new Trader Joe’s location, Logan was mourning what could have been.

Last Monday, a sign appeared on the former JOANN Fabric and Crafts building on Main Street in Logan, saying, “Trader Joe’s coming soon!” Word spread through town quickly, only to be debunked by the city.

“I’ve confirmed with both the property owner and the real estate broker that there was no truth to it,” said Kirk Jensen, economic development director for Logan City. “So somebody climbed up on the building somehow and actually spent the money to make a banner and hang it.”

Jensen said the city reached out to the administrator of the “Bring Trader Joe’s to Logan” Facebook page to try and get the word out that it was a prank. He also fielded many calls from hopeful residents.

“I’ve had a lot of people reaching out to me hoping that it’s true and then ‘awe shucks’ — kind of disappointed when they learned that it wasn’t,” Jensen said.

While the hoax has disappointed many, Jensen is hopeful it could actually get Trader Joe’s attention. The city has experienced similar incidents before. Rumors about a Target coming to Logan have circled the community for decades, and lo and behold, it’s happening.

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