Pilgrim's Market owner says sales are up since Trader's Joes opened last year

COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho —

When Trader Joe’s opened across the street from his Pilgrim’s Market in Coeur d’Alene nearly a year ago, owner Joe Hamilton wasn’t worried. He thought it would benefit his 25-year-old store.

He was right.

“It accelerated our growth,” Hamilton said. “It’s been nothing but good for us.”

Pilgrim's has seen an increase in sales, with about 1,500 customers daily, which Hamilton attributes to more people in the area visiting Trader Joe’s and then crossing Fourth Street to shop at Pilgrim’s.

Hamilton recalled there was a lot of talk and anticipation about the arrival of Trader Joe’s. Many were worried it would hurt his store that focuses on fresh, local, organic products.

“It was nice to see all that attention and support,” he said as he stood in his store on a weekda