The first Pittsburgh-area Trader Joe's grocery store, which has been under construction in East Liberty, is officially scheduled to open next week, according to company officials.

An upscale discount grocer with a cult-like following, the chain based in Monrovia, Calif., will operate a 10,500-square-foot store in the former Wheeler Paint building on Penn Avenue. The ceremonial lei cutting -- store employees wear Hawaiian-themed shirts -- is planned for Oct. 27.

East Liberty has drawn a collection of unusual grocery stores in recent years, first with the region's only Whole Foods Market store followed by the launch earlier this year of one of O'Hara-based Giant Eagle's new Market District stores. On the other hand, a nearby Shop 'n Save store closed recently.

Trader Joe's, which has received letters from shoppers urging the chain to come to Pittsburgh, is believed to be considering putting a second location on Washington Road in Mt. Lebanon. The company has more than 260 stores in 22 states.