Introduction to the Trader Joe’s Conundrum
Shoppers in a sunny California suburb may do a double take while shopping for Unexpected Cheddar. On June 6, a brand-new Trader Joe’s opened in Sherman Oaks, California, part of the grocery chain’s plan to open 21 stores across 13 states. This particular store, however, is different from the rest for one glaring reason: It’s directly across the street from a Trader Joe’s that has been open for decades.
The Sherman Oaks Store Situation
The new store, located at 14140 Riverside Drive, is affectionately called “Sherman Oaks too” on the Trader Joe’s website, and its address is only 21 digits different from its sister store at 14119 Riverside Drive. Both groceries open at 8 a.m. and close at 9 p.m. daily. Needless to say, area customers are confused. The proximity of the two stores has raised questions about the decision-making process behind opening a new store directly across from an existing one.
Customer Reactions
“Want to know something actually insane?” local customer Shauna Green says in a June 7 TikTok while pointing out the pair of TJ’s in her view. “Literally across the street, still open. And I just asked the worker, I’m like, ‘How long is the other Trader Joe’s gonna stay open?’ and she said, ‘Um, they just signed their lease.’” Green says she’d understand more if it were in a different part of the city, but across the street seems “excessive.” In the comments of her video, people expressed confusion and jealousy. Many said the move was straight out of Starbucks’ playbook — a clear sign of the “chainification” of a neighborhood.
The Rationale Behind the Decision
Matt Judd, who is Team Lead at the Sherman Oaks too location, says both locations are going to just “play it out and see how it goes” as there is enough demand in the area. “I think all along we intended to close the one original one that had been there since 1973, a bit of an undersized store and then somewhere along the line, we decided maybe we could see how two goes for a little bit,” Judd tells TODAY.com. “There’s that much business here, and we’ve had such a great relationship with our customers for 52 years.” Judd also notes that the “more modern” store is “about 40% bigger” with wider aisles, bigger refrigeration, and a larger frozen section.
Upgrades and Improvements
A manager at the original Sherman Oaks Trader Joe’s directed us to the corporate office, which declined to comment further on its neighboring stores. Online, some customers have noted the upgrades at the new store, with one TikToker in a June 9 video showing the new parking garage and “spacious” interior. Considering Trader Joe’s reputation for terrible parking, Green welcomes the larger spaces. “The other parking lot is a TJ’s cliche, it’s hell. Cramped and compact spaces with tight turns and a nonstop gridlock,” she says. “My plan is to go wherever the parking is better.”
Conclusion
The opening of a new Trader Joe’s store directly across the street from an existing one in Sherman Oaks, California, has left many customers perplexed. While the decision may seem unusual, it reflects the company’s confidence in the demand for its products in the area. The new store offers several upgrades, including a larger parking garage and more spacious interior, which may attract customers who value these amenities. As the situation unfolds, it will be interesting to see how the two stores coexist and whether the company’s strategy pays off.
FAQs
- Q: Why did Trader Joe’s open a new store across the street from an existing one?
- A: The company believes there is enough demand in the area to support two stores and wants to offer customers a more modern shopping experience.
- Q: What are the main differences between the two stores?
- A: The new store is about 40% bigger, with wider aisles, bigger refrigeration, and a larger frozen section.
- Q: Will the original store remain open?
- A: Yes, according to the Team Lead at the new location, both stores will remain open for the time being.
- Q: How have customers reacted to the new store?
- A: Customers have expressed confusion and jealousy, with some welcoming the upgrades and others questioning the need for two stores in such close proximity.
This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from TODAY:
