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 New Store: "Sherman Oaks Too"
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.
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.”
“It’s not a bad problem to have; it’s just a perplexing situation,” she tells TODAY.com.
Reasons 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.
Customer Observations and Preferences
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 directly across the street from an existing one has left customers and observers perplexed. While the company’s decision may seem unusual, it underscores the demand for the brand’s unique products and shopping experience. As customers compare the two stores, it will be interesting to see how the dynamics between them evolve.
FAQs
- Q: Why did Trader Joe’s open a new store across the street from an existing one?
- A: The decision was made based on the area’s demand and the company’s intention to initially close the original, undersized store but later decided to keep both open.
- Q: What are the differences between the two stores?
- A: The new store is about 40% bigger, with wider aisles, bigger refrigeration, and a larger frozen section, as well as improved parking facilities.
- Q: Will the original store remain open?
- A: Yes, according to the information provided by the staff, both stores are intended to remain operational, with the company choosing to "play it out and see how it goes."
