Trader Joe’s has opened a new store in Sherman Oaks, California, right across the street from an existing location that has been a neighborhood staple since 1973. The grand opening took place earlier this month, marking a significant moment for the grocery chain in a city where it has enjoyed considerable popularity.
The new store is located on the ground floor of an apartment complex on Riverside Drive, just a short distance from the older store. Originally, Trader Joe’s planned to close the smaller location once the new one was ready, but after considering the strong demand in the area, they decided to keep both stores open. Matt Judd, the manager of the new store, mentioned that the decision was made partly because the company wanted to continue serving the community effectively.
The new Trader Joe’s is about 40% larger than its predecessor, offering a wider selection of products and more aisles for customers. One of the biggest draws for shoppers is the underground parking garage, which alleviates the congestion often found in the cramped parking lot of the older store.
On a recent Friday afternoon, customers were seen bustling in and out of both locations. Many expressed excitement about the new store. Steve Emrick, a customer, noted that the new location felt much better, citing the improved parking situation. Another shopper, Jacob Ruiz, shared his enthusiasm for the new store, stating he found it more convenient and vowed to return instead of visiting the older location.
However, not everyone is convinced that having two Trader Joe’s stores in such close proximity is necessary. Some longtime customers of the original store, like Olga Virov, expressed their loyalty to the smaller, cozier location, which they find more convenient for their shopping habits.
Trader Joe’s representatives have confirmed that both stores will remain operational. They emphasized their commitment to providing quality products at reasonable prices to as many people as possible, which is why they chose to expand in Sherman Oaks. As the company continues to grow, they plan to open more locations in California, aiming to meet the needs of their dedicated customer base.