Trader Joe’s has launched a new store in Sherman Oaks, marking an exciting addition to the grocery landscape in the area.
Located on the ground floor of an apartment complex, the new store is just a stone’s throw away from the original Trader Joe’s, which has been a neighborhood staple since 1973.
Given the chain’s popularity, store representatives had initially planned to close the older location once the new branch opened.
However, after reconsideration, Matt Judd, the manager of the new store, stated that it would be ‘fun’ to keep both open due to the immense business they have experienced in the city.
‘Our business in this city has been so tremendous, so we decided to keep them both,’ Judd explained. ‘The city deserves it.’
The new space boasts a 40% increase in size compared to its predecessor, featuring a more extensive selection of products and additional aisles for a more enjoyable shopping experience.
Another significant enhancement is the underground parking garage, which provides a welcome option for customers who have been frustrated by the older store’s cramped parking lot.
During a busy Friday afternoon, shoppers flowed in and out of both locations, illustrating the continued appeal of Trader Joe’s to locals.
Customer Steve Emrick shared his enthusiasm as he headed into the new store.
‘This one’s way better,’ he remarked, referring to the enhanced shopping experience and improved parking availability.
Jacob Ruiz, a regular at the older location, expressed excitement about visiting the new store for the first time.
He found the parking to be effortless and declared he would ‘never go back’ to the other location.
However, Ruiz also raised a point about the necessity of this expansion, suggesting that Trader Joe’s might better serve the community by exploring other neighborhoods.
Although both stores were packed on the day of the new store’s opening, Judd anticipated continued loyalty from long-time customers of the original Trader Joe’s.
Olga Virov, who has shopped at the smaller store for about 20 years, appreciated the parking at the new location but indicated she prefers the convenience of walking to her usual store.
‘It’s cozy, and it’s easier for me to get to, so I prefer to go to this one,’ she stated, clarifying her intention to visit the new store only if she is already near the mall.
Another shopper, Melany Figueroa-Garcia, visited the older Trader Joe’s during her grocery run and voiced her plans to continue shopping there, citing its cozy atmosphere.
She did, however, acknowledge the benefits of having a larger store available.
‘If this location doesn’t have something I want, I walk over to the other location and get it,’ she shared.
In a statement to The Times, Trader Joe’s confirmed that both stores will remain operational.
‘Our goal is always to bring delicious products at great values to as many people as we can,’ the company stated. ‘The best way to do that is to open more stores.’
image source from：latimes
