The quirky grocer just planted a second branch across Riverside Drive from its 1973 original, aiming to ease crowding and turn up the heat on Walmart, Costco, and Aldi.
A grocery chain opening two nearly identical stores a few yards apart sounds counter‑intuitive—yet Trader Joe’s believes the move will let loyal shoppers breeze through checkout instead of circling the parking lot. The newcomer at 14140 Riverside Drive now faces its older sibling at 14119 Riverside Drive, giving Sherman Oaks residents double the doors, double the frozen “Hold the Cone!” and, perhaps, double the fun.
Why opening two Trader Joe’s stores on one block actually helps shoppers
Ever tried to snag a parking spot at the original location during rush hour? Lines have long spilled into Riverside Drive, frustrating motorists and pedestrians alike. Company spokesperson Nakia Rohde says demand never dipped over 52 years, so shutting the historic site was “never on the table.” Instead, the new branch absorbs overflow, shortens queues, and keeps the brand’s deep ties to the neighborhood intact.
Design upgrades, parking capacity and product variety set the new site apart
The fresh‑built market sits beneath a mixed‑use complex with a subterranean garage—music to the ears of commuters who once circled for street parking. Inside, skylights and a floor‑to‑ceiling mural brighten the space, while wider aisles invite larger carts.
Shoppers will notice tasting stations for global fare (Korean bibim‑guksu, anyone?) and a produce island big enough to showcase oversized California artichokes. Still, nostalgia lovers can cross the street for the narrow aisles and vintage wood paneling that launched decades of cult fandom. What’s new?
- Garage parking with direct elevator access
- Expanded produce and floral departments
- Seating nook for quick snack breaks
- Energy‑efficient refrigeration and LED lighting
Below is a quick side‑by‑side look at the twin locations:
| Feature | Original store (14119 Riverside Dr.) | New store (14140 Riverside Dr.) |
|---|---|---|
| Square footage | Compact, cozy layout | Larger footprint, high ceilings |
| Parking | Small surface lot | Spacious underground garage |
| Décor | Classic Trader Joe’s aesthetic | Modern mural celebrating Sherman Oaks |
| Produce section | Limited variety | Broader selection with tasting bar |
What the twin‑store strategy means for Walmart, Costco, Aldi and local rivals
Trader Joe’s is bucking a retail trend: while competitors shutter under‑performing outlets, it’s adding at least a dozen new U.S. stores this year—two of them mere steps apart. The Sherman Oaks “double down” underscores a belief that convenience still trumps one‑stop big‑box trips.
Will price‑sensitive shoppers bypass bulk bargains at Costco for quicker mid‑week hauls? Time will tell, but the experiment could rewrite playbooks on urban grocery placement.