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There are now two Trader Joe’s right across from one another in Sherman Oaks
A picture of the front of the new Trader Joe's on Riverside Drive in Sherman Oaks.
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Trader Joe's Company
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Trader Joe's
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Yes, you are seeing double in Sherman Oaks! Residents in the San Fernando Valley neighborhood were greeted to a peculiar but familiar sight earlier this month when a brand new Trader Joe’s opened directly across from another Trader Joe’s — one that’s more than 50 years old.
A familiar face in the neighborhood
The new kid on the block at 14140 Riverside Drive has a larger floor plan, newer carts and underground parking. The old one, well, it’s got seniority and age.
LAist visited the neighborhood recently to talk to residents about these dueling Trader Joe’s.
Out with the old, in with the new
Claudio has been a customer of the OG Trader Joe’s at 14119 Riverside Drive for 15 years. But so much for that loyalty, as he recently made the switch.
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The new shop, he said, “definitely it's more spread out... The floor is brand new. The carts are brand new, so nothing wrong with the wheels and anything like that.”
Sherman Oaks resident Kathy said she prefers the new TJs because of its sizable, underground parking lot. The lack of available spaces at the old location — a common complaint against many Trader Joe’s — had made it harder to shop there.
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There are two Trader Joe's in Sherman Oaks — directly across from each other
“People keep saying it’s very strange that we have two. Well, we don’t think so,” she said.
Kathy said she’ll only go back to the old location if she's in a rush since she wouldn't have to deal with the underground parking structure that requires a ticket to enter and exit.
Why mess with a good thing
Outside the old Trader Joe’s were fans who vow eternal love to their location.
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Victoria told us that the new TJs means fewer people — and more parking — at the old TJs.
“ I'm really enjoying coming here now because it's not as crowded and the parking is great,” She said. “It’s great that people are going to the new one so I can still go to the old one.”
Twice the fun
For those wondering about the fate of the old Trader Joe's, fear not.
“We’ve had a great relationship with our customers in Sherman Oaks for 52 years,” said Nakia Rohde, the grocer’s public relations manager. “And we plan to keep both stores open.”
So if you’re headed to the Trader Joe’s in Sherman Oaks, make sure to specify old or new.
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You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
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