• Trader Joe’s opened a new, modern store in Sherman Oaks directly across from its original 1973 location.
• Both stores will remain open, offering different shopping experiences with unique layouts and parking options.
• The move sparked mixed reactions from locals torn between nostalgia for the original and excitement for the new, larger store.

In a move that has left locals scratching their heads, Trader Joe’s recently unveiled a brand-new location in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles—just a stone’s throw away from one of its longest-standing stores. Yes, you read that right. For the first time in decades, the grocery giant has decided to operate two Trader Joe’s stores within mere steps of each other, right across Riverside Drive in the bustling San Fernando Valley.

The original Sherman Oaks store has been a neighborhood staple since 1973. It opened just six years after Trader Joe’s launched its very first shop in Pasadena, marking it as one of the company’s early pioneers. This vintage spot boasts a cozy, quaint vibe but struggles with one notable drawback: a tiny parking lot that’s often too small for the steady stream of shoppers. Despite its age, it’s beloved by longtime customers who appreciate its charm and nostalgia.

Now, right across the street, Trader Joe’s has rolled out its newest and flashiest market in Sherman Oaks, cheekily named “Sherman Oaks too” on the company’s website. This sprawling, modern store replaces a mixed-use residential building and offers conveniences the original simply can’t compete with. The new location features a huge underground parking garage, wide aisles, high ceilings, and even a striking mural designed to catch the eye on social media. For shoppers, it’s a whole new experience—one that makes the original feel like a cozy corner shop in comparison.

Two Trader Joe’s, One Neighborhood: A Shopper’s Dilemma

The decision to keep both stores running has puzzled many. Why would a brand known for strategic location choices set up shop so close to itself? The company insists there’s good reason to maintain both stores, saying each offers a unique shopping experience despite their proximity.

“We’ve had a great relationship with our customers in Sherman Oaks for 52 years,” said Trader Joe’s spokesperson Nakia Rohde in an email to SFGATE. “We plan to keep both stores open. Both stores offer the same great products and delightful customer experience, but each has a different layout and parking lot.”

While the products may be familiar, the shopping environments couldn’t be more different. The original store feels intimate, perfect for loyal regulars who enjoy a quick stop and know the layout by heart. Meanwhile, “Sherman Oaks too” feels like a modern supermarket designed for a bigger crowd, boasting wider aisles to handle heavy shopping carts and the convenience of ample parking below.

Locals and shoppers have mixed feelings about this new dynamic. Some appreciate the convenience of having two options just a minute apart, especially when the older store fills up or parking is scarce. Others find it baffling and unnecessary, wondering if the new store will overshadow the charm of the original.

A Clash of Old Meets New: Nostalgia vs. Modern Convenience

The story of these two Trader Joe’s stores mirrors a broader conflict playing out in neighborhoods everywhere—how to balance beloved old institutions with the pressure to modernize and expand. For Sherman Oaks residents, the original Trader Joe’s represents more than just a grocery store. It’s a piece of community history, a reminder of simpler times, and a place where shoppers have formed bonds with familiar staff over decades.

On the flip side, the new store symbolizes the future of grocery shopping. It’s larger, brighter, and built to handle the growing demands of a bustling, diverse community. With its Instagram-worthy mural and easy parking, it appeals to a younger generation used to digital sharing and convenience.

This tension has sparked lively debate on social media. Some locals rally behind the original store, concerned that it might eventually close once the new one gains traction. “Why fix what isn’t broken?” one commenter wrote. Others embrace the change, calling the new store a much-needed upgrade and praising Trader Joe’s for listening to customer needs.

What Does This Mean for the Future?

Trader Joe’s decision to operate two stores so close together is unusual but not entirely unprecedented. Other grocery chains have dabbled with similar strategies, but it’s rare to see such a direct overlap. Whether this experiment will prove successful remains to be seen.

For now, both Sherman Oaks stores continue to serve their customers, providing a choice between old-school charm and modern convenience. The company’s commitment to keeping both locations open shows confidence that each store brings unique value to the community.

This bold move could signal a new strategy for Trader Joe’s in dense urban areas, where real estate is limited and customer demand is high. Could we see more “double” locations popping up in other cities? Or will the company eventually consolidate to streamline operations?

Final Thoughts: A Tale of Two Trader Joe’s

At its heart, this story is about more than just groceries. It’s about community identity, change, and how businesses adapt to growing urban landscapes. Whether you’re a fan of the tiny original store or excited about the new “Sherman Oaks too,” the two Trader Joe’s locations represent a fascinating case of retail evolution—and a bit of a shopper’s paradox.

As the San Fernando Valley watches this grocery saga unfold, one thing is clear: Trader Joe’s isn’t afraid to shake things up, even if it means confusing some customers along the way. After all, in a city that never stops evolving, sometimes the best way to move forward is by embracing a little redundancy.