I am not sure many things could be more exciting to me or more threatening to the neighborhood grocery stores on the Upper West Side than a new Trader Joe’s. Its been rumored for well over a year, but about a week ago, it became official with the large banners along the front of the building on 72nd and Broadway. For those of you who have been to a Trader Joe’s here in the city – or more likely in the ‘burbs – you understand the excitement. Fresh food, great prices, and boutique-like charm. Although, there was nothing quite like the expansion of Whole Foods Markets in NYC, a new full line grocery store is just what the area needed. Fairway grocery lines have just gotten more and more overwhelming – to the extent that there were just hours you had to avoid going. If you were looking for the alternative to waiting in line at your favorite Fairway prepared food and deli counter, however, you may be out of luck. Deli and prepared foods are unlikely but maybe I’m wrong.
It’s likely you will not recognize many of the brands you will find a Trader Joe’s. The store has an extensive selection of its own private label brands with their quirky entertaining names usually having something to do with the ethnic origin of the food. Go for it – this is not the private label of a generation ago. You will find gourmet, organic, vegetarian fare without the preservatives and additives you ordinarily find on the shelves of regular-way grocery stores. You will also find noteworthy delicious frozen foods available.
Certainly, they couldn’t have placed the store in a more opportune place – in the new building on the corner of 72nd and Broadway (Southwest corner). One wonderful detail kids look forward to are the balloons given out to all children – I hope they continue this tradition at this store. It is such a nice touch.
Kudos to the ones responsible for making this store a reality!
Stay tuned for the new store at 675 6th Avenue (21st Street), as well.
They had signs up for new employee applications for about two weeks. They have since take them down and asked interested prospective employees to come back at the end of September when they have a better sense for their human resource needs. I hope this means that the store will be opening in September. Hurray!