New Jersey is getting 1 new Trader Joe’s store this year — and it opens next week

There aren't too many stores with a cult-like following like Trader Joe's and for fans of the chain, the only new store opening in New Jersey this year is set to debut next week.

Since the 1960s, Trader Joe's has redefined the supermarket shopping experience.

What's on the shelves is a lot fresher, you don't have to decide between 800 brands of yogurt, what they do sell is seen as being a bit hip and trendy, and people just have fun shopping there — it's not seen as a chore. Not to mention, the employees seem rather cheerful, too.

So it's safe to say that when it comes time for Trader Joe's to build new stores (the company openly asks people to recommend locations), people will dream night after night of one opening in their hometown.

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A Handful of New Trader Joe's Stores in 2024

If you're one of those dreamers, there's some good and bad news.

So far, Trader Joe's has announced only a handful of new stores will be opening in 2024 — but one of those will be in New Jersey.

Yes, only one. At least for now.

New Trader Joe's Store Opening in New Jersey

That new store is located in Middletown Plaza at Route 35 and Harmony Lane in Middletown, Monmouth County, and it's set to open at 8 AM on Thursday, April 25th.

The company says this new 12,000-square-foot store will feature "whimsical interior artwork" that highlights beach scenes and treats.

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A grand opening ceremony is scheduled to begin at 7:55 that morning and once the ribbon is cut, it's off to the races for local shoppers.

And in case you are wondering, while other parts of the state would love to have a Trader Joe's in their town, this new store is only about six miles from an existing store in Shrewsbury.