Jeff B.
Yelp
(Shopped 06/16/2024 SU @ 12:00pm): Yo Joe, I'll trade you my money for any of the wonderful items you sell!
I finally made it to Hoboken's Trader Joe's, the closest one to my friend's place, and I couldn't have been more excited. Ever since I was a kid who grew up surrounded by locations in La Canada Flintridge, Glendale, and Montrose, I've been a fan of their brand for their low prices, efficient product selection, and cheerful customer service. It was still a trek from Jersey City to Hoboken without a car, so was this Joe worth the trade-off!?
PURCHASE
Trader Joe's Brown Sugar Boba Mochi 6.35oz Package ($2.99): I'd never seen this item at my local stores, so I was immediately stoked to try this combination of two things I loved. The individually-wrapped pieces were smaller than expected, the spongy mochiness was nice, but it really lacked the boba element. I thought a boba or two would be wrapped in mochi. I'm glad we tried it, but I was disappointed.
Trader Joe's Milk Chocolate Covered Mini Pretzels 12oz Package ($3.49): The weather was hot and humid, which caused the chocolate to start melting on our fingers. The fresh salty pretzel paired well with the sweet chocolate and also held us over until we met a friend for brunch at a nearby restaurant. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=EJHelSB8D5rHYiHJ2mtfbw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
SERVICE
Pretty hands off which was fine with us as we slowly roamed down each aisle and area just to see what they had. When it was time to finally check out, the young female cashier greeted and thanked us as I bagged our groceries - thank you!
PARKING (Varied; N/A this instance)
My friend and I hopped on the 2nd St. Light Rail Station, got off the next stop at 9th St./Congress St. Station, and proceeded to walk another 15 minutes or so until we arrived. There may've been a quicker, more direct route using other public transportation, but we liked taking the Light Rail. I believed there was an attached private or public lot to the building; however, there seemed to be decent street parking along the main drag of Willow Ave. and surrounding roads.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
A medium-sized store with the familiar layout of many aisles with stocked shelves, a decent produce section, refrigerated sections along a back wall, and the cashiers at the front. Promo signage and shelf-talkers were all appropriately posted throughout. Plenty of natural lighting came through the large front windows and doors while various electric ceiling lights filled in the rest. I didn't notice any TVs nor any music being played in the background.
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
I found Trader Joe's Hoboken location to be everything I expected and would definitely visit them again the next time I was in town. The prices were competitive, the selection was plentiful and varied, and the service was exceptional. This location mirrored all others I've visited and offered that special neighborhood touch customers are accustomed to. I found very total value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $7.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 5.0 STARS