You know that feeling when you walk into a store just to buy a single wooden spoon and walk out with a hand-woven Moroccan rug, three scented candles, and a set of copper mixing bowls? That is the specific magic of the HomeGoods Union NJ location. It’s located in the Union Plaza Shopping Center on Route 22. Honestly, if you live in North or Central Jersey, you’ve probably driven past it a thousand times while trying to navigate the chaotic puzzle that is the Route 22 island system. It’s a landmark for anyone who loves a good bargain.
Shopping here is basically a sport.
The store is situated at 2401 Route 22 West. It shares a lot of real estate with other heavy hitters like Walmart and Costco, which makes it a prime spot for a Saturday morning "errand run" that inevitably turns into a three-hour odyssey. Unlike the pristine, perfectly staged showrooms of high-end furniture boutiques, this place is a treasure hunt. You have to dig.
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What Makes the HomeGoods Union NJ Location Different?
Not all HomeGoods are created equal. Some feel a bit picked over, but the Union spot benefits from being a high-volume hub. Because it's positioned in a major retail corridor, the turnover is incredibly fast. If you see that mid-century modern accent chair today, it will be gone by Tuesday. Maybe by this afternoon.
The layout is pretty standard for the brand, but the inventory reflects the diverse demographic of Union County. You’ll find a massive selection of kitchenware—everything from high-end Le Creuset cast iron (if you’re lucky) to those weirdly specific gadgets like avocado slicers and silicone garlic peelers. The furniture section in the back left corner is usually packed with oversized mirrors and velvet ottomans that look way more expensive than they actually are.
People often confuse this location with the nearby TJ Maxx or Marshalls. While they are all owned by TJX Companies, this specific store is a standalone HomeGoods. That’s a huge deal for decor nerds because it means the floor space isn't being "wasted" on clothing or shoes. It is 100% dedicated to the home.
Navigating the Route 22 Chaos
Let’s be real: the biggest hurdle to visiting HomeGoods Union NJ isn't the crowds inside; it's the road outside. Route 22 is famous—or maybe infamous—for its U-turn jumps and the "center island" shopping. If you’re coming from the East, you have to be in the correct lane to catch the turnaround, or you’ll end up halfway to Springfield before you can circle back.
Parking is usually fine, but the lot can get hairy during the holidays. Since it’s a shared lot with several other big-box retailers, you’ll want to aim for the spots further out unless you enjoy watching people load 75-inch TVs into SUVs for twenty minutes.
The Secret Strategy for New Jersey Shoppers
Timing is everything. Most people hit the store on Saturday at 2:00 PM. That is a mistake. That’s when the aisles are clogged with strollers and the checkout line wraps around into the pillow section.
If you want the "good stuff," go on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning. That is usually when the trucks are unloaded and the shelves are restocked. The staff is busy wheeling out those big gray plastic carts filled with new arrivals. If you’re polite and stay out of their way, you can often snag items before they even hit the main shelf.
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It’s also worth noting that the Union store has a particularly robust "Gourmet Food" aisle. We’re talking imported olive oils, fancy Italian pastas, and those weirdly delicious Himalayan sea salt chocolates. It’s a great place to build a gift basket without spending $100 at a specialty boutique.
Understanding the "Compare At" Pricing
You see those tags everywhere. A lamp might be marked $49.99 with a "Compare At" price of $80. Is that real? Generally, yes. The buyers for TJX Companies negotiate with thousands of vendors to buy overstock or end-of-season items.
However, sometimes the items are specifically manufactured for discount retailers. You can usually tell the difference by the weight and the materials. A solid wood dresser is a steal; a particle-board end table is just... okay. In Union, the competition for the high-end brands is fierce. I’ve seen genuine leather office chairs sell within minutes of being unboxed.
The Local Impact and Environment
This store has been a staple of the Union community for years. It survived the retail shifts that saw other nearby stores close down. It’s a testament to the "treasure hunt" model of retail—Amazon can’t really replicate the feeling of finding a one-of-a-kind ceramic lamp for twenty bucks.
The staff at this location are surprisingly hardy. Dealing with the Route 22 crowd isn't for the faint of heart. They are quick with the bubble wrap at the registers, which is a blessing because nobody wants to get home and find their new glassware in pieces.
Why You Should Check the "As-Is" Section
Back near the furniture delivery area, there’s often a small cluster of "As-Is" items. These are pieces with minor dings, scratches, or a missing knob. In the Union store, the discounts here can be deep. If you’re handy with a bit of wood filler or paint, you can get high-end furniture for 70% off. It’s the ultimate hack for furnishing an apartment on a budget.
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Actionable Steps for Your Next Visit
Don't just drive there blindly.
First, check your measurements. There is nothing worse than falling in love with a rug at the Union store only to realize it's two feet too wide for your living room. Bring a physical tape measure. Second, if you love something, put it in your cart immediately. You can always put it back before you check out, but if you leave it on the shelf to "think about it," someone else will grab it.
Finally, check the clearance endcaps. They are usually tucked away near the back aisles or the rugs. The red stickers are your friends. In Union, the clearance moves fast, so if you see a red sticker on something you actually like, don't hesitate.
Drive safe on Route 22, keep your eyes on the U-turn signs, and may the home decor gods be in your favor.