You’ve seen it a thousand times driving down Route 35. That charming, brick-lined stretch of shops with the manicured gardens and the oddly relaxing vibe for being right next to a major highway. It’s The Grove at Shrewsbury.
Honestly, in an era where indoor malls are basically ghost towns or neon-soaked playgrounds, The Grove feels like a different world. It’s not trying to be a mega-structure. It’s trying to be a village. And for a lot of us living in Monmouth County, it's the default "I need a nice outfit but also a decent salad" destination.
But things are changing there. Fast. If you haven't been in the last few months, you might not even recognize the north end of the plaza or the "Grove West" side across the street.
What’s Actually New with The Grove in Shrewsbury Stores?
We have to talk about the shuffle. Metrovation, the folks who run the place, have been playing a high-stakes game of musical chairs lately.
One of the biggest shifts? Lululemon basically ate the old Banana Republic space. They moved from their tiny original spot into a massive 5,100-square-foot flagship. If you’re looking for their new footwear line—the sneakers everyone is buzzing about—that’s where they live now. Right next door, South Moon Under took the rest of that footprint.
Then there’s the arrival of Alo. It just opened this January. It’s part of this massive fitness-and-wellness pivot the center is making. You’ve also got FP Movement and Athleta right there. It’s basically the unofficial uniform of Shrewsbury at this point: high-end leggings and a Starbucks cup.
The Big 2026 Refresh
It isn’t just about yoga pants, though. Bloomie’s—the "edited" version of Bloomingdale's—remains the heavy hitter here. Unlike the massive department stores at Short Hills, this one feels like a boutique. You can grab a frozen yogurt at Forty Carrots, browse some Staud or Rag & Bone, and be out the door in twenty minutes.
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And for those who miss Albarino (the Spanish tapas spot), the space is being reborn. Numa Modern Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar is slated to open this year. It’s supposed to bring a whole new energy to the dining scene, which, let’s be real, needed a little spice.
The Weird Geography of Grove West
A lot of people forget that The Grove in Shrewsbury stores are actually split in two. You have the main "East" side (where Anthropologie and Williams Sonoma are) and then you have Grove West across the highway.
Grove West is where things get a bit more "lifestyle" and a bit less "high fashion."
- The Baker's Grove: If you haven't had their sourdough or a seasonal pastry, you’re genuinely missing out. It's locally owned and smells like heaven.
- Hearthly Organic: The go-to for burgers that don't make you feel like garbage afterward.
- Solidcore: For when you want to feel your muscles screaming in a dark room.
- Grog’s Surf Palace: A local staple for Billabong and surf gear that keeps the Jersey Shore vibe alive even in the suburbs.
It’s a bit of a pain to cross Route 35 if you’re walking—don’t try it, honestly—but the West side has become its own little ecosystem.
Why People Actually Go (The E-E-A-T Factor)
I talked to a few regulars who have been coming here since the late 80s when the center first opened. Back then, it was anchored by stores like Epstein’s and Sealfon’s. Now, it’s about the "Lifestyle Center" experience.
What most people get wrong is thinking this is just a strip mall. It’s not. It was actually New Jersey’s first true lifestyle center, designed by Metrovation to feel like a downtown. The brick walkways aren't just for show; they create a pacing that makes you slow down.
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Warby Parker is a great example of why this place still wins. You can book an eye exam online, walk in, get your specs adjusted by someone like Stacy or Matias (who get shoutouts in almost every local review for being "unbelievably patient"), and then go buy a sweater at J.Crew. It’s the convenience of a mall without the soul-crushing fluorescent lights.
The Realities of Shopping Here
Look, it’s not all sunshine and peonies.
Parking on a Saturday morning? Absolute nightmare.
If you’re trying to squeeze into a spot near Starbucks or Sweetgreen between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, good luck. You’re better off parking way down by Pottery Barn and just walking.
Also, the hours can be a little wonky. Most stores close by 7:00 PM or 8:00 PM on weekdays, and Sunday is a short 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM window. It’s not a "late night" hangout. It’s a "productive afternoon" kind of place.
Essential Directory Highlights
If you're planning a trip, here is the current vibe of the major players:
For the Home:
Williams Sonoma and Pottery Barn are the anchors here. They’ve survived the move to online shopping because people still want to feel the weight of a Dutch oven or sit on a couch before they buy it. Plus, Boll & Branch has a physical storefront here now for the "sheet snobs" among us.
For the Kids:
Janie and Jack and GapKids are the standard, but Pottery Barn Kids over at Grove West is the real destination if you're doing a nursery.
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The Specialty Spots:
- The Papery: One of the few places left where you can get actual high-end stationery and gifts that don't look like they came from a big-box store.
- Neves Jewelers: A local family business that has managed to hold its own next to global brands.
- Blue Mercury: Still the best place for a quick spa treatment or finding that one specific Oribe hair product you can't find elsewhere.
What’s the Move?
If you want to do The Grove right, don't just show up and wander.
First, check the "Happenings" page on their site. They do random pop-ups and grand openings—like the recent Alo VIP event—that usually involve freebies or discounts.
Second, if you’re eating at d’jeet?, remember it’s BYOB. Grab a bottle of wine from a local shop before you arrive. Their seasonal menu uses herbs from the Grove West community garden, which is a cool touch you don't see at a typical Cheesecake Factory-style mall restaurant.
Lastly, timing is everything. Tuesday mornings at 10:30 AM? You’ll have the place to yourself. Saturday at 2:00 PM? Prepare for a battle for the last spot in the lot.
To make the most of your visit, start at the North end near Lululemon, work your way down to Anthropologie, and then treat yourself to a pastry at The Baker's Grove across the street. If you need a specific item, call ahead—the staff at stores like Talbots and Free People are surprisingly good at holding items if they know you’re actually coming.