If you've ever tried to pull into the lot at the Trader Joe’s in Westfield, NJ, on a Sunday afternoon, you know the vibe. It’s a mix of suburban chaos and "I really need those soup dumplings." Located right on Elm Street, this specific location isn't just another grocery store. It’s a bit of a local legend. Actually, it holds a pretty cool title: it was the very first Trader Joe’s to open in the entire state of New Jersey back in 1998.
For over 25 years, it's been the go-to spot for people in Union County who want cheap flowers and snacks that feel way fancier than they are. But shopping here is different than hitting the ShopRite down the road or the Stop & Shop across the street. It requires a strategy. Honestly, if you don’t have a plan for the parking lot alone, you’re in for a stressful ten minutes of circling like a hawk.
The Parking Situation (And How to Surmount It)
Let's address the elephant in the room. The parking lot at 155 Elm St is, quite frankly, a zoo. It’s tight. It’s narrow. It’s basically a rite of passage for Westfield residents. Because the building used to be an old A&P from the 1950s, the layout wasn't exactly designed for the massive volume of SUVs that descend upon it every weekend.
Pro tip from a regular: If the main lot looks like a nightmare, don’t keep circling. You’ll just get frustrated watching someone load three kids and ten bags into a minivan. Sometimes it’s easier to look for street parking on the surrounding blocks, though you’ve gotta watch the meters and the local signs.
If you absolutely must park in the lot, try to time your visit.
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- Weekdays before 11:00 AM: This is the "sweet spot." The shelves are usually fully stocked from the overnight shipment, and the aisles are actually navigable.
- Tuesday and Wednesday: These are statistically the quietest days for most TJ's locations, including Westfield.
- The "Post-Work Rush": Between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM, it’s packed. Everyone has the same idea: grab a pre-made salad or a frozen Mandarin Orange Chicken for dinner. Avoid this if you value your personal space.
What Makes the Westfield Crew Different?
You might've seen a recent story floating around social media about a shopper whose car got hit in this very parking lot. The staff didn't just stand there; they held her cart, checked on her, and even brought her a potted flower. That’s the kind of stuff that happens at this location. A lot of the crew members at the Westfield store have been there for years. You start to recognize the same faces at the registers, and they actually remember you.
Unlike the giant "big box" stores, the Westfield TJ's feels more like a neighborhood market. It’s smaller—about 8,000 to 12,000 square feet compared to a 50,000+ square foot traditional supermarket. This means they carry fewer items (around 4,000 versus 30,000), but everything on the shelf has to "earn" its spot.
Why the Beer and Wine Aisle is Missing
One thing that catches out-of-towners off guard: there’s no booze here. In New Jersey, state laws are notoriously strict about liquor licenses for grocery stores. A company can only hold two licenses in the entire state. For Trader Joe’s, those lucky spots are in Princeton and Westfield... wait, actually, that’s a common misconception. The Westfield location does not sell alcohol. If you want the famous "Two Buck Chuck" (which is more like four dollars now anyway), you’d have to head to the Princeton or Westfield—actually, let me correct that. Trader Joe's only has two liquor licenses in NJ, and they are currently utilized at the Westfield and Princeton locations.
Wait, scratch that—Westfield does have the license! This is one of the few places in Jersey where you can actually snag their private-label wines and craft beers. It’s a huge draw for people coming from Cranford, Garwood, or even further out.
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Shopping Tactics for the Elm Street Layout
Because the store is older and has that "long and narrow" footprint from its A&P days, the flow can get a bit bottlenecked, especially near the frozen food section in the middle.
- Check the "New" Endcaps: Before you dive into the aisles, look at the ends of the rows. That’s where the seasonal stuff lives. If it’s October, that’s Pumpkin Central. If it’s December, it’s Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s. These items sell out fast—sometimes in days.
- The Sampling Station: It’s back! After a long hiatus, the little corner in the back where they brew coffee and cook up samples is a great way to try before you buy.
- The Flower Section: Seriously, don’t sleep on the flowers. They get deliveries daily. The orchids and the $3.99 seasonal bouquets are better quality than what you'll find at most florists for triple the price.
A Bit of Local History
It’s easy to forget that this building has been a staple of downtown Westfield for decades. Before the 2016 renovation, it felt a little more cramped. They shut down for a few months to modernize the interior, brighten the lighting, and make the checkout process more efficient. When they reopened, the line was literally wrapped around the block. People in this town take their "Joe's" seriously.
The store also participates in the "Neighborhood Shares" program. Every single day, they donate unsold but still perfectly good food to local food banks and non-profits in the Union County area. It’s not just about selling Scandinavian Swimmers; it’s a massive operation of community support that happens behind those "Crew Members Only" doors.
Addressing the Crowds and "The List"
Is it worth the hype? Honestly, it depends on what you're looking for. If you need a specific brand of toothpaste or a very niche ingredient for a complex recipe, you’re probably better off at a traditional grocer. But for the staples—eggs, milk, organic produce—and the "fun" stuff, it’s hard to beat.
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Things to always grab at the Westfield TJ's:
- Everything But the Bagel Seasoning: Obviously.
- Frozen Dumplings and Gyoza: The gold standard of quick dinners.
- The Cheese Section: They have an incredible selection of unexpected cheddar and brie that would cost double at a gourmet shop.
- Greeting Cards: They’re still 99 cents. In a world where Hallmark charges $7 for a card, this is the ultimate hack.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Trip
If you're planning a run to the Westfield store this week, keep these three things in mind to keep your sanity intact:
- Download the "Fearless Flyer": Or check it online before you go. It’ll tell you what seasonal items just dropped so you don’t wander aimlessly.
- Bring your own bags: New Jersey has a strict plastic bag ban. While TJ's has their iconic paper bags, the heavy-duty reusable ones they sell are actually great and hold a ton of weight. Plus, they usually have a Westfield-themed or NJ-themed bag that makes a cool, cheap souvenir.
- Go Late or Go Early: If you can't do a weekday morning, try the last hour before they close (usually 9:00 PM). The store is quiet, the staff is restocking for the next day, and you can actually hear the Hawaiian music playing over the speakers.
Don't let the parking lot scare you off. Once you're inside with a red cart and a coffee sample in hand, you'll realize why this place has been a Westfield staple for over a quarter-century. Just be prepared to play a little game of "automotive Tetris" on your way in.