The world's smallest Trader Joe's, only taking over a 5,200-square-foot lower level in Downtown, Boston, is just under four hours from NYC by car.
Justine Golata - Senior Staff Writer•
Trader Joe’s has nearly 600 locations across the United States, but the smallest one in existence is actually located not too far from New York.
Spanning 5,200 square feet in Downtown, Boston, the Boylston Street Trader Joe’s hold the title as “the smallest Trader Joe’s in the known universe.” For context, the SoHo Trader Joe’s in New York City is 19,000 square feet (more than triple in size!).
The first shock to shoppers will come from the cramped entrance that quickly leads to the escalators. Once reaching the bottom level, the tiny space opens up (only slightly) to a few aisles of Trader Joe’s groceries and around eight registers.
Established back in 2001, the teeny tiny Trader Joe’s stands out among the average locations that typically range anywhere between 10,000-15,000 square feet. Local shoppers of the tiny Trader Joe’s reassures on Reddit that it’s still stocked with a wide variety of items. Yet, moving around the space can be a bit agitating, they expressed.
Apparently when the spot gets too busy, they can only let a certain amount of people in at one time—a situation we’ve experienced a few times ourselves at the Murray Hill location. Except this Reddit user said the mini Trader Joe’s in Boston gives you chocolate for waiting in line—we’re jealous!
Even our Boston writer had made a visit and described it as “equally quaint and claustrophobic.”
If you’re eager to check it out for yourself, feel free to book a ride on Amtrak and make a whole trip out of it. While you’re there, be sure to check out our friends at Boston Uncovered for all the best Boston happenings.
📍 899 Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts
In other news: NYC’s Only Trader Joe’s Wine Shop May Potentially Reopen
