Listen to this articleTrader Joe’s may be coming to Jersey City.
The nautically themed grocery chain has not confirmed plans to launch an outpost in the city. However, the Historic Downtown Special Improvement District is hinting at the possibility.
In an Oct. 24 social media post, the organization wrote, “👀 Rumor has it that Trader Joe’s is in the final stages of signing a lease right here in Downtown Jersey City, with plans to open in 2026! That’s all we can say for now …🌺 🛒.”
A spokesperson for Trader Joe’s told NJBIZ, “We are actively looking at hundreds of neighborhoods across the country as we hope to open more new neighborhood stores each year. At this time, we do not have a location confirmed in Jersey City. We list all of the stores that are opening soon on our website.”
Local media reported that Trader Joe’s will take space at 50-55 Hudson St. The site houses a forthcoming Tishman Speyer-owned mixed-use development along the Hudson River waterfront.
After expected completion of the project’s first phase in early 2027, the 58-story tower will include 1,017 rental apartments and 60,000 square feet of street-level retail. The next stage of construction will add a 48-story tower that features 10,000 square feet of retail and 924 rental apartments. Work on both towers is anticipated to wrap up in 2028.
The site is located about a half mile from a Whole Foods Market that began welcoming shoppers two years ago.
Other openings
The news comes as Trader Joe’s prepares for the Oct. 29 grand opening of its 20th store in New Jersey.
Located at 675 Route 1 S. in Woodbridge (Iselin), the 10,691-square-foot site takes over space from a former Bed Bath & Beyond store.
After Woodbridge, Trader Joe’s expects to launch another location in West Orange, the chain recently confirmed. Trader Joe’s has not revealed where or when it aims to open in that township. However, Montclair Local reported the grocer will join the lineup at Mount Pleasant Plaza.
Founded in 1967, Trader Joe’s is known for its cheerful crew members, customer service, and competitive pricing on a unique variety of seasonal and private-label food items. The California-based banner especially focuses on gourmet, organic and specialty goods, as well as frozen food products.
Across the U.S., Trader Joe’s has more than 580 stores in 42 states and the District of Columbia. Following the launch of 34 locations last year, Trader Joe’s continues to work to open “dozens” of sites nationwide in 2025, trade publication Progressive Grocer reported. According to its website, the banner currently has 20 stores in New Jersey — including the forthcoming Iselin spot.
Editor’s note: This story was updated at 4:08 p.m. with a statement from Trader Joe’s.
