There are plenty of fun ways to spend an afternoon in Back Bay. Admiring art and architecture around the central branch library, say; or popping into one of the many boutiques along Newbury Street.
Shopping at the neighborhood’s longtime Trader Joe’s, however, probably wouldn’t make anyone’s list of must-visit attractions. At less than 5,000 square feet, the basement-level grocery store at 899 Boylston St. has the dubious distinction of being “the smallest Trader Joe's in the known universe,” per whimsical signage inside the store. It was the California-based chain’s ninth Massachusetts location when it opened in 2001. While it carries the full range of TJ’s beloved products as well as grocery staples, the small location across from Hynes Convention Center feels crowded and cramped, especially in the after-work hours.
Beginning this week, Trader Joe’s fans in Back Bay have room to spread out. The company opens a much larger store at 500 Boylston St. on Thursday, May 23. Anchoring a developing ground-level retail collection at the Copley Square landmark, already home to SoulCycle and Juice Press, the new store on Boylston is nearly 11,500 square feet.
Swing by during your commute on Thursday morning to see a ceremonial ribbon-cutting happen just before 9am, and pop into the store throughout the day for celebratory free samples, says Paul Lembo, the store’s “captain,” aka manager.
The new Back Bay location won’t replace Trader Joe’s existing neighborhood presence. It is the brand’s 22nd store to open in Massachusetts, confirms spokesperson Nakia Rohde.
Lembo, a 17-year TJ’s employee who most recently worked at the Fresh Pond location in Cambridge, says the company has been looking for more opportunities in and around the city. “We feel like there is a demand for a larger store in Boston,” Lembo says. The company hired upwards of 100 new employees and will also transfer some people from other Mass. stores to work in Copley Square, he adds.
The 500 Boylston location is being stocked this week with artisan cheese, exclusive snacks, frozen foods, fresh flowers and more products Trader Joe’s is known for, Lembo says. It is equipped with a full retail liquor license, so cheap wine, beer and spirits will be on the shelves for the Thursday opening.
Local muralist Ben Jundanian contributed artwork that differs from the usual colorful wall paintings in the brand’s stores. “With the uniqueness of the building we're in, we thought it was a good opportunity to try something different that could really highlight the neighborhood,” Lembo explains. “As you make your way all around the store, it is kind of a journey around Back Bay with a lot of imagery of the iconic buildings in the area.”
Most Bostonians will not be shocked to hear that the store in the middle of Copley Square offers no free parking. Situated on numerous bus lines near Copley station on the Green Line and Back Bay on the Orange Line, there are metered street spots as well as a paid garage beneath the 500 Boylston St. building, but Trader Joe’s has no plans to validate “at this moment,” Lembo says. “We're focused on getting the store open, but we're always looking to make improvements that potentially could help our customers down the road.”
Like more than doubling the size of Trader Joe’s presence in Back Bay. And bringing the booze.
Following the ribbon-cutting on Thursday morning, Trader Joe’s at 500 Boylston will be open daily from 9am-9pm.
