Trader Joe’s and Target in the same building? Sign me up!

Returning to campus and prepping for the first day of classes always includes a grocery run, and of course, this semester was no different. As soon as I found out about the new Trader Joe’s in Harlem via TikTok, I knew I had to make it a stop on my FDOC to-do list. 

As a frequenter of the 72nd and 96th locations, I was curious to see how it compared to the beloved chaos of a campus Trader Joe’s that I was used to. 

On a cloudy Labor Day afternoon, my roommate and I took a quick M60 ride up to 125th St and Malcolm X Blvd. The bus was mostly empty and dropped us off less than a block from our final destination, starting our trip off on a good note. On the way back to campus, we opted for the Subway, which took the same amount of time- so either option works, depending on your preferred mode of public transit!

The first thing I noticed was how spacious it felt, despite only being one floor (in contrast to the 72nd location). It wasn’t busy, which made for an uncharacteristically short Trader Joe’s run. 

The true test of a good Trader Joe’s is how well-stocked the frozen section is—and let’s just say I was not disappointed. My dorm freezer is filled with soup dumplings to last a lifetime. They also had an abundance of classic fall items and some new things I’m excited to try. 

After perusing the aisles, I made my way to the infamous checkout line. I always budget at least 10 minutes (usually more) to wait in the wraparound lines, but when I tell you I didn’t even have time to set my basket down before being called over, I mean it. 

All in all, I have no notes. It’s not notably different from nearby locations, but its proximity to the M60 and lesser popularity will likely make it my go-to from now on. I only wish the Target next door opened sooner (next month according to a security guard). 

If you’re tired of long lines and running into half of Barnumbia’s student body while buying groceries, look no further than the new Trader Joe’s on 123 W 125th St. 

Trader Joe’s via Bwog Staff