A Tale of Two UWS Trader Joe’s: Renovations, Remodel, Reopening
Upper West siders have been waiting patiently for the reopening of the once bustling West 72nd Street Trader Joe’s location, which closed in May for a remodel. Meanwhile, some customers have turned to the Trader Joe’s on West 93rd Street.
UWS /
| 17 Aug 2026 | 05:49
The 72nd Street Trader Joe’s has remained closed for the past four months, due to a planned remodel of the refrigeration and vertical transportation systems. (
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Currently, the 72nd Street location does not have a set reopening date, though devoted customers are speculating the store to open again in September this year. (
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While the 72nd Street location has remained closed, the nearby 93rd Street location has become a replacement go-to for UWS Trader Joe’s customers. (
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One of the busiest Trader Joe’s in the nation remains closed for renovations at 2073 Broadway and West 72nd Street but its reopening could happen in the next several weeks if recent postings on social media are accurate. A nearby TJ location on West 93rd Street has become the go-to Trader Joe’s for some upper west siders
The TJ at Broadway and W. 72nd St. has been shut down this summer, announced by a sign that appeared on its doors in May. Social media posts said that the escalator was a source of chronic breakdowns and it appears it is one focus of the renovations which will also overhaul the refrigeration system.
“The Trader Joe’s store at 72nd and Broadway is temporarily closed to allow a remodel,” a company spokesperson told The Spirit. “We are making a lot of updates, including to the refrigeration and vertical transportation systems. All the changes are to improve the in-store experience for our customers and Crew. “
A company spokesperson added that the remodel was expected to take “several months,” which would seem to raise questions about a post-Labor Day reopen, as many of its loyal customers are hoping.
“I spoke to one of the workers today!” @WinterFilmAwards wrote on Reddit. “He said they are putting in all new elevators and escalators, and Traders is paying his company a $1M bonus if they get it done by Labor Day. He said that the expected reopening is mid-September.”
The Spirit was not able to confirm the exact date of reopening, or whether a bonus is truly in store for the contractor.
“While this store is temporarily closed, you’ll find some of your favorite Crew Members working in our surrounding stores,” a company spokesperson wrote.
Twenty blocks north of the 72nd Street, the 93rd Street and Columbus Ave. Trader Joe’s location has not been proplem free. Recently, the store overcame a slight refrigerator problem problem—in which workers reportedly had to cover a blownout refrigerator with cardboard.
“I was there that day and also saw how the staff went into high gear & remedied the situation,” James Dybas wrote on NextDoor. “It was one of the small shelved refrigerators that hold mostly juices, all of the other refrigerators in the store were working. This 93rd & Columbus store has the best staff ever. Always helpful and with a smile.”
However, 72nd Street still remains on the minds of upper west siders.
“I can hardly wait!!! (I do know we have other options, but TJ has earned their spot on the top of my list!!!)” @irenelh wrote on Reddit, in response to reopening speculation.
“Very excited both for that store opening again and the 93rd one being less crowded!!” @uws4life wrote on Reddit.
As summer comes to a close, upper west siders will seem to keep a close eye on the currently boarded-up 72nd Street location.