Updated 8/17: A new report suggests TJ's shut the store after learning employees wanted to unionize.
The closure prompted a surprising amount of nostalgia for the shop, many related to buying bottles of Two Buck Chuck ... to spurring some existential crises, as one Twitter user asked, likely rhetorically: "Why God, why????"
It sounds like a Trader Joe's Wine Shop will return someday and somewhere. The signage on the door mentioned that. And in an email to staff, management stated (in part):
It is now time for us to explore another location that will allow us to optimize the potential of our one and only license to sell wine in the state of New York. In addition, the space currently used for the wine shop will be used to improve the overall operations of store 540, our grocery store in Union Square.
Read the letter sent to employees at 12:01 a.m. here.
A few readers got a jump on suggesting new locations for the shop, such as at the Trader's Joe's on 14th Street near Avenue A...
For people who shopped at Trader Joe's Wine Shop, there were also discussions about wine-store alternatives in the neighborhood. There are several solid choices around here... which will be for a good future post.
Where would we get Menage-A-Trois now?
ReplyDeleteLet me begin the list . . . The Wine Warehouse, Astor Wines -- two long- and outstanding stalwarts, and, of course, our beloved Brix.
ReplyDeleteMy guess is that they can’t remain selling wine for that cheap. It is easier for them to close up shop for a few years and let inflation take it’s toll. Then resurface with higher prices. Say hello to the 6-buck-chuck.
ReplyDeleteThey already increased the prices to I believe $4.99 last I saw.
DeleteIt has nothing to do with inflation. It has to do with location. No one gives up a liquor store license for few years.
DeleteAll of the people who worked there were so friendly and helpful, seemed good at their jobs. I hope they have an easy time finding a new gig.
ReplyDeleteGood headline
ReplyDeleteThis article seems to blame plans to unionized for the shut down.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.huffpost.com/entry/trader-joes-wine-shop-closed-union_n_62fd72cce4b071ea958c5b35
Sad to this store go. The staff was knowledgeable, helpful and friendly and they always had great options at many price points. You could "splurge" on a $10-12 bottle here and find many really nice options , whereas most wine stores might have 1 or 2 decent bottles in that price range if you're lucky.
ReplyDeleteAs for other options, I second the Astor Wines mention and will add Convive on Avenue A near 12th. The staff is superb; very knowledgeable but they don't make you feel like you're asking dumb questions. The selection is a bit pricier than TJ's but still offers many great values under $15 and under $20, especially considering the quality of the wines.