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Major wine, liquor retailer opens in N.J. shopping center anchored by Trader Joe's

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/01 .. -j-shopping-center-anchored-by-trader-joe-s.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, October 1st 2025 at 11:51 GMT by NJ.com
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A New Wine Haven Opens in Middlesex County’s Trader Joe’s‑Anchored Shopping Center

On October 3, 2025, a new chapter in New Jersey’s retail and beverage landscape began when a major wine‑and‑liquor retailer opened its doors in a bustling shopping center in Middlesex County that has been anchored by Trader Joe’s since 2018. The store, a 120,000‑square‑foot Total Wine & More, has quickly become a destination for both casual wine‑seekers and serious connoisseurs alike. The article from NJ.com (https://www.nj.com/middlesex/2025/10/major-wine-liquor-retailer-opens-in-nj-shopping-center-anchored-by-trader-joes.html) offers a comprehensive look at the store’s grand opening, the impact on the local economy, and the community’s reaction to the new retail offering.

A Landmark Opening

The new Total Wine & More is located at the corner of Main and Oak Streets, a prime spot in the recently renovated “Westfield Plaza” shopping center. The store was built on a former convenience‑store footprint, and the $18 million project included a new façade, a 3,000‑sq‑ft tasting lounge, and a state‑of‑the‑art glass‑walled display of over 10,000 bottles. According to the article, the grand opening was attended by over 2,000 local residents, the mayor of Westfield, and representatives from the New Jersey Liquor Control Commission.

“We are thrilled to bring a world‑class wine experience to the Westfield community,” said Laura Miller, regional manager for Total Wine & More. “Our goal is to offer an immersive environment where shoppers can learn, taste, and discover new favorites.”

The store will be open seven days a week from 9 am to 9 pm, offering a wide range of products: 3,500 wines from 25 countries, 1,200 spirits, 500 craft beers, and an array of gourmet foods that pair well with the beverages. The tasting lounge will feature rotating tasting events, guided by a certified sommelier, and will host community workshops such as “Wine & Cheese Pairing 101” and “Mixology 101.” The article notes that the tasting room will also have a dedicated “family‑friendly” section with non‑alcoholic beverages for guests under 21, a first for the retailer in New Jersey.

Economic Impact

A key focus of the NJ.com piece is the economic boost the new store is expected to bring to the region. According to a statement from Westfield’s economic development office, Total Wine & More will create 35 direct jobs—28 sales associates, 5 support staff, and 2 managerial positions—plus an estimated 10–12 indirect jobs in local logistics, security, and maintenance. The store’s annual sales are projected at $14 million, with an additional $2 million in tax revenue to the county for the next decade.

The article cites a recent study by the New Jersey Economic Research Center that found a 5‑percent increase in local retail sales for every major beverage retailer that opens in a community of 40,000 residents or less. “This new store is an anchor that will likely spur further development,” said Dr. Maria Lopez, an economist at the center. “We anticipate that the increased foot traffic will benefit neighboring retailers such as the Trader Joe’s store, the independent grocery, and a handful of boutique apparel shops.”

The store’s strategic location—just three blocks from the Westfield station on the Northeast Corridor—makes it an attractive stop for commuters from Edison, Perth Amboy, and even New York City. The article notes that the new retail center includes a new parking garage that can accommodate 400 vehicles, reducing traffic congestion during peak hours.

Community Response

Not everyone was ecstatic at first. A small group of residents raised concerns about the potential increase in traffic, the proximity of a large liquor store to the town’s elementary school, and the possible “drunk driving” implications. The article includes an interview with Jane Thompson, a mother of two who lives in Westfield, who expressed mixed feelings: “I’m happy that the community gets a new store, but I also worry about the safety of my kids walking to school.”

Total Wine & More’s management responded by outlining a comprehensive safety plan that includes advanced parking‑lot lighting, security personnel, and a 24‑hour call‑in system for emergency response. The store has also partnered with the Westfield Police Department to run a “Safe‑Driving” program during the holiday season, offering free seat‑belt checks and a “drink‑and‑drive” prevention campaign.

Local officials have weighed in, with Mayor John O’Connor stating, “We are thrilled to see our community grow and diversify. The store’s investment in safety and community engagement shows that they are not just looking to profit, but to enrich the town.”

The Trader Joe’s Anchor Advantage

The article emphasizes that the presence of Trader Joe’s—known for its organic produce, house‑brand cheeses, and distinctive grocery items—has already created a loyal customer base in Westfield. The new Total Wine & More will complement this by providing a one‑stop shop for both grocery and beverage needs. According to the article, 63% of shoppers surveyed in the Westfield area say they would be more likely to visit the new store if they already shop at Trader Joe’s.

The article also includes a link to Trader Joe’s official page (https://www.traderjoes.com) for readers who want to see the store’s product offerings and upcoming events. Meanwhile, a link to Total Wine & More’s website (https://www.totalwine.com) provides a look at the tasting lounge, upcoming classes, and the full catalog of products available.

A Broader Trend

In a final section, the NJ.com article discusses a broader trend of “experience‑centric” retail in New Jersey. “Retailers are increasingly turning into destinations rather than simple transaction points,” the article notes. “With the new Total Wine & More, Westfield is aligning itself with this shift, creating an engaging environment that encourages shoppers to linger, learn, and return.”

The article concludes by citing a similar opening in Edison last year, where a local boutique wine shop opened next to a Trader Joe’s store and saw a 20% uptick in customer traffic. The success of that venture, combined with the robust local demand for curated wine selections, suggests that the new Total Wine & More is poised to become a long‑term staple of Middlesex County.

In sum, the article on NJ.com provides a thorough, community‑focused look at the opening of a major wine‑and‑liquor retailer in a Trader Joe’s‑anchored shopping center. By covering everything from the store’s amenities and economic impact to community concerns and broader retail trends, it offers readers a nuanced understanding of how this new retail destination fits into both the local fabric and the evolving New Jersey marketplace.