I shopped at the smallest Trader Joe's in the world. It was chaotically crowded but full of character.
Ann Matica
![I shopped at the smallest Trader Joe's in the world. It was chaotically crowded but full of character.](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstaticbiassets.in%2Fthumb%2Fmsid-92503725%2Cwidth-700%2Cheight-525%2Cimgsize-588788%2Fi-shopped-at-the-smallest-trader-joeaposs-in-the-world-it-was-chaotically-crowded-but-full-of-character-.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Ann Matica/Insider
- I stopped by the smallest Trader Joe's store on the planet to see how tiny it really is.
- Located in downtown Boston, the store had a surprising amount of grocery options for its size.
Tucked along Boylston Street in Boston's Back Bay neighborhood is the smallest Trader Joe's in the world.
![Tucked along Boylston Street in Boston](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92506074,width-700,height-525,imgsize-998540/tucked-along-boylston-street-in-bostonaposs-back-bay-neighborhood-is-the-smallest-trader-joeaposs-in-the-world-.jpg)
Ann Matica/Insider
I decided to visit the location to pick up some of my favorite groceries and see how small the store really is.
![I decided to visit the location to pick up some of my favorite groceries and see how small the store really is.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92506068,width-700,height-525,imgsize-900956/i-decided-to-visit-the-location-to-pick-up-some-of-my-favorite-groceries-and-see-how-small-the-store-really-is-.jpg)
Ann Matica/Insider
Walking up, the compact entrance seemed like an indication of what was to come.
![Walking up, the compact entrance seemed like an indication of what was to come.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92506061,width-700,height-525,imgsize-793062/walking-up-the-compact-entrance-seemed-like-an-indication-of-what-was-to-come-.jpg)
Ann Matica/Insider
As soon as I walked through the automatic doors, I was greeted by a sign welcoming me to Back Bay Trader Joe’s.
![As soon as I walked through the automatic doors, I was greeted by a sign welcoming me to Back Bay Trader Joe’s.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92506053,width-700,height-525,imgsize-1005990/as-soon-as-i-walked-through-the-automatic-doors-i-was-greeted-by-a-sign-welcoming-me-to-back-bay-trader-joex2019s-.jpg)
Ann Matica/Insider
A colorful mural gave a nod to the swan boats in the Boston Public Garden. It was delightful.
![A colorful mural gave a nod to the swan boats in the Boston Public Garden. It was delightful.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92506046,width-700,height-525,imgsize-834548/a-colorful-mural-gave-a-nod-to-the-swan-boats-in-the-boston-public-garden-it-was-delightful-.jpg)
Ann Matica/Insider
Another sign on the wall declared that I was “entering the smallest Trader Joe’s in the known universe.” I was happy to see I was in the right place.
![Another sign on the wall declared that I was “entering the smallest Trader Joe’s in the known universe.” I was happy to see I was in the right place.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92506043,width-700,height-525,imgsize-1046126/another-sign-on-the-wall-declared-that-i-was-x201centering-the-smallest-trader-joex2019s-in-the-known-universe-x201d-i-was-happy-to-see-i-was-in-the-right-place-.jpg)
Ann Matica/Insider
I stepped on the escalator to get to the store layout below. I was so busy looking at the sprawling mural on the wall that I almost caused a traffic jam.
![I stepped on the escalator to get to the store layout below. I was so busy looking at the sprawling mural on the wall that I almost caused a traffic jam.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92506039,width-700,height-525,imgsize-1244078/i-stepped-on-the-escalator-to-get-to-the-store-layout-below-i-was-so-busy-looking-at-the-sprawling-mural-on-the-wall-that-i-almost-caused-a-traffic-jam-.jpg)
Ann Matica/Insider
There were a surprising number of store-specific signs. One read, "Smallest store, biggest heart." I tried to recall if I'd seen anything similar at other Trader Joe's locations I visited, but I came up blank.
![There were a surprising number of store-specific signs. One read, "Smallest store, biggest heart." I tried to recall if I](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92506037,width-700,height-525,imgsize-996532/there-were-a-surprising-number-of-store-specific-signs-one-read-quotsmallest-store-biggest-heart-quot-i-tried-to-recall-if-iaposd-seen-anything-similar-at-other-trader-joeaposs-locations-i-visited-but-i-came-up-blank-.jpg)
Ann Matica/Insider
The flower section was directly in front of me as I stepped off the escalator, and a line of registers was to my right.
![The flower section was directly in front of me as I stepped off the escalator, and a line of registers was to my right.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92506034,width-700,height-525,imgsize-1199150/the-flower-section-was-directly-in-front-of-me-as-i-stepped-off-the-escalator-and-a-line-of-registers-was-to-my-right-.jpg)
Ann Matica/Insider
I couldn’t help but to stop and admire the flowers before exploring the rest of the store.
![I couldn’t help but to stop and admire the flowers before exploring the rest of the store.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92506032,width-700,height-525,imgsize-1100442/i-couldnx2019t-help-but-to-stop-and-admire-the-flowers-before-exploring-the-rest-of-the-store-.jpg)
Ann Matica/Insider
It was 6 p.m. when I arrived at the store, and Trader Joe’s was bustling with the after-work crowd.
![It was 6 p.m. when I arrived at the store, and Trader Joe’s was bustling with the after-work crowd.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92506029,width-700,height-525,imgsize-868704/it-was-6-p-m-when-i-arrived-at-the-store-and-trader-joex2019s-was-bustling-with-the-after-work-crowd-.jpg)
Ann Matica/Insider
The store is broken up into three long aisles and two short ones that veer off to the side.
![The store is broken up into three long aisles and two short ones that veer off to the side.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92506026,width-700,height-525,imgsize-778594/the-store-is-broken-up-into-three-long-aisles-and-two-short-ones-that-veer-off-to-the-side-.jpg)
Ann Matica/Insider
Each section was filled with customers holding baskets or wheeling shopping carts through the tight rows.
![Each section was filled with customers holding baskets or wheeling shopping carts through the tight rows.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92506025,width-700,height-525,imgsize-934276/each-section-was-filled-with-customers-holding-baskets-or-wheeling-shopping-carts-through-the-tight-rows-.jpg)
Ann Matica/Insider
Although the basement space is small, the location stocked all the usual food selections — at least, from what I could tell. The bread and produce areas had lots of options to choose from.
![Although the basement space is small, the location stocked all the usual food selections — at least, from what I could tell. The bread and produce areas had lots of options to choose from.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92506023,width-700,height-525,imgsize-769400/although-the-basement-space-is-small-the-location-stocked-all-the-usual-food-selections-x2014-at-least-from-what-i-could-tell-the-bread-and-produce-areas-had-lots-of-options-to-choose-from-.jpg)
Ann Matica/Insider
I was on the hunt to find some Trader Joe’s specialty items I needed to restock at home.
![I was on the hunt to find some Trader Joe’s specialty items I needed to restock at home.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92506021,width-700,height-525,imgsize-1312750/i-was-on-the-hunt-to-find-some-trader-joex2019s-specialty-items-i-needed-to-restock-at-home-.jpg)
Ann Matica/Insider
After seeing the fully stocked shelves and coolers, I was hopeful I could find the groceries I go to Trader Joe's specifically for.
![After seeing the fully stocked shelves and coolers, I was hopeful I could find the groceries I go to Trader Joe](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92506019,width-700,height-525,imgsize-1287448/after-seeing-the-fully-stocked-shelves-and-coolers-i-was-hopeful-i-could-find-the-groceries-i-go-to-trader-joeaposs-specifically-for-.jpg)
Ann Matica/Insider
Making my way through the store, I found myself accidentally bumping into other shoppers in the cramped aisles or vice versa.
![Making my way through the store, I found myself accidentally bumping into other shoppers in the cramped aisles or vice versa.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92506014,width-700,height-525,imgsize-904146/making-my-way-through-the-store-i-found-myself-accidentally-bumping-into-other-shoppers-in-the-cramped-aisles-or-vice-versa-.jpg)
Ann Matica/Insider
There were a lot of mumbled apologies and jostling as people tried to navigate the tight space.
![There were a lot of mumbled apologies and jostling as people tried to navigate the tight space.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92506011,width-700,height-525,imgsize-759478/there-were-a-lot-of-mumbled-apologies-and-jostling-as-people-tried-to-navigate-the-tight-space-.jpg)
Ann Matica/Insider
Some Trader Joe’s employees were stocking shelves, causing the small path to be even more packed than before.
![Some Trader Joe’s employees were stocking shelves, causing the small path to be even more packed than before.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92506006,width-700,height-525,imgsize-1078148/some-trader-joex2019s-employees-were-stocking-shelves-causing-the-small-path-to-be-even-more-packed-than-before-.jpg)
Ann Matica/Insider
I found the spice section and was thrilled to see they carried one of my favorite toppings — "Everything but the Bagel" seasoning.
![I found the spice section and was thrilled to see they carried one of my favorite toppings — "Everything but the Bagel" seasoning.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92506002,width-700,height-525,imgsize-757478/i-found-the-spice-section-and-was-thrilled-to-see-they-carried-one-of-my-favorite-toppings-x2014-quoteverything-but-the-bagelquot-seasoning-.jpg)
Ann Matica/Insider
The meat section was smaller than at other Trader Joe’s locations I’ve visited. Even though the options were limited, I was still able to find the pollo asado chicken I was looking for.
![The meat section was smaller than at other Trader Joe’s locations I’ve visited. Even though the options were limited, I was still able to find the pollo asado chicken I was looking for.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92505997,width-700,height-525,imgsize-988712/the-meat-section-was-smaller-than-at-other-trader-joex2019s-locations-ix2019ve-visited-even-though-the-options-were-limited-i-was-still-able-to-find-the-pollo-asado-chicken-i-was-looking-for-.jpg)
Ann Matica/Insider
There’s also an extensive cheese and dairy section, but I skipped over it since I’m lactose intolerant.
![There’s also an extensive cheese and dairy section, but I skipped over it since I’m lactose intolerant.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92505992,width-700,height-525,imgsize-859522/therex2019s-also-an-extensive-cheese-and-dairy-section-but-i-skipped-over-it-since-ix2019m-lactose-intolerant-.jpg)
Ann Matica/Insider
Luckily, I found the selection of milk alternatives to be abundant.
![Luckily, I found the selection of milk alternatives to be abundant.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92505990,width-700,height-525,imgsize-835630/luckily-i-found-the-selection-of-milk-alternatives-to-be-abundant-.jpg)
Ann Matica/Insider
The grab-and-go area had lots of prepackaged meals and bottled drink options. I thought about how convenient it must be for people working in the area to grab a quick lunch here.
![The grab-and-go area had lots of prepackaged meals and bottled drink options. I thought about how convenient it must be for people working in the area to grab a quick lunch here.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92505985,width-700,height-525,imgsize-1385740/the-grab-and-go-area-had-lots-of-prepackaged-meals-and-bottled-drink-options-i-thought-about-how-convenient-it-must-be-for-people-working-in-the-area-to-grab-a-quick-lunch-here-.jpg)
Ann Matica/Insider
I chose a vanilla almond milk spiced chai drink to try. I’d never seen the product at another Trader Joe’s, and it was cool to find something new at a store I assumed would have less stock than most.
![I chose a vanilla almond milk spiced chai drink to try. I’d never seen the product at another Trader Joe’s, and it was cool to find something new at a store I assumed would have less stock than most.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92505982,width-700,height-525,imgsize-628616/i-chose-a-vanilla-almond-milk-spiced-chai-drink-to-try-ix2019d-never-seen-the-product-at-another-trader-joex2019s-and-it-was-cool-to-find-something-new-at-a-store-i-assumed-would-have-less-stock-than-most-.jpg)
Ann Matica/Insider
The line of people and shopping carts in front of the frozen food section was daunting. I decided it wasn’t worth the wait and moved on from the freezers.
![The line of people and shopping carts in front of the frozen food section was daunting. I decided it wasn’t worth the wait and moved on from the freezers.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92505980,width-700,height-525,imgsize-938672/the-line-of-people-and-shopping-carts-in-front-of-the-frozen-food-section-was-daunting-i-decided-it-wasnx2019t-worth-the-wait-and-moved-on-from-the-freezers-.jpg)
Ann Matica/Insider
The store is accessible thanks to an elevator that can bring shoppers from the first floor to the basement.
![The store is accessible thanks to an elevator that can bring shoppers from the first floor to the basement.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92505977,width-700,height-525,imgsize-631924/the-store-is-accessible-thanks-to-an-elevator-that-can-bring-shoppers-from-the-first-floor-to-the-basement-.jpg)
Ann Matica/Insider
But I still wondered if the packed store and small aisles posed more of a difficulty for people with disabilities to maneuver than other Trader Joe's locations.
![But I still wondered if the packed store and small aisles posed more of a difficulty for people with disabilities to maneuver than other Trader Joe](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92505974,width-700,height-525,imgsize-1066844/but-i-still-wondered-if-the-packed-store-and-small-aisles-posed-more-of-a-difficulty-for-people-with-disabilities-to-maneuver-than-other-trader-joeaposs-locations-.jpg)
Ann Matica/Insider
Shoppers often blocked the pathways with their carts as they browsed the variety of food options.
![Shoppers often blocked the pathways with their carts as they browsed the variety of food options.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92505970,width-700,height-525,imgsize-1226534/shoppers-often-blocked-the-pathways-with-their-carts-as-they-browsed-the-variety-of-food-options-.jpg)
Ann Matica/Insider
I was once again overjoyed to find one of my favorite Trader Joe’s items on the shelves. Although they were out of the sour kind, the regular Scandinavian Swimmer gummies would do.
![I was once again overjoyed to find one of my favorite Trader Joe’s items on the shelves. Although they were out of the sour kind, the regular Scandinavian Swimmer gummies would do.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92505967,width-700,height-525,imgsize-931052/i-was-once-again-overjoyed-to-find-one-of-my-favorite-trader-joex2019s-items-on-the-shelves-although-they-were-out-of-the-sour-kind-the-regular-scandinavian-swimmer-gummies-would-do-.jpg)
Ann Matica/Insider
There were a few of my top picks that the Back Bay location didn't carry. I was disappointed, but the new Trader Joe's products I discovered — like these gyro slices — made up for it.
![There were a few of my top picks that the Back Bay location didn](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92505963,width-700,height-525,imgsize-889364/there-were-a-few-of-my-top-picks-that-the-back-bay-location-didnapost-carry-i-was-disappointed-but-the-new-trader-joeaposs-products-i-discovered-x2014-like-these-gyro-slices-x2014-made-up-for-it-.jpg)
Ann Matica/Insider
After I finished shopping, I joined the long line of customers waiting to check out.
![After I finished shopping, I joined the long line of customers waiting to check out.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92505960,width-700,height-525,imgsize-965136/after-i-finished-shopping-i-joined-the-long-line-of-customers-waiting-to-check-out-.jpg)
Ann Matica/Insider
Unlike Trader Joe’s locations, which have multiple lines to wait in, there’s only one queue here.
![Unlike Trader Joe’s locations, which have multiple lines to wait in, there’s only one queue here.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92505956,width-700,height-525,imgsize-845354/unlike-trader-joex2019s-locations-which-have-multiple-lines-to-wait-in-therex2019s-only-one-queue-here-.jpg)
Ann Matica/Insider
It leads to five different registers, and everyone had to wait for a cashier to call them over before they could check out.
![It leads to five different registers, and everyone had to wait for a cashier to call them over before they could check out.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92505952,width-700,height-525,imgsize-702378/it-leads-to-five-different-registers-and-everyone-had-to-wait-for-a-cashier-to-call-them-over-before-they-could-check-out-.jpg)
Ann Matica/Insider
I rang up my items at a small wooden desk.
![I rang up my items at a small wooden desk.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92505951,width-700,height-525,imgsize-677374/i-rang-up-my-items-at-a-small-wooden-desk-.jpg)
Ann Matica/Insider
The wall behind the register was full of reusable Trader Joe’s bags that were available for purchase.
![The wall behind the register was full of reusable Trader Joe’s bags that were available for purchase.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92505949,width-700,height-525,imgsize-774938/the-wall-behind-the-register-was-full-of-reusable-trader-joex2019s-bags-that-were-available-for-purchase-.jpg)
Ann Matica/Insider
Once I paid for my groceries, I headed back up the escalator to the street.
![Once I paid for my groceries, I headed back up the escalator to the street.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92505944,width-700,height-525,imgsize-638202/once-i-paid-for-my-groceries-i-headed-back-up-the-escalator-to-the-street-.jpg)
Ann Matica/Insider
Although I hadn’t found everything on my list, I was content with my shopping experience. The new items were exciting, and I loved looking at the Boston-themed mural by the entrance.
![Although I hadn’t found everything on my list, I was content with my shopping experience. The new items were exciting, and I loved looking at the Boston-themed mural by the entrance.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92505942,width-700,height-525,imgsize-782374/although-i-hadnx2019t-found-everything-on-my-list-i-was-content-with-my-shopping-experience-the-new-items-were-exciting-and-i-loved-looking-at-the-boston-themed-mural-by-the-entrance-.jpg)
Ann Matica/Insider
Even though the store was cramped and felt a little chaotic when it was full of customers, I would visit it again. Next time, I’ll just plan to go earlier in the day to beat the rush of shoppers.
![Even though the store was cramped and felt a little chaotic when it was full of customers, I would visit it again. Next time, I’ll just plan to go earlier in the day to beat the rush of shoppers.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92505941,width-700,height-525,imgsize-589156/even-though-the-store-was-cramped-and-felt-a-little-chaotic-when-it-was-full-of-customers-i-would-visit-it-again-next-time-ix2019ll-just-plan-to-go-earlier-in-the-day-to-beat-the-rush-of-shoppers-.jpg)
Ann Matica/Insider
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