Trader Joe’s is one of the grocery stores that offers special hours for seniors, including the first hour of store opening every Wednesday and Sunday. However, many stores have cut COVID-19 hours, such as Costco, Walmart, and Target, which do not offer special promotions online or coupons.
Some supermarkets also offer discounts to senior citizens, many of which apply during specific days of the week or month. Trader Joe’s has designated specific hours to allow seniors aged 60 and older, as well as other at-risk customers and customers with disabilities, to shop without crowds.
On Tuesdays, customers aged 55 and older receive a 30% discount on select items. However, these discounts are not accompanied by any special promotions online or special gift card offers. Some big stores like Aldi, Costco, Trader Joe’s, and Sam’s Club have never offered senior discounts to their shoppers, while others like Kroger do.
Monday is senior day at this grocery store, where adults aged 62 or older can get an extra 10 off their purchase. To show proof of age, a valid ID is required. Many grocery stores have begun to eliminate specialized discounts for seniors, but some options remain across the country.
Senior hours will be canceled at the end of the month, as 75 percent of seniors are now vaccinated, making it unnecessary for them to have special discounts.
📹 How Is Trader Joe’s So Cheap and Popular? | WSJ The Economics Of
Trader Joe’s has been selling bananas for 19 cents each – for the past two decades. The grocery store offers remarkably fewer …
Does Walmart Plus have a senior discount?
Walmart does not offer age-specific discounts for seniors or veterans, but they offer various ways to save while shopping in person or online. They offer tough-to-beat everyday prices, a free app for easy shopping and prescription filling, and instant alerts about sales or deals. Walmart+ membership offers free grocery delivery and other money-saving perks, making it easier for seniors to find the best deals at the big-box retailer.
What discounts can I get when I turn 55?
Senior discounts are available at various retail stores, including Goodwill, Hallmark, iParty, Kohl’s, and Kohl’s. These discounts are valid for older adults, veterans, and low-income individuals, and can vary by location. Some stores, like Kohl’s, offer discounts on specific days of the week. Some wireless providers also offer special discounts for seniors, such as $15 per month cell phone plans. It’s important to check with local stores to confirm discount availability. As of 2024, many businesses have stopped offering senior discounts, but they still provide discounts for older adults, veterans, and low-income individuals.
Does Trader Joe’s offer discount?
Our retail outlets do not engage in the practice of offering discounts or promotions that are ostentatious in nature. Instead, we endeavor to provide our customers with the most competitive prices on a daily basis.
Does Amazon give senior citizen discounts?
Amazon does not offer a specific senior discount, but certain seniors can qualify for the Prime Access Membership, which offers a reduced monthly subscription fee of $6. 99, a 50 discount. This membership provides the same benefits as a regular membership, and can be obtained through government programs like the Women, Infants and Children Program or Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children.
How much is Amazon Prime for seniors?
Amazon offers a Prime Access Membership, which provides a reduced monthly subscription fee of $6. 99, a 50% discount. This membership is available to certain seniors who qualify for assistance from government programs like the Women, Infants and Children Program or Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). The benefits of this membership are the same as regular memberships.
What discounts do I get at 60?
Iceland offers 11 discounts and freebies for over 60s, including discounts at Boots’ Over-60s reward scheme, Odeon’s Silver Cinema Club, free TV license for over 75s, 20 off at Specsavers, and a free bus pass for over 60s. Over 60s can also receive a 10 discount on their Iceland shop every Tuesday, and join Boots’ Over 60s Reward Scheme for double points for every £1 spent. Members also have access to exclusive prize draws and 25 off their first pair of glasses from Boots Opticians. Investing in a Senior Railcard can save 1/3 off rail fares, with 50 off a one-year railcard when paid with Tesco Clubcard points.
How to save money on Trader Joe’s?
Trader Joe’s offers a variety of seasonal and limited-time products, such as spiced cider and holiday hams. Stock up on shelf-stable items and inquire with an employee about product availability. Budget for extra expenses when stocking up. Trader Joe’s offers competitive flower prices, making it an ideal destination for gift-giving or adding color to your kitchen table. Mini succulents are available for $2. 99 each, making them a great addition to any space.
The store also offers deals, dupes, and desserts, allowing you to maximize your savings. To maximize your savings, use one of the best credit cards for groceries and ensure you’re crushing your debt with the money you save. Consider opening a package of Trader Joe’s Scandinavian Swimmers and aiming to conquer your financial goals.
What day is senior discount at Costco?
Costco offers low prices for a variety of items, including furniture, appliances, and TVs, making it an excellent choice for retirees on a budget. While they don’t offer senior discounts, some special deals and discounts can provide a good value for seniors. The prices may vary by location, but all prices were available online for the local Costco warehouse in West Des Moines, Iowa, as of March 20, 2024.
Does Aldi own Trader Joe’s?
Aldi Nord and Aldi Süd are two German discount chains that operate in various markets. Aldi Nord has 35 regional companies with 2, 200 stores in western, northern, and eastern Germany, while Aldi Süd has 32 regional companies with 2, 000 stores in western and southern Germany. The company also operates in Belgium, Netherlands, France, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, and Spain, and in Australia, Austria, China, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Slovenia, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the United States.
In Austria and Slovenia, Aldi operates stores under the Hofer brand. Aldi Nord also owns the Trader Joe’s grocery chain in the United States, while Aldi Süd owns Winn-Dixie and Harveys supermarket chains in the southern United States. The company is the chief competitor of the German discount chain Lidl in several markets.
What can over 60s get free?
Maintaining good health requires lifestyle changes and access to healthcare services. For those over 60, the NHS offers concessions for affordable and accessible healthcare, such as free prescriptions, free eyesight tests, and the free NHS flu vaccine. The NHS Low Income Scheme provides additional support, covering dental treatment, travel costs, and glasses or contact lenses. Eligibility depends on specific circumstances, and even if not receiving these benefits, low-income individuals may still be eligible.
The NHS website provides a detailed guide on the application process, ensuring that individuals can access the necessary services and support. It is crucial to inform your optician if you haven’t had an appointment.
Does Best Buy offer senior discounts?
Best Buy has stopped offering specific discounts to specific groups, such as students, seniors, and first responders. Instead, they have focused on offering discounts to members of their My Best Buy plans, which come in two tiers: Plus and Total. The Plus plan costs $49. 99 a year, while the Total plan costs $179. 99 a year. The Total plan comes with extra perks and qualifies for select discounts. If you shop frequently, especially during big sale periods, you can likely make your membership fee back easily.
When shopping Best Buy military discounts, consider whether your local Best Buy offers the discount. If it does, you can get 10 off your new TV, toy, or cookware. If not, focus on the My Best Buy Plus or Total memberships, which guarantee a wide range of strong discounts throughout the year but come with an annual fee. This also allows you to shop online, making it easier to compare Best Buy’s prices against other stores. Even a free My Best Buy account can help you avoid shipping fees when shopping online.
📹 10 SHOPPING SECRETS Trader Joe’s Doesn’t Want You to Know!
Save a bunch of money at Trader Joe’s with these 10 amazing secrets I discovered! Everyone knows Trader Joes is a great place …
Trader Joes was also the first store to apply the Paradox of Choice principle to its selection of items. Basically, people want choice, but if you give them too many choices they feel overwhelmed and ultimately choose nothing. Psychology has shown that 6 is the number of choices people like best. So that is what Trader Joes did. They gave customers six different choices of popular items such as pasta sauce. Their sales soared as a result.
When you shop at trader Joe’s you feel like the products are unique and not found in any other store because of authentic interesting labeling. Also its not just labeling, the products are actually healthier and taste really good and are often cheaper than in other stores. Just writing this comments makes me understand better why I love trader Joe’s, especially their vegan/vegetarian section.
The funny thing to me having grown up around the first trader Joe’s locations. They were known to be more expensive at the time, they were like the very first whole foods type grocery stores. As they expanded they adapted to their general location and kept it simple by keeping it store locations small and not having a massive amounts of stock that’s not even getting shopped like most big brick and motor retailers.
As a retired industry exec, this was a realistic portrait of Trader Joes. The two things I’d add is 1. that each trip can be one of discovery which keeps the consumer engaged. and 2. private label agreements may be with well known producers and may be equal or superior to the branded version; something not all retailers try to achieve.
Hands down the best “customer service” consistently across every store I’ve been to in California. 2 days ago I was at the checkout and when they asked did you find everything you were looking (which by the way they ask EVERY SINGLE TIME) I casually mentioned that I didn’t see Mango Tea on the shelves, the lady literally went to the screen behind her and looked it up for me and said it was seasonal. She went above and beyond and exceeded my expectation for receptive customer service. It’s the little things that makes TJ so amazing
TJs has a podcast where they talk about their business practices in detail. For example, in one early podcast they explained how they have a committee that meets regularly to sample new food candidates and approve what should be put on the shelf. This is counter to many other retailers who receive payment from manufacturers to carry their products.
When I go into Kroger’s to get a few items, they plaster my face over security monitors, their buildings are massive and take a long time to go through. And sometimes there’s long lines at the self checkout. They obsessively want to scan your cartons of water so they know you won’t steal. Trader Joe’s feels more like grocery stores used to feel, they don’t treat you like a criminal, their lines are fast, you don’t have to walk far, they don’t force you to do self checkout. The whole experience is way better.
The first time I finally went to Trader Joes I was instantly converted. It’s super affordable and their produce and meat is superb. I generally don’t buy much packaged food but when I do from Trader Joes I’m always impressed by the quality of it. Their ingredient lists are small and the food actually tastes like it’s not overly processed.
I adore Trader Joes. I am in Northern VA, and my local store has a cashier that is the brother of one of my coworkers. We found this connection organically through conversation, and it brings me joy to come into that store, find the great variety of foods and CHEAP beer/wine, and I never have to deal with self checkout issues, a lack of cashiers, or a confusing labyrinth of isles. Generally, the people working there don’t seem to be simply “putting on a happy face,” and that matters a lot these days to me. Its honest, and real. Some things may be cheaper at other stores, which is fine, but I am good with what is being charged for the quality I am receiving. They rock, and I prefer them almost bar-none to other chains for this reason alone. For me, and seemingly for them, its very personal. Keep it going!
Another unique advantage of shopping at Trader Joe’s are their customer policies. As a customer you can ask an employee to try any product at any time. You can return any product you purchased even without a receipt or if it has been consumed. And they pride themselves on their trust, customer service, and community so you won’t find any cameras in the stores. They truly provide a great customer experience and at the price point they offer the quality cannot be matched.
I have shopped at TJs for 20 years in California and later Washington. I’ve never liked large grocery stores or earehouse stores, too overwhelming with too many choices. And as a family of one, I don’t want huge packages of anything. I actually enjoy shopping at TJs, and would only shop there if they had the pet supplies I need. But I still have to buy those at Fred Meyer.
I was surprised to see in the title saying Trader Joe’s “So cheap”. I I’ve been to 3-4 Trader Joe’s and I always found them expensive, not conviniently organized and with long wait on the registers. Apparently, with my experience, I’ve been asking a completely opposite question: “How can Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods be so expensive, not have the best vegetables, and still remain so popular?”. I guess, it well depends on where you live. In my area, Sprouts is a number one in both quality and costs. Then comes Safeway with the same costs but a little lower quality of produce, and then expensive and not the best quality Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s. This article just sounds like and an infomercial
They didn’t mention that Trader Joe’s uses one of the tactics Whole Foods uses which is that you tend to enter in through the Produce section in order to give you the feeling you’re going to be “eating healthy” by shopping here. But most of their offerings lie beyond in the processed and packaged goods.
After shopping at Trader Joes I despise going anywhere else. I can park close to the entrance and get in and out very fast compared to any other store. I don’t have to worry about coupons or special gas deals. Daily prices are extremely fair and reasonable and quality is much higher than generics and national brands purchased at the large grocery supermarkets. It’s more like shopping at a locally owned neighborhood stores where you know everyone. There are always creative new items that are priced reasonably. Total shopping change and I love it.
I have definitely noticed this trend since 2020. TJ’s prices have remained stagnant while all the other grocery chains have committed massive price gouging. Proof that all the excuses grocers use to justify their price increases are a total BS lie. It is greed pure and simple, evident by the massive profits reported each quarter.
TJs is great. I’ve been shopping there since 1987. As far as cheap, I wouldn’t go that far. Probably fair is a better description. My bill is close to $200 when I walk out of there. Far from cheap. TJ used to be cheaper back in the old days of bulk bins, and minimal packaging. But I still like shopping there after all these years.
I don’t go to Trader Joe’s that often (not a good location for me) but I found the produce to be much more expensive that any of the other stores I shop at. A lot of dry and canned goods were excellent price, but not the fresh fruit and veg. Maybe it was just because it was in a city and everything in that area has inflated prices, but I was surprised since they have a reputation for low prices.
I love shopping at TJ’s. Easy in and out, very good products. always fresh, very tasty snacks, good ingrediencies. They are not that cheap compare to others, but the quality is worth it. The only thing I hate is when the store is busy. You just can’t move around. So, we changed the shopping time, on the weekend. The do well in NJ. Good place !!!!!!!!!! TJ, please bring back the Bean Soup !!!!!
Trader Joes is like a mini Costco where the items they sell are tested, approved and curated for the customers. There’s no need to value shop or compare brands. They just put on offer one or two brands of a product that they deem to be the best value. It makes shopping easier. Even their frozen foods are like shopping at Picard in France. Just really good items. Also people like that it’s a family owned company that’s not at the whims of activist investors. Aldi’s also has a fanbase and they were founded by the same members that founded Trader Joes. BTW, their brand chocolate is supposedly made by Callebaut.
One of the many reasons why i love Trader Joe’s besides being cheap is the fact that you can often unique items that you might not be able to find in other grocery stores like Their Soup dumplings or their frozen croissants and so many different things that I feel that are unique to TJS I also love the once a year stuff that Trader Joe’s has only around the holidays like their Wasil punch or their microwaveable cheese founde
I wouldn’t necessarily say Trader Joe’s is cheap. There’s definitely other stores that offer more affordable prices such as Aldi, Kroger, Walmart, and so on. Trader Joe’s imo is closer in price to say Whole Foods than the stores I mentioned. To add on, yeah I ain’t paying $5 for a 6 oz pack of “organic” blueberries.
Always been a TJ’s fan, but with the prices rising so much at other grocery stores, the value of shopping there now is insane. If I go to my local supermarket chain or Whole Foods, I’m spending $100 minimum on one tote bag of grocery essentials. I went to TJ’s the other day and got 3 bags for $130, including a pack of chicken thighs that were only $3.60!!!
Yeah I used to avoid Trader Joes thinking that its some high end store but during the pandemic I started shopping there and I was very surprised. Great quality produce at low prices. The problem is though I find their store set up to be a bit weird for some reasons. Still struggling to get use to their style. Maybe its because I’m used to stores like Giant.
I love trader joes..food that is pre cooked already prepared..out of the paper bag,straight to the stove..all stores are built the same,so you know where everything is..trader Joe’s don’t mind helping the handicapable..the staff is always positive,the stores and bathrooms are clean like target’s..you’d be a fool not to try their 3 buck chuck and different worldly wines..I love the Porto mogado..
That’s amazing plus Trader Joe’s is healthier than all other grocery stores. Just pick up any item and look at the ingredients list. Years ago I bought sweet relish at a regular store and I could literally taste the chemicals in there. I went to TJ’s and picked up sweet relish and the ingredients list was much healthier and you can definitely taste it too. And yes, prices are so much better. Love Trader Joe’s!
I am a big fan of Trader Joe’s. Great prices. Creative products. One comment…their time dated products, e.g. salads, sandwiches, etc. do not have a very long shelf life and usually need to be used within a couple of days of purchase…and the staff don’t seem as proactive and helpful as they were a few years ago…a common issue in retail recently. Still a thumbs up… 👍
Several points they missed in this article is taste, quality and service. Most Trader Joes products taste better than their leading counterpart, their frozen products taste better as well and don’t contain unnatural ingredients like food dyes and HFCS. All of their products come with a 100% no questions asked refund if someone dislikes a product which makes trying new products easy for consumers.
A little correction: Ther is another chain that does what Trader Joe’s is doing, and it’s the parent company Aldi, which was founded in Germany in 1913 and has basically bin operating like this from day one. …and fun fact: “Trader Joe’s” is the in-house brand name for Aldi North in Germany, to promote specialties from the US, like Mac & Cheese, Donuts and Bagels, Hot Dogs, and so on.
I didn’t think Trader’s Joe’s was cheap. I didn’t find much that I ate there. In fact I found that foods bought Trader’s Joe’s sister store Aldi’s made me sick more than other stores. It seems that with these prices increases grocery stores are cutting corners, and food quality is down. Kroger is a good example. I’ve stopped going there.
I love Trader Joe’s (Crazy Joe’s) as I call it. There’s some many things I love about their stores that have already been covered by other readers in this post. We have done price comparison with our local Public stores, and crazy Joe’s prices are not only lower but also the quality of products are better.😊😊😊
Trader Joe’s is objectively not cheap, at least not in its home state of California. Although it runs certain limited items at competitively low prices, the majority of their product offerings have a noticeable premium attached to them compared to similar market grocery stores. I would want to know what reference points WSJ used to determine how affordable Trader Joe’s is, because this just doesn’t seem right.
I love TJ’s! Also their “brother”, Aldi! That said, I don’t think making TJ your only grocery is cheaper. I buy things at TJ that I can’t get elsewhere, or aren’t as good elsewhere. A good, full-line supermarket like a Woodmans or Schnucks, is still a necessity, and will be cheaper overall, especially when shopping for a family.
You’re forgetting the biggest thing that distinguishes it. Its parent company, Aldi, isn’t publicly traded. That means it isn’t legally bound to worship at the altar of the shareholder. The greedy, shortsighted, shareholder-first practices of so many large businesses essentially REQUIRES price-gouging whenever possible.
As near as I can tell, my local Market Basket offers prices as low as Trader Joe’s in most items, and the service is great. When it’s really busy, the store manager will bag groceries at the checkout. It’s a small New England chain, and it doesn’t have a lot of high priced, exotic products. The aisles are a bit more snug. They do a brisk sandwich and ready-to-eat meal business.
A very good friend of mine worked at Trader Joe’s for several years. When he and other coworkers became interested in unionizing, the company stabbed them in the back. I no longer shop at Trader Joe’s because of their position on unions. It’s unfortunate because I really enjoyed buying food there, enjoy and supporting businesses that support unions
Love Trader Joe’s because I can get most of my needs, 30min it’s in and out if I wanted to be efficient. Sure it doesn’t have everything I need but most times it gets it right with the best price. I spent 1 hour 20 minutes at a Safeway and Fred Meyer trying to get my groceries the other day because I couldn’t find where things were because of all the choices I had to wade through and the lack of staff on floor to help me find what I need. That experience made me realize I just rather go to TJ and get the best price, best customer service, and the goods I like.
I bought 4 servings of frozen lasagna for like $6.49 or something. That’s like $1.62 per serving! And there was so much meat. It tasted so good and was filling enough so nobody was hungry. So naturally I bought 2 more. And I bought Tikka Masala frozen for $5 – tasted enough like my local Indian restaurant that I no longer feel the need to pay $30 when I get that craving.
I like TJ’s and shop there when I can find a parking place. Last time, however, I bought a 6-pack of Boatswain IPA, I almost swallowed a big horsefly in my first can. I simply spit it out and threw away the rest and never bought alcohol there again. Matter of fact I quit alcohol over a year ago; I’m 80 now and want to go another 20 years. So I recommend TJ’s but not their ale. Recommended also: their cookies, arugula, Canadian lasagna, sunflowers, and so on, almost ad infinitum. And yes, their people are always splendidly courteous.
Up here in Canada, all the supermarkets are cutting out brands and replacing them with the store’s private labels. Unfortunately, these generic products are significantly lower quality most of the time. I’d be happy if we had a Trader Joes here. Also, I really don’t like the head games supermarkets play, eg Buy one, get one for 50% off. I don’t like to spend so much time on mental arithmetic when shopping.
I feel that almost everything is fairly priced for what you get. If you want to try something new, it wouldn’t cost a lot. Plus in the rare chance that you bought a sucky product, you can return it. I’ve done it a few times but only if I can’t tolerate consuming it. I do keep a list with comments on everything I’ve bought previously so I know what to get next time.
One of the reasons Trader Joe’s is very competitive is the environment it comes from. It is basically Aldi North from Germany which is the most competitive market for groceries in all of Europe. Which results usually to having Germany the lowest or at least some of the lowest food prices in Europe because of this. They are very battle-hardened in terms of being successful in a market with extremely low margins. Interestingly in the U.S. competition is not that brutal in comparison because of only a relatively few big players controlling the market. So the U.S. typically has higher food costs than Germany. One of the (many) reasons Wal-Mart failed miserably in Germany in 2007. They were never able to earn any money and could never adapt to such a high level of competition and extremely low margins.
what people don’t see is that they’re not playing a role that traditional grocers do. If Kroger closed there would be people screaming for them to open a deli counter etc and to carry kraft and other branded products. The reality is that they’re not all that much cheaper comparing them to Kroger or albertsons is apples and oranges. They’re a fast fashion retailer that happens to sell food.
I have such a love hate relationship with Trader Joe’s these days. Love their costumer service, and yes fun experience in simple smaller stores compared to overwhelming large chain supermarkets but I hate that I so often fall in love with many products and then the TRADER JOES ME as me and my friends call it. They get rid of all the stuff I love. 😣 😢 many of my friends have switched to Sprouts. Gosh I’ve been shopping at TJ for 20 yrs. wish they would not trade out so much. Or truly replace with something better. When I ask where did that amazing product go, I’m always told it’s the supplier. But now this article reviled the truth. It’s like dating and they play games with you. I hope TJ you read this. Maybe you don’t care.
theyve carried more asian store products in recent times and im happy to try it . i esp love spiced cashews w kaffir lime leaves! they really pay attention to what young people want! and then some of these products are gone! i dont mind cuz it may come again or ill find another new exciting product a month later! esp during pandemic ive really enjoyed going to grocery store more
I don’t know if it’s changed in the past 4 years but Trader Joes is owned by a mega corporation and was ranked in the bottom 10 of grocery companies in environmental friendliness. I guess they produce a lot of waste and have inefficient factory, pollution, production and logistical transportation systems and possibly got into trouble for child labor and not following the Clean Air Act by producing some of the highest emissions. I know people sometimes tell me they shop there because they aren’t like big “corp” but when I looked into it their owned by Aldi and haven’t been independent since 1979
I normally shop at Central Market, but have shopped at Trader Joe’s twice. The first time was about 5 years ago and I was shocked how good the prices were, and the packaging made the food look comparable to Central Market. The food was not comparable, lol. Out of like 20 items I purchased, only 1 or 2 were of equal or even good quality. I went back this year, and I was shocked at how the prices weren’t much better than Central Market, or even other stores. I purchased about 10 items, and I enjoyed 2 of them. The extra virgin olive oil, and some frozen spiced barbacoa type beef. I need to go back for more of that beef, even though it wasn’t really a good deal or anything.
i’m so sick of hearing TJ is cheap. based off of what, $0.19 bananas that are stocked once or twice a week in limited supply? everything else is super expensive compared with your local asian or hispanic grocery stores. yes, that burrito in the fridge might only cost $6.49, but it’s mostly packaging that makes it look bigger than it actually is
I feel like this report kind of did not do justice to the quality & organic products in tj that let’s say in whole foods R so expensive. Also as u said their branding, newsletter & general culture is great. I’ve heard they pay their workers way above the min wage (in houston) at least, so that’s another brownie point to love them more.
I find the whole discussion around Trader Joe’s kind of weird. Trader Joe’s does exactly the same thing as Aldi does. Which is not surprising considering Trader Joe’s is owned by Aldi Nord, and Aldi is owned by Aldi Sud, which were the same company until they split up because the 2 brothers running the original Aldi because they couldn’t agree on selling cigarettes in store.
Trader Joe’s paid for my mom’s groceries twice when she was having a hard time. She went to use her EBT card and it was empty as she didn’t know that they re-adjusted her stamps. The store employees blessed her and she didn’t have to pay for anything. She walked out with all the groceries she needed. We praised God. They truly are kind people, and I believe that genuine kindness is why their advertisement is spread through word of mouth because people, like you said have an experience when they go. It’s more than a grocery store.
The Employees at Trader Joe’s are genuinely some of the most compassionate people on the face of the Earth in Arlington Heights Illinois. My husband and I have been loyal TJ shoppers. In Nov. 2019 he passed away. When hearing the news 2 wonderful workers presented me with flowers and a plant. 8 months latter am still filled with Gratitude and Awe for the wonderful staff in Trader Joes.
One thing I really appreciate about TJ is their low shelves. I’ve never had to ask for help reaching an item on a shelf 7 feet high, like I regularly have to at the other grocery store I shop at. May not be a big thing to tall people, but it’s very frustrating when the two top shelves are out of reach for a shorty like myself and I have to look around and ask for help – like a little kid. Thanks TJ for that.
I work there and can confirm basically all of this! My only super tiny error to point out is that we are Crew Members, not “Team Members.” All TJ employees are either Crew, Mates (assistant managers), or Captains (Store Manager, only one of these per store). We take our nautical aesthetic very seriously, and this is why all stores are adorned with wood paneling everywhere (meant to represent a ship), and we use ring bells to communicate with each other at checkout – because we are a ship full of culinary explorers on the high seas 🙂
#7 reminds me of the time I realized I needed salad mix at the register and the cashier called over another employee and had him bring an assortment of ready-made salads during a busy time for the store. Not what I needed but I felt too bad to say no so I grabbed 2 of them lol. Quality service 1000000%
My first time at Trader Joe’s was this week and it was amazing! The staff went out of their way to go look for a specific product and they let me know if I didn’t like a product, that I could come back and get a full refund. I love how quality the food is and how they have so many fun different things I’ve never seen before.
Trader Joes has the nicest and most compassionate employees. I’ve gotten to know many of the crew. One hadn’t seen me in awhile (I was very sick and not eating much). We chatted for a bit. I had flowers in my cart. She told the crew member at my register that they were a gift to me from her… Just a small act of kindness had me crying in my car. My now late mother had a developmental disability and wore leg braces. If I was unable to come with her to shop, she would call in and a crew member would shop with her. When she died, they sent flowers and her fave snacks. They truly care. And I’m crying as I write this… So much more than just a grocery store.
So. Ok. I’m an unabashed Trader Joe’s fan. I love, love, love Trader Joe’s. It actually takes me less time to shop, bc the store is small and much easier to navigate for seniors. I think their prices are great. I’ve had your experience of the helpful employees…but it goes beyond that. Several times they insisted on carrying my groceries to my car. One time I was shopping with a friend of mine, who has a slight disability, and an employee volunteered to help her shop, then gifted her with a bouquet of flowers. My daughter has been shopping for me during this pandemic, and they gifted her with flowers, too. Another thing they do is cross train all of their staff, so everyone is familiar with all the departments. They also donate their (less than fresh) bouquets to a local nursing home. Just a great experience, as you said. Oh, and I’ve NEVER had to wait on line for more than a few minutes (but then, I don’t shop on the weekends)
I love Traders Joes. I go there every two weeks. I get there before 9am to be sure I am one of the first to be let into the store. I buy specific items I know I won’t find anywhere else. It is a shopping experience I look forward to. During this pandemic, I avoid the chain grocery stores and prefer smaller grocery stores like Trader Joes.
As an artist one of the things that really impresses me is that all of the signage at Trader Joe’s is original artwork and hand drawn lettering. The store in Salem, Oregon has many beautiful murals of local attractions. This really adds to my enjoyment as I shop. Don’t forget all they do to make shopping fun for kids with the little shopping carts and the hunt for the hidden character! If my children were little it would be another reason to shop there. I LOVE TRADER JOE’S!!!!
At the trader Joe’s I work in, we don’t put out bins or displays of stuff we want to clear, we actually try to plan what the biggest demands will be for the next couple weeks and display those items so people get what they want! Also, price promotions are not a thing: all prices are the everyday price with rare exceptions, only things with variable cost have variable prices (like produce)
I have a tip! If you go to rite aid and that rite aid has an amazon pickup locker. Everytime you pick up something from the locker you can go to the cashier and get a $5 off $10 coupon. From what I have experienced there is no limitation on that free $5 I’ve used it to buy thrifty ice cream which is a great deal and quality btw, candy, snacks, etc.
I work at TJ’s and although it might not be the case right now with coronavirus going on, something a lot of people actually don’t know about is that when you walk in to Trader Joe’s and you want to try some thing before you buy it almost 9 times out of 10 we are allowed to let you sample the item before you buy it and we just write it off at the end of the day. They actually budget for this
As I was checking out at my local Trader Joe’s, the cashier that was ringing up my items asked me how my day was going I replied “you know not so good, but that’s okay” 🥴🤷🏽♀️ He picked up my flowers I was buying for myself and said “well enjoy your flowers on the house hopefully that picks up your day” 😳😪☺️☺️ That small gesture really did brighten my day ❤️ Even when the pandemic hit and the line was around the building an employee was outside handing out water. I’ve honestly never had a bad shopping experience there.
I got TWO pieces of info I didn’t know previously about Trader Joe’s. Their website and recipes…I will definitely be using this resource, and there must be a difference between area TJ’s, as where I used to live, I could walk in the store and come out with everything I needed for the week or two weeks, with their loss leaders, etc., always within 15 minutes. This is/was so important to me as an “aged” woman with not a bunch of stamina. I can count on ONE hand the times I had to wait in a checkout line with more than 2 customers ahead of me. ALWAYS, if there was someone waiting, they opened a register, and if you forgot something, the bagger would gladly go and get it for you, getting back before everything else was even bagged. Yes, it’s another sale, but the service is unmatched, and ALL the employees know what is in the store and where it is, and will help you right away. If they are new and don’t know, they ask one another. What a great, well-trained/educated staff. One more reason for their open freezers is so you can actually find what you are looking for. So many are behind doors that fog up if the shopper ahead of you opens the door. you can’t see inside, or the lighting is bad and things may be way in back and hard to see…too high or too low. Sadly, we have relocated to a larger metro area, and the nearest TJ’s is now a40-minute drive (if traffic is good), and it’s a little larger market and some busier, so we have to, as retirees, adjust our timing for trips, but it appears a new one may be headed our way shortly.
Trader Joe’s and Costco are my two favorite places to shop. My friends and coworkers think it’s funny how excited I get when I talk about either store. I’m about to share this article with some of them for three reasons. 1) this is super helpful 2) you’re awesome for sharing 3) to show that I’m not the only who gets excited talking about TJ’s. 😄
What I like about Trader Joe’s is that there is no self service lanes, I prefer to have a real person to ring up merchandise. That way I get to talk to a person and I also get through the store quicker. I usually goin for certain items and that is what I get, I do browse and occasionally may pick up something that I had no intention of getting but that is very rare. The prices are very comparable to other grocery store near me. There are 5 grocery store within a mile and half of my house, but I will travel 10 miles to go to Trader Joe’s. I prefer the quality of the food for the price I pay.
At the register today, the employee told me I got a lot of good stuff and we talked about recipes. It’s just different in that they seem to enjoy the food and it’s easy to have a good conversation. Most grocery stores feel sort of depressing and I hate in a lot of cases the people he king you out are not happy.
I started shopping at Trader Joe’s about 2 years ago because I was tired of my regular grocery store. I like that it’s not a huge store and I can find things easily and not have to spend a whole lot of time shopping or in line, especially if you go first thing in the morning. I also like the variations that TJs has compared to other stores. I found too that a lot of their items are on par or sometimes cheaper than my local grocery store. In my area, I feel that there’s still a stigma that surrounds TJs regarding prices and the niche factor and that’s ok with me. The main things I don’t buy from them are some meats and produce because I can get them for less at Sprouts. My main wish is to have an Aldi but that’s not going to happen. I’d also like to add that my TJs has been awesome since the pandemic. I’ve always felt safe going in and shopping. I’ll continue to give them support.
Trader Joe’s has saved me so much money and time. The frozen Chinese food is as good or better than a restaurant. Add to that, buying these frozen from another market is more expensive (and they don’t taste good). Not to mention the time they tale to make from scratch!😫 We do buy a lot of our frozen foods there, the price you pay for what you get is an incredible value. Yes there are options that are overpriced, but the majority are a value for the quality.
I honestly agree with you on that. I never really put much thought into Trader Joe’s and as to why I love shopping there and it’s because it’s a whole different experience! I don’t get that feeling when I shop at my local Ralph’s/ Vons. And Yes, I go through every section of the store. It’s crazy how accurate these things are!
I live 50 miles away from the closest Trader Joe’s and I shop there once a month anyway. I love the whole experience ! Last time I was there I was talking to one of the crew and mentioned I was from out of town. He gifted me a beautiful bouquet of flowers when I checked out.I love a lot of their products, but I think my favorites are the brown sugar creamer and the tangerine juice.
One time my mom was in the store and she asked the guy their working if he liked the particular item she had. She wanted to know if it was good. He opened up the item and let her sample it. My mom knows a guy who works in the store and he told her that they get to sample all the food. When things aren’t popular on the shelf, they will stop selling it. It’s a great store. Right now, I am loving all their plants. 🙂
OK…🍫 One of the reasons that the CREW at Trader Joe’s (employees on the floor), will discuss products with customers is because they have meetings where they TASTE, DISCUSS and make PLANS to use (in demo) the new products all the time. So employees have FIRST HAND KNOWLEDGE about the merchandise they are discussing with customers. And YES it is a MARKETING STRATEGY. After all it is a grocery store. I loved working there. Enjoy your wine.🍷
I have a TJoe’s 1/2 a mile from my house and I go there once a month WITH a list AND a Budget…simply to limit how much impulse shopping I do. 🙂 You are so right about the experience being the important part of the trip instead of the pricing. I once worked at TJoe’s and I loved the staff taste testings. New products were introduced to the team before it hit the floor, so we would know what to recommend to our returning customers and how to upsell the products companion products that make something into a meal.
I had never been to Trader Joe’s, but a youtuber I watch was reviewing some of their frozen foods. When I got into line and spoke with the crew member – I casually mentioned how excited I was to try those products and that it was my first time – they gave me a free reusable bag for my order. And he was so nice. Honestly. I’ll have to go back for some things for both the tastiness I’ve encountered with what I’ve tried so far and the pleasant people! I love that TJs treat their people in a positive manner that shows.
Being an employee, TJ’s has 3 core values. Relayed via traderjoes.com (with the exception from a possibility of overspray from neighboring farms) no pesticides, no GMOs, no artificial flavoring or coloring. Trader Joe’s “goal” is as close to organic as possible, to reach the criteria and licensing for products. The title of organic is not a trivial marketing ploy, but is reached with the structure earned for that accolade. Seasons change as does the product and the suppliers. But, the monotony of work is happily interrupted for customer service.
i LOVE trader joe’s, when i know i get to go there to shop, i automatically have a good day lol their employees are always kind, never mind going out of their way to help you, and i never have to wait long in the checkout line, even when there’s a crowd. even when we had to wait outside due to pandemic guidelines, they are always courteous and organized in getting people in and out of the store. plus all their food items are amazing, i don’t think i’ve ever had a bad TJ purchase 🙂
Trader Joes is great for seniors or disabled people because the crew members are always there to help you. I have been shopping at Trader Joes for over 20 years and have never seen long lines like you showed. But I live in California, there’s always plenty of workers and they unload your groceries to price them and load them back up for you, too! I like their clearly marked Organic signs whether for bananas or chicken. Just like in other stores I shop the periphery of the store except for the nut butters aisle.
It’s true about those lines at Trader Joe’s. They are no joke. I recall around the holiday, they placed all types of seasonal specialty items down the entire middle of the store with the lines wrapping around them. It was the perfect set-up for impulsive buying. I must have added $25-$30 extra to my cart.
I rarely shop at Trader Joe’s, but I found amazing pizza there about a month ago(deep fried Naples crust pesto pizza) so I decided to head back this evening and try some other items and omg, probably the best tasting freezer foods i’ve ever had!!!! Gourmet taste, unbelievable. I always thought they have the best chocolate too…Now, i’m going to start shopping there more (closest trader joe’s is 30 mins away).
If Trader Joe’s had commercials, I’d be first in line to give a testimonial! Not only are they consistently stocked, and employees are amazing, but they have been incredibly organized during the pandemic to make the wait lines go quickly and the shopping and check out experience so fantastic it’s worth the wait!!!!
My TJ Faves; Oat Beverage (super healthy!!!) Chocolate Hummus (try with a spoonful of organic Peanut Butter before bed) GF Oatmeal Packets Cauliflower Gnocchi Canned Smoked Trout Organic hummus (use instead of mayo) Frozen Organic Berries GF Brown Rice Wraps Organic Bananas Organic Tomatoes Organic 72% DarkChocolate Baton Chocolate Babka (house gift!) Organic Polenta Nutty Bars Dark Chocolate & Sea Salt (a healthy version of a Snickers Bar!) Red Lentil Pasta Spedini
By far, my favorite store, they don’t always have eeeeverything I need for my cooking needs, but they are best at prices regardless of their additional “sales push”. Not only sales associates are helpful, but they are not annoying. Also, I won couple of their reusable bags. My daughter got a few free pumpkins. I really miss their tasting stations. Just cause they have better business plan, it doesn’t mean I will quit my fave items that they only sell, I don’t feel like I’m being thieved like at other food markets. Btw some of their distributors and Whole Food’s distributors are same, however their prices are better than WF.
i love trader joes for the simple fact that most items in their stores are DUPES of high end products. Wether it be the food, the beauty products or the household items like dish soap, etc. I shop there specifically for this reason…THAT and the fact that they have organic and natural versions of snack foods and their items come from different parts of the world . My fave are the dill pickle chips that come from CANADA. I also love the raspberry vinegar. There are just so many good things to buy there.
I like Trader Joe’s cause the food is higher quality for the most part – yes some products sneak in carrageenan and mono and diglycerides along with products using cheap soybean oil) also some products can contain a lot of sugar and the freezer products salt. The coconut milk and cream try to find another product same ingredients similar to TJ price? You cannot. Almost all of the market contain emulsifiers, gums, preservatives etc.
I love learning about the various behind the scenes tactics of companies, and how I can save money- but to be honest, I just subscribed mostly because of your personality. You’re entertaining, informative, and quirky lol. It makes for a good experience, for sure. Thanks for all the info! Looking forward to your next upload.
It’s all about the customer experience at TJ,’s, I have received flowers and chocolate at the checkout line because they asked what I was doing the rest of the day. I told them it was my birthday and just going to enjoy a relaxing day at home. Last week my car battery was dead in their parking lot, one of employees came out and jumped my car for me and made sure I texted him that I got home ok. They have me as a lifetime customer!
Trader Joes also lets you sample just about every product they sell. Maybe not right now because of Covid. Yet I have sampled something interesting and then purchased it. As far as employees are concerned. Several employees at my Trader Joes have been there since they opened 18 years ago. That says something positive to me.
I love Trader Joe’s. I already know what the price of the items are and don’t have to spend time searching ads for great deals etc. I have a list of things I get there while also being ready to impulse buy if something looks good. In Olympia WA I have never spent more than 20 minutes in the store no matter how much I spend. The check out lines move very fast so it’s perfect at this crazy time. I usually go there 2 to 3 times a month to stock up on my items.