An Open Letter To Trader Joe's

The Phillyist has written an open letter to Trader Joe's of Philadelphia that sums up how many people feel about Trader Joe's. Here's a few lines from the letter:

Thank you to the sample lady for asking us if we’d like seconds, even though the sign clearly says we should limit ourselves to one.

We love that you have products with puns in their names, like “Rosencrunch and Guildenstern,” and, our personal favorite, “So This Strawberry Walks Into a Bar…”

We love that all your employees wear Hawaiian shirts, even if it’s seventeen degrees outside.  Inside, it’s always summer.

So thank you, Trader Joe’s, for becoming such an important part of our lives. You complete us. You had us at “We tried it, we liked it; if you don’t, bring it back.”

Is it wrong for someone to love a grocery store?

Comments

[Ken E]

Trader Joe's is not a publicly owned company. Hence, no stock.

[highly educated & will never work in retail AGAIN!! HAHAHAHA!]

to Floyd Baker: trader joe's is a privately owned company, they are owned by ALDI ( the German company) it seems because they are privately owned it gives cunt (oops crap) managers joceylyn & amy license to treat employees like crap & over work them. THAT is why you cannot buy stock. i worked for them. and PLEASE people, read this carefully IT IS JUST A GROCERY STORE, GET OVER IT!!! IT. IS. ONLY. A. GROCERY STORE!!! how do seemingly normal people go crazy over something like this? are your lives that empty? you have been brainwashed. do not drink the kool-aid! & if you are jonesing for Vitamin water, you really have been brainwashed. that stuff is filled with crap!
support your local co-op! they actually appreciate it. as do the local farmers.
i agree Joe:
trader joe's really does not give a crap about you, me, or it's employees. i was recently fired for asking for a day off so i could study for an exam (trader joe's also looks down on employees if they are pursuing ANY outside education, as long it has to do with them they are fine with it), this was the thanks i got for opening the store here in Atlanta, working crazy hours whenever i was asked, 10 min lunches, working 7 days a week & having all customers request me because i knew my job!! thanks trader joe's!!. i have my degree now so it's water under the bridge, but this does feel good to vent! to the woman that has a son who was fast tracked good for him!, he will be rewarded handsomely for ass kissing and conformity, but he really should be wary, the minute he has a single independent thought on his own, he might have to go down the block to Whole Foods. i would not recommend this job (at least in atlanta) to anyone if one is in pursuit of a career that makes a difference in this world (ie: NOT retail, but in the medical field) they shun you & make your life hell while you work there.

[highly educated & will never work in retail AGAIN!! HAHAHAHA!]

to Floyd Baker: trader joe's is a privately owned company, they are owned by ALDI ( the German company) it seems because they are privately owned it gives cunt (oops crap) managers joceylyn & amy license to treat employees like crap & over work them. THAT is why you cannot buy stock. i worked for them. and PLEASE people, read this carefully IT IS JUST A GROCERY STORE, GET OVER IT!!! IT. IS. ONLY. A. GROCERY STORE!!! how do seemingly normal people go crazy over something like this? are your lives that empty? you have been brainwashed. do not drink the kool-aid! & if you are jonesing for Vitamin water, you really have been brainwashed. that stuff is filled with crap!
support your local co-op! they actually appreciate it. as do the local farmers.
i agree Joe:
trader joe's really does not give a crap about you, me, or it's employees. i was recently fired for asking for a day off so i could study for an exam (trader joe's also looks down on employees if they are pursuing ANY outside education, as long it has to do with them they are fine with it), this was the thanks i got for opening the store here in Atlanta, working crazy hours whenever i was asked, 10 min lunches, working 7 days a week & having all customers request me because i knew my job!! thanks trader joe's!!. i have my degree now so it's water under the bridge, but this does feel good to vent! to the woman that has a son who was fast tracked good for him!, he will be rewarded handsomely for ass kissing and conformity, but he really should be wary, the minute he has a single independent thought on his own, he might have to go down the block to Whole Foods. i would not recommend this job (at least in atlanta) to anyone if one is in pursuit of a career that makes a difference in this world (ie: NOT retail, but in the medical field) they shun you & make your life hell while you work there.

[Phillip Barton]

As with any other grocery store, YOU SHOP for what you want. If you don't like something, don't buy it; but it it's a problem not of your causation, they'll cheerfully refund or replace it. Prices of some things -- canned fish and salmon, bags of vegies, nuts, eggs, are exceptionally priced. And it's a pleasant place to shop. Toluca Lake, CA (next door to Burbank) IS an actor's store. So enjoy it...or, for goodness sake, stay home!

[Unknown]

TO Sam | November 02, 2005 at 11:01 AM <

They're a far cry from what they used to be, and they thrive
on taste, convenience, and image. <<<<< Are you serious what’s left after that, go fight the power somewhere else. Comments like this are why they have to worry about their IMAGE, half baked ideas because you need to complain about something.

“In my humble opinion, TJ's enjoys the best and most unwarranted PR & loyalty of any retailer in the land.”
TJ’s keeps money in my pocket by keeping their face off of the TV, Magazines, and billboards. So having a friend spreading the word for you can be a good thing.

TJ's has more than one choice for orange juice and if you don't think the price good, find something better and go there.
Their prices and products are put under a microscope do to their IMAGE as a healthy alternative, so everything is as it says or its not there anymore. As anyone who shops there knows things only last if they're worth the price and PEOPLE LOVE IT. Any slow selling item or item that has a quality issues disappear quickly. So I maybe they might care about something other than Money.

As for the return policy they only give people that abuse it trouble when taking back products that they didn’t care for or had any kind of issue with. If TJ’s cared about nothing but money they wouldn’t have an open return policy and wouldn’t have made NUMBER 5 on Forbes list of best customer service. Beating every grocery store in the country by 10 spots and was setting on top with companies like the Ritz Carlton. Not bad for a place that would say “How Dare You” at the thought of you bringing something back.
Most people have the issue of being “conformed” to the ideas of other store and the way “things work”. Trader Joe’s as a whole hates when people come in wanting to fight because something wasn’t to their liking. They’re not looking to fight because you didn’t like what went home with you; they want people happy with what they’ve spent money on.
“Trader Joes had my lifetime loyalty when they replaced a gallon jug of apple juice that had broken because the handle of their bag gave way. I didn't even complain just mentioned it when I asked for a double bag the next visit.”

They don’t care about complaining “you don’t like, you don’t worry about it” as long as you’re not ripping them off by using them as a free meal it’s never an issue. You don’t need to sing a song, bring in a receipt or even the product. IF you have had a problem with Trader Joe’s employees; it’s that one employee that’s the problem and you need to be calm and let someone know about it, and as long as the captin of the store is doing his/her job you’ll never have the problem again.

If you’re looking for a fight and just want to make problem about everything do the rest of US TJ’s CUSTOMERS A FAVORE AND GO TO WALKMART.

[Darq Hero Jae]

I've been with trader joe's for more than a few years and i have to say that racism does exist here. in my time with the company i've been thru several regime changes. i come from a family with a strong work ethic "you don't work, you don't eat" I work hard and I work smart, have done so all of my working life. As i went thru the changes with management. I've seen people cosey up to a particular person within mgmt. especially young white females and I've seen it done with captains down to novitiates. When it came time for reviews i would see these individuals who would mostly shirk they're duties and responsibilities to the store or peep around corners when bells rang for customer assistance or hang out in the captains office and use the excuse that they were talking to the boss when questioned by peers. Some even going so far as to sleep with any full timer they thought could make things easier for them. These same people were getting premium raises along with there white male counter parts who participated in the same behavior. As for many of us working hard and hoping to be treated fairly and giving the best quality of work, all we receive is a slap in the face and an insult to our intelligence. Those of us who work that hard and receive that treatment cry a little bit on the inside each time it happens because to speak out usually brings the wrath of those you are speaking out against. In the form of cut hours, to the point that you can't make a living and are forced to quit and the crappiest assignments to name a few. To some of us our job at trader joes is all we've got that's between us living from paycheck to paycheck or living in a cardboard box under the bridge down by the river. So please don't say there isn't racism at trader joes because it is and it's there now even as you read this comment and it's not at just one location. As for the person who doesn't believe there's racism at trader joes I have this to say: You're the most naieve person anyone has ever known or you're participating or have participated in the afforementioned conduct...don't be stupid. Brothers and sisters of all ethnic backgrounds keep your head up. post a comment or write a letter. it's one of our recourses for now. I know it's tough, because I'm living it now as well as you...DON'T GIVE UP!

[Darq Hero Jae]

I've been with trader joe's for more than a few years and i have to say that racism does exist here. in my time with the company i've been thru several regime changes. i come from a family with a strong work ethic "you don't work, you don't eat" I work hard and I work smart, have done so all of my working life. As i went thru the changes with management. I've seen people cosey up to a particular person within mgmt. especially young white females and I've seen it done with captains down to novitiates. When it came time for reviews i would see these individuals who would mostly shirk they're duties and responsibilities to the store or peep around corners when bells rang for customer assistance or hang out in the captains office and use the excuse that they were talking to the boss when questioned by peers. Some even going so far as to sleep with any full timer they thought could make things easier for them. These same people were getting premium raises along with there white male counter parts who participated in the same behavior. As for many of us working hard and hoping to be treated fairly and giving the best quality of work, all we receive is a slap in the face and an insult to our intelligence. Those of us who work that hard and receive that treatment cry a little bit on the inside each time it happens because to speak out usually brings the wrath of those you are speaking out against. In the form of cut hours, to the point that you can't make a living and are forced to quit and the crappiest assignments to name a few. To some of us our job at trader joes is all we've got that's between us living from paycheck to paycheck or living in a cardboard box under the bridge down by the river. So please don't say there isn't racism at trader joes because it is and it's there now even as you read this comment and it's not at just one location. As for the person who doesn't believe there's racism at trader joes I have this to say: You're the most naieve person anyone has ever known or you're participating or have participated in the afforementioned conduct...don't be stupid. Brothers and sisters of all ethnic backgrounds keep your head up. post a comment or write a letter. it's one of our recourses for now. I know it's tough, because I'm living it now as well as you...DON'T GIVE UP!

[Mary]

I am a big Trader Joe's fan converted in our previous location, Tucson AZ, where the sun shines alot so the people aren't as grumpy. Anyway, now I live in Sarasota FL (where the sun shines alot) and have heard there's a TJ's north of Tampa and will be one in a few years here in Sarasota. Anyone know where I can confirm these as yet unsubstantiated rumors. I go back to Tucson and fill up my suitcase with TJ products to bring back to Florida! By the way, the TJ's on Campbell Ave in Tucson is the best laid out of all the stores in Tucson.

[gb0dms]

I Do LOVE TJ's I do about 90% of my grocery shopping there, and I was so excited that the one was moving into NYC and I no longer had to harang a friend with a car to goto Jersey with me.

But I agree, that store is Crazy crounded and the line does wrap around the entire store, me a die hard Trader Joes shopper has walked in and walked right back out.
So, to the "charlles from NYC" please don't use that one as your example of TJ's go to the one in Queens (although no wine dept in that one) or wonder to Long Island or New Jersey, Trust me your experience will be much better.

Oh yes they may be small but I still mannage to leave with 5 bags full!! (fortunately for me I'm now in Chicago so I have great TJ's to shop at)

[Agent Cooper]

I've worked for TJ's for seven years... and it feels like a prison term.

Diana writes: "you don't have to empty your basket or cart when it's your turn!"

That's correct, Diana... Trader Joe's doesn't care about ergonomics or repetitive stress injury. Grocery store work is already bad for the human body, and TJ's makes it 100 times worse by eliminating conveyor belts. Employees must lean over at awkward angles to pick out each and every item from every cart... and then pick them all up again to bag them, as I doubt very much that Diana is the kind of person who would actually help bag her own groceries.

You can't buy stock in TJ's. The company is privately held by the fifth richest family in the world... and Trader Joe's is rapidly expanding across the USA. There is always a big battle any time a new store opens somewhere, and guess why? Because TJ's crushes small, local stores, and does it with a big smile on their face, and with the blessed support of legions of fans who want to save 50 cents on eggs.

TJ's purports to be an environmentally friendly operation, yet they are extremely wasteful in their daily operations. Check out the 10,000 plastic cups and spoons that get thrown away every day so you can have your one bite sample of ice cream.

Trader Joe's = glorified Wal-Mart

The only reason that any employee (like me) stays there, is for the sort of decent hourly wage, and the "pretend that it's good" retirement plan, which you can only claim if you last for seven (now 6) LONG years.

But don't think about how TJ's is actually an evil crush-the-competition corporation bent on destroying genuinely unique neighborhood grocery stores. Remember: the eggs are 50 cents cheaper... and that's what really counts!

[Darlene]

I travel from Olympia to T.Joe's because I love shopping there, but because I am a Senior Citizen, I would very much love to see a store closer. I love the scenic drive I take thru Dupont, but because of deisel fuel prices I don't go as often. I also drive many others there. I live in an Apt. bldg. of 142 apts., and many of us shop at Trader Joes. I don't care if its Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, or Shelton, but closer! Thanks for listening...

[new hire]

I don't think they are a publicly traded company

[zbegoniac]

Please consider opening a store in Omaha, Nebraska. I promise that we're not hicks and miss our Wild Oats store something terrible. Whenever I visit my daughter in Algonquin I have to make several trips to feed my needs. We are very clean and organic.
Ann Chaney

[Amber]

Trader Joe's is not a publicly traded company. It is private. This is why you can't buy stock. Sorry.

[compound pharmacy]

I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.

[Michelle]

to the poster who posted on January 2, 2008 - Why did you search for Trader Joe's? It makes no sense at all to go to the trouble to search for a company just to leave a snotty comment.

[Howie]

You can't buy stock because TJs is owned by some huge German conglomerate that owns Aldi's.

[debimerc@gmail.com]

I was also trying to purchase Treader Joes stock and would like to know if it's possible???

[long time TJ's employee]

As an employee at trader joe's, I have one request of you customers...stop being such fat, entitled ass-wipes and help bag your own groceries. Try pulling your entitlement attitude in any other grocery store in any other industrialized nation and the cashier will just yell at you. If you can drop your mascara wand in your purse, you have the required skills to drop your apples in a bag.

[John]

Despite the extended period of time this thread has lain dormant, in response to "floyd baker" above: Trader Joe's is a privately held company, and has no need or desire to ever have a public stock offering. For a number of years now, Trader Joe's has been a very small holding in the vast portfolio of Theo Albrecht http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theo_Albrecht , rated in 2009 by Forbes Magazine as the 9th richest person in the world. With the exception of the short duration of a new Trader Joe's store opening (usually the first week or two), everything in a Trader Joe's store is already bought and paid for, thus leaving no debt whatsoever. Translation: it's all pure profit to Trader Joe's....

[Cranky Guy]

I used to be a big TJ's fan but my enthusiasm has waned. So many marvelous products they once sold have been discontinued that it's no longer worth making the drive to the nearest store.

If TJ's monitors this site, please let us know why you no longer stock such goodies as Three Bean & Beef Chili, Ricola Lemon Mint and Orange Mint sugar-free Pearls, and [the latest item to disappear from the stores] Ariel Non-Alcoholic White Wine.

The answer I get when I ask store staff why these items are no longer on the shelves are largely the same: "Ohh, it just didn't sell." Which is nonsense; the four stores I shopped at couldn't restock those items fast enough, they sold so well.

I've checked back on my receipts from TJ's [I keep 7 years worth of those records for tax reasons] and found that as recently as 2003 I was spending an average of $80 a week there; so far in 2009, I'm not even spending $80 over two-month periods.

Not a good omen, eh ? And other disaffected TJ customers have told me they're having similar experiences.

[Jeff Flower]

Open a store in Duluth, MN. before I start having withdraws please.

[Southern Cali crew member]

Yes, it is true. Trader Joe's as a company doesn not care about the well-being of their employees. The company is rattled with racism, favoritism and sex-scandals (managers sleeping with part-timers). I am a current employee and Trader Joe's has been good to me. But I have seen so much garbage go on within the company that it truly disgusts me. It gets uglier and uglier each year. To my fellow employees - trust no one. That is your best bet for survival...

[J cruzo]

Trader joes stock quote is traded in London as TDJCO

[Susan Gilkey]

When will you find Florida? I am spoiled here in AZ and want to go
back to FL but will miss JoeQ