Sneaky Ways Trader Joe's Gets You To Spend Money

Trader Joe's has developed a cult-like following over the years. Trader Joe's made $13.3 Billion in 2017. Trader Joe's is America's favorite, but have you ever wondered why it's so easy to spend money at Trader Joe's? The answer goes a bit deeper than you would think.
Following is a transcript of the video:
Narrator: Okay, so imagine yourself at the grocery store. You're hungry but you don't really feel like cooking. I guess pasta's pretty easy. Suddenly you're faced with this. That’s so many choices. Do you go for the classic tomato basil? How 'bout creamy Alfredo? But what exactly is the difference between these two or these three? Wait. Why is this so hard? Trader Joe's is the surfy, laid back grocery chain know for it's cheap prices and floral print clad staff. Data science professionals have ranked it number one in customer preference for two years running. The brand has held off on going high tech. They keep it simple with no online store, no loyalty programs, and no sales. When you break it down to square footage, Trader Joe's is actually selling more than double its competitors like Whole Foods. But how much money you spend at Trade Joe's ultimately comes down to what you are choosing to buy. But what about Trader Joe's makes it so easy to choose?
Barry Schwartz: I spent, I've spent the last 25 years studying how people make decisions.
Narrator: That's Barry Schwartz, a psychologist, a professor, and a Trader Joe's enthusiast himself.
Schwartz: I think Trader Joe's is the best example of how the world should be constructed.
Narrator: Whoa, take it easy there Barry. Barry coined the term the paradox of choice and quite literally wrote the book on it and it basically describes how you would think that the more--
Schwartz: Choice we have, the better off we are. That turns out empirically not to be true. When you give people too many options, they get paralyzed instead of liberated.
Narrator: The store has always focused on a unique selection of products rather than a large amount of them. I wanted to find out if there was choice-limiting going on at Trader Joe's. So I went to my local market to count some things. I counted 144 pasta sauces, 44 olive oils, and 172 cereals. That's a lot of choices. So then I went to Trader Joe's. And they had an approachable 14 pasta sauces to choose from. Same goes for olive oils, canned beans, and cereals. At Trader Joe's, there's simply less to choose from. So then I asked Barry if he thought Trader Joe's perhaps had inklings of the paradox of choice in mind when designing their shopping experience.
Narrator: Well then what exactly would explain why Trader Joe's practices a scaled down approach to shopping?
Schwartz: They probably did it as a way of controlling costs. Managing inventory, you know, simplifying the supply chain. And somebody thought that if you offered other kinds of value, people would be willing to forgo options. You can't have everything but anything we've got is worth having and we make your life simpler.
Narrator: In fact, when you look at Trader Joe's humble beginnings, the original Joe, Joe Coulombe, founded the business on quality over quantity. Trader Joe's made $13.3 billion in 2017 a number that's likely going up. The core of any business is the customer service which Trader Joe's excels at. The employees, or crew-members as they're called, are all extremely attentive and helpful. In short, they're there to make your life easier. This ideology is embodied in their food as well specifically their frozen food. And Americans have always had a certain affection for a heat-and-serve mentality. Frozen dinners are easy, fast, and little mess. However, about half the time, the frozen section aisle remains pretty empty. According to Phil Lempert, a supermarket analyst, this is due to the frosty barrier of the freezer section. Opening that icy cold door likely means you've already committed to purchasing something which doesn't tend to lead to much product discovery. Compare that to Trader Joe's open freezer bins and you can start to see the difference.
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#TraderJoes #Food #BusinessInsider
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Sneaky Ways Trader Joe's Gets You To Spend Money

[@HululusLabs]

As a kid I had the misconception that Trader Joe’s was expensive because their stuff always seemed higher quality to me. I was surprised when my friend said their stuff is the cheapest. Learned a lot today

[@redporkpadthai6368]

Same, because of their association with Cali, I thought they were hipstery and expensive, but shopping there has cut down on my grocery bills a lot.

[@Shivanah]

Yes same! Until I actually stepped into a Trader Joe’s to shop a year ago and never looked back!

[@outdoorsguy]

It depends what you get. Meats and cheeses are expensive there, but everything else is cheaper than regular supermarkets.

[@hoodman420]

Nope over priced Aldis

[@Ninkira]

Yeah depends on what you get though! Fresh fruits and veggies and meats are going to be a little bit more expensive there, because TJ's deals w suppliers are going to be smaller and they don't usually go on sale (did the video say they don't have any sales?). But of course when you get the cheapest veg/meat/fruits you might be going through companies who use practices you don't necessairly want to support. (I say, economically only able to go for the cheapest right now)

[@nofurtherwest3474]

Lower prices. Better quality. Friendlier staff. Easy returns. No brainer

[@walkermorales337]

no further west where I live Trader Joe’s is one of the more expensive stores

[@nahor88]

The friendly staff is so true. Every time I check out, the employee asks me how my day is going. Almost never get that at Wal-mart or other grocery chains.

[@howiegrossman1546]

no further west well said

[@mattm7798]

TJs is actually more expensive than traditional super markets and I would say on par with something like Sprouts. The difference like they said, is in sprouts, I have like 60 tomato based pasta sauce options(most are higher end) but TJs has much fewer, that you can't get anywhere else. I'm still trying to find their Maple Pecan Cereal. It always seamed to be busy and cramped tho, which was a turn off for me. When I grocery shop, I like to kind of disapear and take my time. In TJs, it feels like I'm on a conveyor belt and only have 10 seconds to decide. Not really their fault if they're busy but still.

[@watching99134]

@@nahor88 It's because of the workers are treated by management; it's not a coincidence.

[@houston1293]

Trader Joe’s is the lo-fi hip hop of grocery stores

[@Runner_in_the_dark]

would that make Walmart mumble rap?

[@thatguyalex2835]

While Amazon Go is the breakbeat/techno. Walmart is the boring generic trap music, while Target is the cruddy pop music.

[@xavierthevoid]

@@Runner_in_the_dark country-pop

[@gb.510]

@@Runner_in_the_dark Walmart is country all the way

[@randomvegetarian]

Wait this is actually such an amazing way to explain Trader Joe’s wtf

[@BALTHAZAAR58]

So, it's not so much "sneaky" as "research-based, good business practice"? Got it.

[@meghanmarquez3065]

Kelly M yeah it’s annoying me that they used the word sneaky.

[@maryk77]

Kelly M I know imagine Trader Joe’s is trying to make money! Who would’ve thought.

[@TH-eb7ob]

They were being silly by saying sneaky, but I wouldn't have clicked the video otherwise

[@bernieturnelli7232]

Thank you! It's Business Insider who are the ones to watch out for. They are, rather, the sneaky ones. Accusing TJ's of their own lack of ethics.

[@bernieturnelli7232]

Business Insider use deception to get watched and to plant seeds of distrust in anyone who happens to catch a glimpse of their insulting title.

[@MrUkielover]

Trader Joe’s employees looking at my item selection at checkout: “Oh these are great!” Me thinking: “f*ck yes...I make the best decisions”

[@doney1996]

Lmaoooo they do???

[@krys5092]

Danny Rodriguez can confirm, all my coworkers do only because it is true!! They do taste good.

[@KraZvEgGyBuRgEr]

I’ve been told that at TJ checkout too 😂

[@alleyj826]

I felt this deep in my soul

[@Anitamustdie]

I bought rose water and she said my skin was so good and I like that she was nice

[@SteezyMcEasy]

I spend less at Trader Joe’s than when I go to any other grocery store but I usually walk away with a lot more!

[@andrewhsu7202]

@Vendee Swartz Going to be honest with you, Trader Joe's brand food is a lot better tasting than most brand name foods. You can't tell me that a shitty box of Kraft is better than what TJ's offers.

[@marquamfurniture]

I spend more at TJ's than at conventional big brand grocers because there is more to try at a low price. (Only $2.99? Sure I'll try it!) I trust that quality is better and less toxic than elsewhere.

[@kyrasmith4975]

P. C. Same! And their organic products are only a few cents more than non organic, plus they have organic items in almost every section 🙏🏼

[@wikivids7682]

@Vendee Swartz yeah its so weird. Its like people have different taste and opinion? Lmao

[@danidelafuente1]

Plus EVERY Trader Joe’s brand item is free of preservatives, artificial dyes/flavors, gmos, and msg

[@gracesquared1]

Love Trader Joe’s! My car died in their parking lot and I was stranded for over an hour waiting for my husband to get off work and pick me up. Employees came out to check on me and make sure I felt safe as it was getting dark. We had to work on the car in their lot the whole of the next day. They came out and offered us free food and drinks and even tried to help how they could. Brought out their own tool sets from the store to let us use. I was already a fan of their cheaper healthier options but their customer service 100% won me over.

[@b-rabbit3346]

wow

[@lanaava]

Amazing ❤

[@villainova]

I'll tell you how: the stores are on the smaller side so pretty easy to navigate, everything is within arm's reach so feels intimate, the product's themselves are very much quality over quantity and last but not least the prices are very affordable.

[@fluffykittynoodles]

I hate the fact I spend an hour at Walmart running around. I love when I can spend thirty minutes getting all my food stuffs in a TJ's.

[@monkiram]

But you literally just listed all the points from the video...

[@POProckxplosun]

It's largely due to the height of the shelves actually, it creates a bodega vibe, less clinical

[@watching99134]

@@POProckxplosun One of the factors but largely?

[@flaminggorilla909]

Not only all of this. As a trader joes employee. You should do an epusode on how they treat employees. It is the best company i have worked for. Regular raises based on performance every 6 or so months. Benefits are not too shabby. And they hire people i love working for and with. The job works well with my school schedule. Did i mwntuon they have a scholarship? We have an app we can use to trade and share shifts and ask for time off. I live in an area where a wild fire came through. I know someone who trader joes compensated $10000. And they did the same possibly more for others and did not make a big deal out of it. They did not have any legal reason to do that at all. Its really a good time. It is really that good.

[@babifacedcutie09]

Flaming Gorilla that’s so awesome to hear. I always wondered if the employees were genuinely happy or just asked to act that way. I love TJ’s, everything about the store and experience is fantastic.

[@flaminggorilla909]

@@babifacedcutie09 Its a fantastic group of people to work with they hire posative people with good work ethics. Because they hire people like that and treat us well it is a fun place to work. And because of that alk the wmployees are happy. So theu get good customer service. Its just good business.

[@comastose_almost]

As a former TJ's employee myself, I agree! It was hands down the best job and best place to work. They really care for the people who work for them.

[@lindavel43]

And free gym memberships!

[@flaminggorilla909]

@@comastose_almost ppl at my store are talking all about this video haha

[@P1983sche]

There’s a retired man that works part-time at Trader Joe’s near my house. He is the nicest, most pleasant person. He remembers us and always gives my son a lollipop. One day, he learned it was my son’s birthday, he pulled out his billfold, took a Lincoln out folded up an origami ring and gave it to my son. He then said, Don’t go and spend it all in one place, oh wait...maybe one place is the only option these days.” The man is a gem and we look forward to seeing him. Many of the employees there are also super friendly and wonderful people. Look closely at Trader Joe’s ingredients, there isn’t a ton of garbage and chemicals in their foods. The stores are laid out simple and small, you basically get everything you need in one swoop and it’s painless, the lines move quickly.

[@lawrencefaiths9458]

Next: " Sneaky ways bussines insider gets you watch their videos every time"

[@joeybaseball7352]

clickbait

[@tiansmusic]

Haha so true

[@anastasiaseltzer800]

I was just thinking that

[@EverTruu]

yeah, an extremely misleading title always works

[@WinterDarkmoon]

haha. this.

[@cozetteeastman1952]

I am completely head over heels for my trader joes. Truly love the atmosphere and products from this brand. The BEST grocery store. I always tell people, "it's not a grocery store, it's an experience."

[@afsiena]

ok so come in Italy... you will find all the trader joe's that you want.... as the video says less choice means better quality. usa people need to know what means cooking, drink only water, eat raw foods and beverages in general. many people don't realize that they don't know tastes because they eat junk food. salt and sugar percentage here are a nail tip compared to your products

[@Andie_Shore]

That is so true! I always choose to stop at Joe's when I have a stressful day at work.

[@nicolem8122]

As a TJ's employee thank you 🤗

[@briantobias9212]

Great products at a great price always wins

[@zeddyfin]

Traders joe’s is just Aldi

[@PurpleDog06]

Add on great customer service and it's even more of a win.

[@IDiggPattyMayonnaise]

@@zeddyfin Except theres a way better selection of food at TJ. Prime example is chips. Aldis chips are disgusting and oily. TJ actually has a decent selection of edible chips.

[@colorfulcodes]

I agree. Ive been going over 12 years. Their customer service is impeccable. One time I asked how the cookie butter tasted and they opened it right then and there for me to taste. Plus everyone so so friendly. I'd definitely work there.

[@vikio452]

@@colorfulcodes An acquaintance of mine worked at Trader Joe's. She said the store specifically tells them to open things and let curious customers taste them. Anything that's been opened like that, gets taken back to the employee break room for snacks. Also she said her store had a wine selection. They wanted all employees to know what everything, including the wine tastes like, so staff could recommend it to customers properly. Which means the break room always had a few bottles of open wine as well. No wonder the employees are so cheery. :)

[@eugenes9751]

Supermarkets don't limit choice because the manufacturers are effectively buying shelf space. The more competition on their shelves, the more they can charge for the space. It's a very different business model.

[@donnamanitu8372]

We have Trader Joe's, Aldi, Walmart, Kroger and Meijer around us with 20 miles. I will go to Walmart or Kroger because I want to do my shopping in one trip. If I go to Trader Joe's or Aldi I am not able to get everything on my list.

[@goober4693]

The point that they are trying to make is trader has a different system than their larger competition which is to limit choices which streamlines your choice of purchases and in doing so, you spend half of the time you would normally spend at a market. Trader is not trying to sell to the masses, they want to offer smaller families or couples a simple shopping experience without the hassle of long lines and confusing jargon that goes with buying major brand products. The quality is much better at trader than other major supermarkets due them not selling out.

[@christinacoulter508]

​@J G Dude chill out. Also lol this video literally talks about how shopping at trader joes is easier because of simplicity and you're out here saying that shopping there makes you have to 'explore and work hard'. It's just a grocery store.

[@WolfJulia2001]

@J G why do you sound so angry lmao. Take a breath

[@MsSphinx91]

@J G the person you're harshly criticizing isn't stupid. They just prefer to shop differently. Why are you jumping on their case? Why should you care where they shop? Maybe they don't have enough time to run around to different stores to get everything they need. Personally, I'll go to either a specialty store or a supermarket depending on my needs and schedule. You don't know everyone's situation, which is why you shouldn't be judgmental. You're an example of why society is so divided these days: quick to make arbitrary value judgments based on things that really do not matter.

[@Larry]

Trader Joes must be REALLY sneaky to get me to spend money, considering I live in another country and they don't operate here. Very devious.

[@nelumboandrews6762]

Nice comment good videos what more could you ask for thanks Larry

[@nka9135]

hahahah. and here i am. with not a single trader joe's in my country watching this. devious indeed

[@mk3a]

Go to Germany, go to a supermarket named Aldi's Nord/Süd, and it's the same thing (minus the tiki theme)

[@FinleyGomez]

Hey Larry, would you agree that M&S is very similar to Trader Joe's in this sense?

[@anagabrielabravo57]

SAMEEEEE

[@rayray6490]

I thought this video was gonna show shady stuff on Trader Joe's, was pleasantly surprised it was the opposite coz I love Trader Joe's

[@Kristine14]

Yes. Me too. I am really disappointed! Hahahaha 😂 😂

[@caicaicaity]

Trader Joe’s is my happy place

[@nicolem8122]

As a crewmember thank you. I call Trader Joe's the Disney land of grocery stores.

[@danielc8614]

Lmao

[@Curt_Randall]

one thing I hate about TJ's is that your favorite go to products tend to randomly disappear for months. you ask the staff what is going on and they have no clue (but with a friendly smile of course). if you wait patiently enough, eventually a product will usually show up again. but the store is generally unreliable if you expect to stock up on your your regular items each visit.

[@ptolemycleopatra]

My local TJ's have looked into this for me when this happened a couple times. For some reason they have a lot of seasonal items you wouldn't think are actually seasonal. On top of that, sometimes the people they directly buy from just stop making the project and if it's something special they can't really buy it from anywhere else.

[@MrEazyE357]

That's what I always tell people. Trader Joe's is great but it's hard to shop at just Trader Joe's. It seems like I always have to go to Kroger too.

[@larabarney3224]

I love their grocery store but I can never get EVERYTHING there, always have to stop somewhere else

[@jialinsun9703]

ptolemycleopatra once I walked into TJ’s asking for marshmallows & one of the workers replied w/“oh we don’t have those right now, they’re seasonal” and I was like “?????”

[@Curt_Randall]

@@jialinsun9703 haha. I guess you should consider buying your own marshmallow tree and harvest them yourself.

[@FirstnameLastname-nn9gc]

At my Trader Joe’s they had a cat now owl that if you see and tell the cashier where you saw it you can pick some candy from a box, one time I saw a lady accidentally drop a beer she was looking at and it broke, she said many times she’d pay for it but a employee said we don’t make you pay for stuff like that here. They also offer sample of food and free small cups of coffe Best store ever

[@misspeaches1144]

First name Last name the other day I accidentally broke a bottle of green juice inside the bag and the cashier offered to replace EVERYTHING in my bag that got wet. I didn’t want to because it was mostly packaged stuff that I didn’t mind rinsing off at home but it was so nice either way!

[@magickmoi1261]

Here’s a neat story. I had a bad experience on my way to Trader Joe’s. A man was just mean to me because he was impatient and could have driven past me in a parking lot but choose to blow his horn instead. I got to Trader Joe’s and told a gal what happened while she was working. A little later she showed up with a box of Chamomile tea and a bouquet 💐 of flowers and it was signed by manager and said to remember that there are nice people in the world. I couldn’t get over this sweet gesture. I love TJ’s and go there all the time. I love the people there!

[@Suntoria236]

First name Last name their free samples really work, I can’t help but pick up a pack or two half the time

[@terig8974]

Isn't the find the animal thing intended for children?

[@kyrasmith4975]

Same! But at the one I go to it’s a stuffed tiki and you get natural fruit roll ups or an orange lol

[@WhoFramedMSG]

Their coconut milk and canned tomatoes are some of the best.

[@cris_here]

WhoFramedMSG I agree. some of the best bang for the buck

[@WhoFramedMSG]

@@cris_here ever since I started buying their coconut cream my Thai currys have been soooo good.

[@sanjayw9878]

THEY HAVE THE BEST COCONUT CREAM IN A CAN FOR SMOOTHIE!!

[@CIARUNSITE]

They have Cento San Marzanos. One of the few things not their own brand.

[@yoli5779]

Their macarons are goooood 🤤

[@LiahYoo]

TJ is my stress release!

[@DallasDuchess]

🥰 same

[@jenjenloves4558]

Same

[@meghanspeed2480]

I drive nearly 40 minutes to shop at TJs. It’s my forever favorite grocery store.

[@mailysalgado9982]

Meghan Speed girl same!!! It’s totally worth it for our family

[@ash-gs3qj]

I drove for 6 hours for a store I hated. This shows how weird my life is.

[@_baert]

Watching this at 1.5x speed make it more bearable.

[@FirstDagger]

I needed 1.75x speed.

[@wandaperi]

Moonman Insider :P

[@Nyx773]

That's how I watch most videos on KZbin

[@chipelliott]

Business Insider didn't say anything about the fact that Trader Joes was bought by Aldi Nord in 1979. Aldi does a similar type of marketing of a limited amount of products in their stores. Aldi started in 1946, so this wasn't a new idea that the original Joe was trying out it had already been tested in other markets for many years but his success was noted and he sold out to Aldi after only 12 years in operation. It was Aldi that really grew the company and turned it into what it is today.

[@rubyscott6685]

Chip Elliott The purpose of your comment was unclear. You forgot to say that ALDI is a foreign corporation and trader joe style marketing was new to American consumers. There is no evidence that supports your implied claim that Trader Joe’s is merely a cloned ALDI. Trader Joe’s was a small retail chain with many similarities to ALDI. It was a gateway for the Germans to expand their markets in America due to similar marketing strategies. It is a very common marketing strategy.

[@chipelliott]

@@rubyscott6685 I am sorry ruby but you are wrong. There is all kinds of evidence that Aldi Nord runs Trader Joes in the same way that it runs its Aldi stores. From their marketing to product style advertising, products produced for each country they operate in, the slim workforce in each store, etc, etc...I could go on and on. Trader Joes is a different version of the same system American style. I have been in Aldi in Germany, the UK, Spain, the US, Australia and of course Trader Joes and they all follow the same rules. I don't know why you want or need to dispute this fact but it is easy enough to see.

[@hausjell4585]

Amy Sternheim m

[@ube4856]

@@chipelliott Aldi's products seem kinda cheap, not as quality and not geared towards being healthy. The one near me only ever seems to have two people working there, they don't seem to have the customer service experience that Tj's does. And there produce seems to be left unattended to. I like Aldi but it seems quite a bit of a step below trader joe's. If Aldi is responsible for making trader joe's into what it is today I wonder why they don't do the same for their own store.

[@schenequatillman48]

was juuuust thinking that something was similar to Aldi while watching

[@MidnightCravings]

*Affordability matters*

[@candyapu3]

people need to understand that affordability and cheapness does not mean the same thing..aka walmart

[@blumenseele8647]

Great video but the mainvoice makes me sleepy

[@KS1776]

Play at 2x

[@miketythonchicken8760]

it's a mediocre podcast/NPR style voice

[@geewiz8253]

Louise Glas Lol. I thought I read manvoice 👨🏻

[@JulioLopez-xz5kx]

Asmr ......

[@tannerz21gaming65]

That's how the main voice makes people sleepy lol

[@sacmakiz]

TJ is the only grocery store I get excited to shop for groceries. It isn't draining as other stores can be, I know the quality never compromised and prices are right. Plus, the fact that they're offering a ton of vegan options with new products coming out every other season is awesome. We literally don't move out from our current place just because how convenient it is to go to TJ on a whim. And I truly appreciate how they treat their employee. There is a big difference between going to Walmart and Trader Joe's on the same day, I feel sad for one's employees whereas I am delighted to see how most seem to be thriving at TJs.

[@starcherry6814]

Too many options is a real problem haha. Classic example: It takes me forever to decide what to wear! 🤣

[@mohnish7653]

You are everywhere man get a life !!

[@philipthomey7884]

Netflix. Too many choices indeed.

[@abramjessiah]

Better example: Tinder

[@cetriyasArtnComicsChannel]

It helps that of the choices they give you their actually 14 distinct choices for very specific food needs and dietary needs. Whereas big supermarkets will have a hundred variations of exactly the same thing but with different label slapped on it and yet at the same time not actually provide foods for special dietary needs. Special things like no sugar added and no preservatives, are one of the reasons why I prefer shopping at TJ

[@absolutelyjolly4925]

I clicked on this thinking “yes tell me how Trader Joe’s is tricking me “ Even tho I’ve never been to one in my life 😂

[@mon6745]

Whenever you go you'll understand... it's such a good store... like costco meets whole foods meets no frills 😆

[@WolfJulia2001]

Me

[@ilener1698]

That’s like saying you never seen a rainbow or heard a baby giggle.

[@tinklvsme]

Hahahaha ur funny! 😉👍

[@feitraspace4801]

Gurl nd dont they expensive and don't got shit more like a convenient store

[@kewlnes987]

I love how most of the stuff at trader Joe's feels like a small company, quality food item yet they are so cheap. It's pretty damn cool you can get an pizza imported from Italy for $4. Its even the fancy kind with slices of mozzarella instead of the shreds:D haha

[@soulfreaz]

They don't need to trick me when they sell bricks of bacon cheddar.

[@APAstronaut333]

Good on you, sir

[@Iucebowel]

Shut up and take my money

[@xxkittyrawrxx4770]

soulfreaz You fool, that is the trick

[@soulfreaz]

@@xxkittyrawrxx4770 not in my area. They're the only place that sells that product that I've found so far so it's not really a trick.

[@nicolem8122]

I'm a TJ's crewmember. Try making a grilled cheese sandwich with the bacon cheddar cheese on sourdough. It will blow your socks of. Thanks for your support 🤗

[@llitosvideos]

"You know why trader joes has the best customer service? Because they dont drug test."

[@watching99134]

Don't they also revenue share with their employees?

[@danielkofman4592]

DONT FORGET THEY HAVE FREE SAMPLES!!! SAFEWAY DOESNT!!

[@0rluh]

daniel kofman they’ll literally let you try anything in the store. Bring anything to the sample counter and you can try it for free before buying. *Trader Joes, I mean.

[@titamartinez162]

Whatttt i didnt know that an i shop there every now an then. Really if im near one.

[@joyjoyoo]

If there are too many choices, choose the cheap one. Need a Trader Joe's or similar in Canada

[@tkondaks]

Here in Vancouver we used to have Pirate Joe's which stocked Trader Joe's products bought over the border. That's how strong the brand's appeal with Vancouverites who only knew it from their Stateside visits.

[@tkondaks]

@J G No, I think he went out of business due to lack of sales, although lawsuits by Trader Joe's didn't help.

[@cheesyfudge]

Sounds pretty similar to Farm Boy in Ontario.

[@docfabz]

Click bait coz ain't nothing sneaky about TJs bc they're what's right with the world.

[@jared604]

I will give away my yearly earning to Trader Joe’s with no remorse

[@bunnyplays3305]

yo that creamy tomato basil pasta sauce from tj's is no joke.

[@katmyers6972]

BunnyPlays just mix whichever of their marinaras is your favorite and then add their alfredo....it’s delicious.

[@honeybdream]

I ❤️ Trader Joes❗️The staff is always superb 🌟

[@ChrisM-bn5vr]

honeybdream Cause they get paid properly.

[@cisilver5982]

I love shopping at Trader Joe’s, the food is good quality and affordable. Definitely keeps me on a budget. Plus there are hardly any weirdos there, like Walmart 😬

[@micahmickles4785]

I've worked for the company for 8 yrs. Best job in retail I believe.

[@victoria.galvin]

Trader Joe’s knows what consumers want, and they are consistently good at producing quality product. I love it.

[@paulbickert7337]

By far my favorite place to grocery shop. In and out of the store in 30 min. Saves time/money/anxiety.

[@dj_bae]

Love Trader Joe’s. Hate shopping there on a busy day

[@kianbaker1966]

I love Trader Joe’s, their stores are organized and small and you can shop pretty fast.

[@cheerbeastly]

The only reason Trader Joe’s is “cheaper” is because it’s mostly private brand (store brand) items. You can find anything at the same price or less at a traditional grocery store if you just buy their store brand.

[@shelbeastark9350]

Elizabeth.Jillene I agree, the Trader Joe’s label is the majority of the product sold. But most of it is very good quality. I have returned three items because I didn’t like them, and they were accepted back no questions asked.

[@bink6778]

shelbea stark returning opened food items is the most ghetto thing I’ve ever heard of. How do you do that without dying from embarrassment?

[@cheerbeastly]

NotgreatBOB! It’s very common actually.

[@b4itstarted]

when I worked at target, during my training they told me that if a customer couldn't decide if they wanted to purchase a snack item, me, as an employee, could take that item from the shelf, open it up and let they try if and if they didn't like it they didn't have to buy it. It's a customer service thing.

[@Michelle-pn9xt]

There are lots of foods there that I do not see at any other store. They are cheaper than Walmart!

[@XTCgy911]

Trader Joe's employees are the best ! We had a snow storm in Denver last week . Trader Joe's employess went outside to help customers who got stuck in snow by pushing their cars !! THAT'S AMAZING !

[@MB-qx9vn]

The psychology behind grocery store organization is so fascinating to me. Really nice explanation here.

[@RunForceCoaching]

The Paradox of Choice: TINDER

[@XTCgy911]

I feel like I'm shopping at an old fashioned mom and pop shop . I like that ! All of my favorite things to eat are at T.J.'s ! Loads of organics ! YAY !

[@howiegrossman1546]

Justin Case agreed

[@fourtweeni]

Very well done as always! Thanks for this

[@jeffharper6259]

Another amazingly well-made documentary-style video, thank you.

[@libralady0220]

I LOVE Trader Joe’s and the staff is ALWAYS so nice!! 🙏🏾❤️🙂

[@Omar-em7rl]

Never Heard of Trader Joe's before, just found out it's some kind of Grocery Store from this video.... H-E-B is the Dominant, and only Grocery Store here in San Antonio, TX. so much so that Walmart is actually being outperformed by almost triple market share, but they can afford to operate at losses indefinitely... i remember seeing Kroger's, Handy Andy's, Kmart's, and Albertson's when i was little.

[@mamzersdream1]

It's a California chain that is being pushed into other states.

[@j3npho83]

There are two Trader Joe's in San Antonio. Hands down better to shop at than most HEBs in my opinion. We also have two wonderful Sprouts and two wonderful Natural Grocers.

[@Omar-em7rl]

@J G well, i guess Target sells some groceries, and so does Walmart, but someone that's not actively hunting for a stand alone grocery store or a mom and pop store, yeah, that's pretty much it.

[@j3npho83]

@J G Unfortunately, it's limited to certain parts of towns only. So for 2/3 of San Antonio all you do see is HEB everywhere.

[@Omar-em7rl]

@J G a Grocer with atleast more than 3 stores operating in the city, all the ones you mentioned pretty much are below 3. it's irrelevant, im not driving across town to go to a grocery store, especially when they're probably higher priced. although that is pretty neat to see whole foods and natural grocers here in San Antonio, just looked it up myself, too bad they're in those little towns inside the city where cops will pull you over for anything.

[@haileykatelynn]

Love Trader Joe's! This video was super insightful, thank you!

[@kassandraluna5480]

Another point I thought about was how Trader Joe's places their products in store (i.e. Putting coconut flakes in the front of the aisles and then advertising a recipe for coconut-chocolate chip cookies with all the ingredients you need listed.) This probably aligns with the point they made about how they entice consumers to get excited to cook at home. Loved this video!

[@MrSneakySunday]

Plus their quality is always great, their new product shelf is always something I look forward to when I come into the store, Don't forget the free samples either! A dedicated sample station is something I haven't seen in many other grocery stores. The only thing I would change about TJ is if they had a local products shelf and a proper meat and fish counter

[@gabrielleandres8581]

adam wild don’t hesitate to try their frozen meats and fish!

[@emiliabolsas]

This was filmed at my neighborhood Trader Joe’s. Brooklyn represent!

[@QueerBiNatureNYC]

Thank you so much for slowing down, Narrator :)

[@thesoultheory3822]

I never knew the lack of glass doors could make that much of a difference! Great vid.

[@gabrielburdan6327]

I think that it’s also worth mentioning that Trader Joe’s food is just so good compared to most other brands

[@uweschroeder]

I wouldn't call it "sneaky". Sneaky is what other supermarkets do: lure you in with an under cost sale item located strategically so you have to walk by many other things you probably pick up and buy. Trader Joe's has a very simple and as you pointed out thoughtful approach. Their price almost always beats competitors, they're a great company to work for and they really do care about customers and employees (i.e. after the fires in Northern California which burned down my neighborhood TJ's, they not only kept the employees and paid them, they also paid for expenses of their employees not covered by insurance like hotel/motel costs, clothing and smoke cleanup expenses - all that with taxes paid). So no, there's nothing sneaky about a smarter supermarket who's not indebted to shareholders.

[@nikanj6]

Great video. Now I understand why I spend more than I planned. Good deals, fewer choices & fabulous customer service. People like me who hate to shop love that.

[@misacruzader]

The stores are also smaller in size which makes them easier to navigate and takes away the fatigue of checking 20+ aisles. The food samples also take the edge off that after-work hunger to make it easier to load up a cart and avoid the urge to get takeout afterwards. The cashiers also often compliment some item that shoppers purchase... pretty sure they're trained to do so.

[@user-zw7or2tr4b]

I searched, “hand over them toes or else I’ll go to Trader Joe’s “ And this came up 🤠

[@WinterDarkmoon]

Check yourself before you Shrek yourself but... why hand over toes to do it? You're not required to hand over appendages! lol. :P

[@42luke93]

You know you live under a rock when you realize that you’ve never heard of a store that was a number one customer preference like me...

[@JohnnyCatFitz]

Fewer options but a great variety of unique selections in a small store. Its fab!

[@jeanenep33]

I just left a brand new Walmart where I told my friend that there are too many olive oil choices, so I’m gonna get it at Trader Joe’s. An hour later, this video appears lol

[@kgal1298]

Imagine working in the store and watching this guy count cereals. I really hope he just asked someone cause that's insane.

[@fironfiron8843]

Trader Joe's is owned by Aldi, that is all you need to know. Both are extremely successful

[@DioElginBody]

It is interesting to get a different perspective on such a great company!

[@MissMusicBaby3]

Trader Joe’s is probably one of my fave stores for moderately priced quality item with as they mentioned, controlling inventory and foregoing a million options. Literally my fave place for groceries. I’ve also had the best customer service experiences there. One shopping trip I exclusively looked for vegan options and I had a woman GIVE ME A LIST AND WALK AROUND THE STORE WITH ME. I was already a shopper, but they won my heart that day. Not vegan anymore, but doesn’t change how amazing it is.

[@rtm12252]

I buy specialty items I can’t find @ Costco or Ralph’s 👍😎😃😉

[@rachelhua3690]

All other big box retailers hide their produce on the inside of the store so you pass as many shelves as possible to get there and pick up items on the way that you didn’t think you needed (Target, for example). However, placing the fresh fruits and vegetables (plus flowers, another tactic!) right where you enter the store near the window makes a much more pleasant shopping experience. I hate going to the Target fresh produce section because it’s buried on the inside with artificial lighting and plants no psychological associations such as flowers or natural lighting to imply the goodness of their selection and its proximity to nature, a reminder of how corporate your shopping experience is. So even though you don’t have to pass through other shelves to pick up what you came for, the store is already small enough that you won’t necessarily skip those. That’s the benefit of having a smaller selection. They add the valuable pleasure of shopping for their produce! Notice not even Whole Foods successfully condenses their fresh produce area to be near the windows!

[@astrorbits972]

I’ve visited the US twice, and trader joe’s is my absolute favourite! I love going in there and seeing how each one has different wall paintings and I loooooove the corn dipper chips, I took 6 bags home

[@JaneEMcLernon]

It's our favourite place to shop. I've been to the one in Pasadena. Great prices, really super quality and excellent customer service. It's packed all the time for a reason.

[@baghashvili]

I'm so loyal to Trader Joe's that I commute 30 minutes on the bus each way just to shop there

[@cholententertainment6516]

Trader Joe's is pretty cool

[@musicechoes21]

The limited options and open freezer sections are fantastic for people with special diets as well. There's so much less to sort through to find exactly which product you will or won't be able to eat.

[@CambinoWatches]

I’ve been working there for about 8 or 9 months and I love it, the people and atmosphere there is amazing

[@maxinef6654]

Love ❤️ Trader Joe’s. 😊

[@BobMcCoy]

*_Darn you, Joe!_*

[@elefja1]

The reason I shop at TJ's is the fact I'm not overloaded with a thousand options of the same thing. I hope more retail and restaurants pick up on this, keep up the good work Trader Joe's!

[@andreabeltran5517]

Me: *watches video about how Trader Joe’s tricks me to buy things* Also Me: *eats my Trader Joe’s maple and sea salt kettle corn while watching*

[@LostMySauce]

I feel like Aldi has the same business model.

[@stevegee7593]

To use the full names Aldi is owned by Aldi Süd. Trader Joe’s is owned by Aldi Nord. In 1966 There was a family argument over cigarettes so the two brothers spit the original Aldi into to two separate groups.

[@przytulanka1979]

Aldi is a nightmare to shop. Not enough baskets or cashiers. And choice of their products is really limited. And quality sacks too. Products look cheap.

[@Empresslockness]

@@przytulanka1979 I have been to some really nice Aldis that were really clean, had great service with great selections and prices. I have also seen some bad ones that looked ran through. Lol. It just depends on the locations.

[@edithiepeal]

They talked about the paradox on the Trader Joe’s podcast. It is 100% intentional.

[@MsSphinx91]

Lol there's a trader Joe's podcast?? That's too much 😅 I didn't realize the fanbase was that serious.

[@shilohelgin2408]

Honestly, as someone who shopped at Trader Joe’s for years I can thank them in no small part for my love of cooking and just going and exploring products in different and interesting grocery stores.

[@russ117044]

A cleverly designed add. My hat goes off!

[@khunopie9159]

Joe is so freaking sneaky!

[@pp-zj1mv]

I will always remember Trader Joes as the place where my older brother and his friend made fun of the "gay organic chocolate" when I was 6

[@MikeInVentura]

This was the best video I have ever seen explaining psychologically what I always felt when I shop at Traders.........

[@SouthernTee71]

I love the easy to read signs and prices on the shelves. I really have to squint to see any other grocery store labels.

[@agneslaufer9579]

What is a NEGATIVE COMMERCIAL? I see that a lot recently! Is it a new way of corporation to spend more money?!!! Example : OLAY

[@_baert]

1:51 *cough* Cheesecake Factory *cough*

[@JoshuaSVang]

yeah, I can agree less choice is better. there's two ice-cream place that is similar in my town one has a pick and choose your toppings choice and the other has a set topping choice already. I love going to the one with a set choice just because it's easy I can go in and get out unlike the make your own choice which overwhelms me every time, like should I get new toppings or stick to the usual toppings.

[@charlidi1812]

Grocery shopping drove me crazy when I was visiting USA until I went to Trader Joe's. Loved it.

[@Powaup]

except for when you want 1 zucchini but have to buy them by the 10... used to Shop only at TJs but going back to regular stores here and there has allowed me to switch up what I eat

[@Powaup]

@J G *i think it's 6 to be exact, my point is that buying veggies is tricky at TJs

[@karlwashington6414]

Best Damn Grocery Store is Trader Joe's.

[@morganisinthemirror]

@Vendee Swartz yes it is!

[@mikaelamilazzo5070]

I grew up shopping at Trader Joe's but now live in West Virginia and shop at Save a lot (everything else is pricey, weird considering I'm from NJ) but I miss them so much, makes the stress of shopping less horrible!

[@pixilno]

i havent been into a trader joes before but i have had their sweet and salty popcorn, and its amazing its great to see great things about the store aswell