Trader Joe's - Why They're Successful

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Episode Description: Trader Joe's in unlike any other major grocery store chain. This video attempts to identify the unconventional reasons behind their success.
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[@Radriar___9946]

I worked at Trader Joe's for about a year and a half in high school and it was one of the best working environments I have ever been in. Everyone was super positive(not to an unnatural degree) I got paid really well for a high schooler and the customers were all very polite and lovely to serve. Great company and even though I don't work there anymore, I still love going to my local store.

[@ericbogar9665]

Anyone being positive is unnatural to me. I hate it. Nobody likes to work when it comes to jobs like that. lol

[@jamieohjamie]

@@ericbogar9665 Yeah, as a former employee, the "positivity" isn't always natural. How positive you are is (or was when I worked there) part of the job review and can absolutely prevent you from getting a raise.

[@Radriar___9946]

@@ericbogar9665 aight man. All I'm saying is that it was a cool place to work and my coworkers were really nice people. Some of which I still keep in touch with to this day.

[@ericbogar9665]

@IntelliPocalypse But most people aren't in jobs they want to do. They're in jobs they have to do. A lot of places don't have a thousand options of work you can do. I doubt anyone likes working at places making minimum wage either even thought they might love serving people. I've never been to a job where I felt positive until I was hitting overtime which meant double time. When I'm making 18 plus an hour, I'm happier than a mother fucker.

[@ericbogar9665]

@IntelliPocalypse True, but if those jobs were so great everyone would want to do them. Kids would grow up saying, "I want to scan groceries for people".

[@sepez]

'Happy employees = happy environment' This is something that escapes almost every other company.

[@jamesslick4790]

Yes, Yes and YES. It also can make or break CUSTOMER loyalty. 1, No one wants to shop at a place where the employees are not happy (and you can TELL is the staff is unhappy. 2, The employees themselves are ALSO customers and have friends that are customers. Personal story: I briefly worked at an auto parts store whose name rhymes with...Aw, screw it, It was Auto Zone. If my car broke down right in front of an Auto Zone, I'd WALK to the closest Pep Boys! LOL.

[@tombuck]

I was a sign artist at Trader Joe’s during college and it was an awesome job. It was almost like being paid to go to art school.

[@falsehoodbasher7240]

Oh cool :)

[@Snarf_Le_Wombat]

I like that

[@domknisely]

I worked at two different Trader Joe’s in college, and now I’m in law school. There isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t wanna drop out and work for them again. Great employees, great customers, great products, and a great culture. One thing Company Man didn’t mention, but alluded to, is how Trader Joe’s makes more money per square foot of store than any other super market.

[@mtydir]

I’m a lawyer. It’s worth it. Stick it out man. You got this.

[@4dstellatedhypercube558]

trader joes aint what it used to be sadly

[@Beanzoboy]

@@mtydir Yeah, instead of being a benefit to society, he can be a lawyer.

[@tedkaczynskiamericanhero3916]

@@Beanzoboy Don't cut yourself on that edge

[@Beanzoboy]

@@tedkaczynskiamericanhero3916 It's not edge, it's quite blunt.

[@JahNuhThunDeeTheOneAndOnly]

Trader Joe’s is the most welcoming supermarket chain to shop around in.

[@slimcognito383]

In my experience every time You go there the cashiers will try and engage you with small talk. I’m not good at small talk so my brain just shuts down and I go silent

[@princesskristan]

It is. I live right down the street from one and all the staff is so friendly

[@rShakeford]

If you survive the parking lot.

[@dan-ch8kr]

it’s common for the workers to randomly compliment u on something Lol at least at mine

[@csgto7676]

Only if youre white hahahaha. Not friendly to blacks or mexicans

[@justarandomspencer9174]

As a kid I was always excited when we went to Trader Joes because they had this thing where you could look for a stuffed monkey and found it, and told a store clerk where it was, then you'd get a lollipop. It sounds lame but no other grocery chain does that, and it adds to the friendly feel of the place.

[@drooskeedoo3388]

It has the dual effect of keeping kids occupied so the parents can get their shopping done.

[@GregTheRushFan]

Actually Fresh Thyme copied it.. You find the tractor and get a free orange

[@FigureFarter]

For me, it was a moose instead

[@jhoncenafan2]

Yes I remember this

[@ssllsg9439]

it amazes me that theyve never encountered any situation where the kids wrecked the store searching for that toy

[@trevgar]

One of my favorite things about Trader Joe's is the fact that 90% of the products they carry are under their own "private label,"- but my appreciation of that goes beyond just the lower price. In every other store, I feel like I am being bombarded with tiny billboards in every aisle, with a thousand brands and logos competing for my money and attention. At Trader Joe's, all I see is the consistent, reliable, and unobtrusive packaging of a single brand that tells me in simple terms exactly what the product has to offer - no more and no less.

[@kuebby]

Agreed! And it also makes me come back--when I can ONLY get one of my favorite bagels at TJ's, I have to keep shopping there if I want to eat them.

[@Snarf_Le_Wombat]

and it's going to be quality 😌

[@twulff7060]

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.

[@kouron]

yep, that's why I was confused at first, but now knowing that Karl bought them, it makes much more sense.

[@jom9320]

Hot dogs are german tho

[@twulff7060]

@@jom9320 No, a Hot Dog is a sausage in a bun; that is not a german thing. And with the Sausages you eat mustard, sometimes ketchup, but that is it. So don't mistake Hot Dog and Sausage.

[@jom9320]

@@twulff7060 both come from germany

[@wendypierce5621]

The prices are fair, the food is almost always good, I don’t have to choose between 20 kinds of ketchup… also, happy employees.

[@ericbogar9665]

I've never seen 20 different Ketchups in any grocery store. Hunts and Heinz fills up most shelves and then you might see one brand of something else.

[@Noah-pk7tf]

@@ericbogar9665 have you been to Ralph’s? There are like 20 kinds of ketchup, ranch, bbq sauce, it’s crazy. Takes me like 5 minutes to pick which one is best lol

[@pghrpg4065]

I'm in Pittsburgh, so there is only one ketchup. There may be other things on the shelf, but I've never noticed. However, I get the general point.

[@ericbogar9665]

@@Noah-pk7tf Heinz and Hidden Valley are the best. The rest are blah. lol BBQ sauces I do see a lot of and there are a few of those I like. I pretty much know which ones I like most though because of how many years I've shopped. If it's new I try it just like with ketchups or ranch, but usually go back to Heinz or Hidden Valley. I do like a couple other ranches, but not like Hidden Valley. The best BBQ sauce is homemade though. Always better than the store.

[@Noah-pk7tf]

@@ericbogar9665 they have a bunch of like small batch local stuff at Ralph’s. The other day I got this locally made ranch with peppercorn and Parmesan cheese in it and it’s so fucking good. Tons of amazing underground barbecue sauces too. As for ketchup, I’m not so picky, Heinz is sweet

[@Macho_Fantastico]

Not being American, I always thought Trader Joe's was a hardware store.

[@darthdread6289]

Same I thought that too

[@sharp52092]

I used to think so too, but there isn't one close by.

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

As an American who has only heard whispers of this store, I honest had no idea what their core line of items were. Mostly as any time I heard of them were by people buying hair or personal care products, I think.

[@insertnamehere8504]

As an American, I can absolutely understand that just based on the name lmao

[@luigiciccone5865]

Me too lol

[@loufancelli1330]

Trader Joe's is awesome. And as someone who grew up in the '70s I laughed as how kept calling them "unconventional"I think they are exactly the opposite. They maintained the conventional grocery store model as the larger chains moved away from it and because enormous all-in-one stores. Whenever I walk into a TJs I feel like I am transported back to the local grocery store from my neighborhood back when I was a kid. I think that is a lot of their appeal to those of us who are now middle aged, former Yuppies :)

[@falsehoodbasher7240]

Now you a Suppy :)

[@iancypes5911]

As a former employee: Anyone who's wearing a Hawaiian shirt inside a Trader Joe's belongs to management Most of the art is made by store employees in the back room

[@johndoe5432]

Don't forget merchant's also wear Hawaiian shirts and they're not management.

[@gmarzoli]

Literally sitting in the parking lot waiting for my mom to come out of traders joe’s as you upload this haha

[@ryanjohnson4565]

Did she ever come out?

[@anthropomorphizedrock]

Normal grocery stores are overwhelming and the decision fatigue gets real too fast. It’s a lot easier to notice the interesting items at Trader Joes because there’s fewer distractions

[@ericbogar9665]

No they don't. You must not shop much. I always know what I'm going to get and which brands I will choose unless it's a new store and I assume they might have different things.

[@shopece8807]

She said what she said.

[@KyurekiHana]

@@ericbogar9665 this. I find the rotating selection frustrating because I *can't* plan or rely on staples being there. It forces you to make decisions in the moment at the store, which increases decision fatigue for me.

[@ericbogar9665]

@@KyurekiHana Thats why I usually go into stores where I know the whole set up and can even tell other customers what Isle something is in. I get frustrated too when I don't know where anything is or gets switched around often. I often know the product I'm searching for though now. After years of shopping I know what I'm looking for and all the other stuff in between I don't even really notice. Just skim through it until I find what I need.

[@anthropomorphizedrock]

@@ericbogar9665 “no they don’t” who doesn’t? They don’t what? I’m just confused about what point there I made is contentious. I don’t choose what I want to buy based on tried and true, as you clearly do, hence why I notice interesting items at Trader Joes……

[@ThatCapnGeech]

I drummed up a conversation with a Trader Joe’s employee who was restocking shelves and doing inventory in preparation for truck night. The store was fairly busy, but he still stopped what he was doing to talk to me about the company, their stocking policies (the amount of products they carry in store and how often they rotate stock). It was a fascinating and warming experience, he didn’t have to stop what he was doing to talk to me in detail, but he did anyway and I thanked him for it.

[@johndoe5432]

We're trained to immediately stop whatever it is we're doing no matter what it is, and engage with the customer if they speak to us.

[@Omnibushido-]

@@johndoe5432Still cool though, there’s plenty of stores that tell their employees to do this but most of them don’t and if they do they’re clearly unhappy about it.

[@DADVICETV]

Having lived in SoCal, Trader Joe’s was MY grocery store. Now living in Ohio we have fewer of them, but still visit them multiple times a month. My kids love hunting for the hidden animal (each store now has its own animal to look for) so they can receive their piece of candy for finding it. It keeps them busy and makes shopping with kids even easier.

[@MarkSmith-js2pu]

Hope you left your CA values behind when you moved.

[@ThePricelessOneX]

@@MarkSmith-js2pu That has absolutely nothing to do with the original comment. Sounds like you’re just spiteful of California bud.

[@MarkSmith-js2pu]

@@ThePricelessOneX I freely admit I am disappointed at how far California has fallen from when it was close to paradise.

[@felixlara2945]

Imagine moving from California to Ohio, I'm so sorry for your loss

[@MatecaCorp]

@@MarkSmith-js2pu lmao boomer moment

[@endcensorship874]

There's a saying: "pick your battles." And that sounds like what Joe did with regard to 7-11. He knew the right battles to fight, and he was successful because of this. Something a lot of other companies should think about.

[@josephgaviota]

_Something a lot of other companies should think about._ True That.

[@brandonsaquariumsandterrar8985]

It seems like Trader Joe's is the more decorated, fun loving version of aldi

[@sirBrouwer]

Me being very well known with the Aldi (North) formula and it's competitor Lidl at least how they operate here in the Netherlands. You do see the Aldi system in Trader's Joe.

[@johndoe5432]

We are, we get Aldi defectors as new employees pretty often. lol

[@saharapengu]

Exact same in Germany, Aldi Nord is usually very run down and Aldi Süd is usually better

[@bernlin2000]

It's called ALDI in Germany, but they definitely have their own unique look in the US :-)

[@sirBrouwer]

@@bernlin2000 it is Aldi Nord but Traders Joe does have it's own twist on it. Aldi itself is pure business. Trader Joe is more semi casual to casual. I have never been in a Aldi Süd

[@jasonleman1396]

I remember in the mid 80s trader joes was considered the high end market (living in southern california) man how times have changed (and I am a big fan of their beer selection, great beers at 5 bucks a 6 pack)

[@starwarsunfiltered7848]

I've been buying their Stockyard Oatmeal Stout for years, because it's been consistently priced at $5.99 per six-pack for over a decade or more.

[@bfkbfk1]

Man their dried fruits and cookie butter is so unbelievably good, most of their products are great quality with a grocery bill that is comparable to walmart and aldis

[@crankychris2]

umm...NO! Priced higher than Publix and Amazon.

[@nahor88]

Don't forget about the frozen foods! Honestly, the only disappointing product I've seen from them so far is their Masala Simmer Sauce. It had literally no kick to it; Whole Foods has them beat there.

[@nouon9988]

well, they actually are aldi (aldi south has the rights to aldi in the us so aldi north had to use a different name)

[@killermarfidyoh138]

Trader Joe's is owned by Aldi Nord

[@NobelNighthawk274]

I like the simplicity of TJ, normal grocery stores overwhelm me now. If you want chocolate cookies they got only one brand and you know it’s probably pretty good. If you go to the super market there’s like 50 different brands and half will be awful.

[@MichaelOnines]

They've done an amazing job at convincing their customers the store brand is going to be a good version of whatever it happens to be. The company has to be willing to spend more than rock bottom to do get adequate to good quality, but the reputational payoff has certainly been worth it.

[@elchicharron9503]

Trader Joe's overwhelms me. Too many people, walking slow, blocking isles, trying to talk to me when I'm hungover and I have to be there by 9pm?

[@MarkSmith-js2pu]

Here we go again, another youngster talking about decision fatigue while grocery shopping. I suggest they read biographies of drafted young Americans from the 20th century and what they went through and they may not have or think of “decision fatigue “ again.

[@CoderatheGreat]

@@MarkSmith-js2pu Ok boomer. 🙄

[@cranklabexplosion-labcentr8245]

I love hearing about people’s success when they deserve it

[@johnr797]

It's not easy, but you still can make it big just by ensuring quality products and treating your employees and customers well. Chic-fil-A is another example, and these are both VERY competitive markets.

[@bernitaldown9136]

Deserves got nothing to do with it. in fact, gods not in the business of handing out deserve rewards.

[@ronburgundy4743]

@@johnr797 lmao, that's funny. CFA hates their employees

[@johnr797]

@@ronburgundy4743 in what way?

[@ronburgundy4743]

@@johnr797 denying basic Healthcare for one

[@dano4629]

Love Trader Joe’s. Happy employees, unique variety, right sized packaging. It’s actually a feel good place to shop. It feels ‘Customer first’.

[@drdarkeny]

I have a friend who's been working for Trader Joe's for the past two decades - she's a year or two shy of retirement, and they are doing whatever they can to hold onto her, including NOT promoting her to a Captaincy! (She doesn't want the additional pressure because she had some bad experiences in her previous career.) She loves working there, she's earning good money (good enough to live in New York City!), and the captain of her store knows he can rely on her institutional knowledge to help with the new hires.

[@thedarkforce9596]

I love Trader Joe’s been working for them for 10 years Basically last week marked 10 years of me working there

[@jhoncenafan2]

You’re like 26?

[@mikilynne4558]

THE best customer service in all of retail. I used to be a 7Up driver in the 70s. I drove around the block 3 times looking for Trader Joe's. Finally, I said it has to be that Pronto market. They hadn't changed the sign yet. It was Joe himself that signed the invoice. He was so nice and explained his concept of selling gourmet food at normal prices by eliminating the middle man and keeping costs down. He was a modern American hero. He had imagination and a lot of little boy in him. No small wonder he has employees that are lifers. I cried when he passed away recently. I shop there almost exclusively.

[@RAE.ofSunshine]

Congrats

[@thedarkforce9596]

@@jhoncenafan2 no I’m 31

[@shizzlemywizzle1]

That’s amazing, so glad that you found a job that you enjoy! Not a lot of people can say that

[@flushed5683]

Admitting defeat is a difficult thing to do, so for him to be able to do that, I resepect him.

[@bigfish_HZQbsXVao4]

😳

[@flushed5683]

@@bigfish_HZQbsXVao4sus😳

[@Wapoose]

@@flushed5683 among us in real life.....

[@dragonli1y]

There are now 11 😳s here

[@iPhone4GS]

I have a crush on you 😳 emoji

[@starwarsunfiltered7848]

I've been going to one of my (two) local Trader Joe's for nearly 30 years, and I honestly can't think of a single negative attribute about them. The food is always priced great, is generally healthy (even the desserts), and they always have a bunch of really cheap wine and beer selections. Plus the small size, the diversity of their products, and the fun vibes + the Fearless Flyer make me keep coming back, year after year.

[@SChristianCollins]

One of my top reasons for their success: their unique, excellent food choices. The orange chicken, candy cane joe-joes, middle eastern frozen dishes, dark chocolate peanut butter cups, unexpected cheddar, and the best frozen key lime pie you can find anywhere (unfortunately only during the summer), and everything is all-natural. Though I do love the store environment, it is their best-of-class products at a reasonable price that keep me coming back.

[@c.d.j.5039]

Someday there will be a video called “Company Man - The Biggest KZbinrs Story”

[@jacobwong2230]

Agreed

[@Ironica82]

Just found this video that was done a few months ago. Not exactly the same title but still the same concept. kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXmqc6F_jJmSfc0

[@jamesfarrell8339]

I love it Best comment

[@maximos905]

So a video on pewdiepie basically

[@CjkingEntertainment]

Facts!

[@LamarrWilson]

I love Trader Joe’s. I miss living right above one.

[@Matthew_Does_To_Many_Things]

Lol

[@endcensorship874]

Man, I would love to live above a TJs. Don't know if it would do good for my wallet, but man... the convenience.

[@julek2589]

LES?

[@Mattimaginex1]

Omg lamarr

[@maryvon8518]

That's the dream!

[@dpledoone]

I have been a retail analyst for 20+ years and your analyses are excellent, combining fact with intangibles-great job

[@ryanjohnson4565]

Thank you!

[@rodneynasir8089]

Love Trader Joe’s and Aldi, they are small and I’m in and out within 25 mins

[@jokerproduction]

I actually thought this was a _Mashed_ video when I clicked on it because of the thumbnail. Pleasantly surprised it was Company Man.

[@megashaymin2541]

u mean the animation channel?

[@RMbutItsO]

M

[@ronniedelahoussayechauvin6717]

I never heard of Company Man until lately.

[@TopRanky]

That’s a really underrated thumbnail

[@MoonFairy929]

@@ronniedelahoussayechauvin6717 well welcome! He’s awesome. Check out the archive!!

[@thedukeofchutney468]

I was once lucky enough to live on the same block as the Trader Joe’s in Manhattan. It was LITERALLY the most convenient thing on earth. I friggen love this store!

[@ambercrombie789]

Is it still open? Doing ok?

[@ppjskh]

@@ambercrombie789 Trader Joe’s is super popular, all the stores I’ve been to have lines at the door. Cool enough, there’s actually a Trader Joe’s at my university.

[@jck1213]

I’ve never regretted a purchase there. Amazing food at a fair price.

[@grouchomarcus]

When I was three, Trader Joe’s is the first store I walked my Dad to (he’s blind). I still shop there. I love it. Where else can I get food for the whole week in 5 minutes and not worry about the quality?

[@jimmy_os]

A three year old walking their blind father to a grocery store?

[@garaj1]

As a lifelong vegetarian, Trader Joes has more variety in their frozen foods that I can eat than any other grocery store i've been to. Even if i find most of the things they sell expensive in general, that is what ultimately keeps me coming back.

[@adamkatt]

Plant murderer!!!

[@SynchroSk8]

Yeah, I also find this so refreshing! Also, their fresh food meals have so many great options for single people. Unlike other grocery stores that target family meals. I know I can get something easy and fresh (RIP Fresh & Easy!) to make for a meal without having tons of leftovers. I no longer have a location right by me, but when I have a chance to run into one, I do. Oh and back in college we called their wine “Two or Three buck Chuck” it was an awesome price point for wine.

[@bfkbfk1]

Their products are quality above quantity, and they encourage a healthy lifestyle. Perfect for vegetarians

[@MarkSmith-js2pu]

I feel sorry for strict vegetarians. Seems to be a hard, unfulfilling lifestyle.

[@SynchroSk8]

@@MarkSmith-js2pu oh thank you so much Mark, I’m so glad you’re so concerned for us. :rollseyes: Most of my coworkers don’t even know I’m a vegetarian, because it’s that easy. I don’t push my eating lifestyle on others. I was just agreeing that Trader Joe’s has lots of great options.

[@Alverant]

My local one has a purple monkey, not a lobster. I don't go there often because the location is inconvenient but I get stuff for my parents there before I visit. They have good nuts and cookies. I get their frozen mango chunks, chicken fried rice, and peanutbutter pretzels. It's a nice store and I can't see them changing without losing what makes them special.

[@NobelNighthawk274]

they all have different animals! Mine is a Shark :)

[@thatsprettyfarfetchd9888]

Mine's a Penguin

[@dsc5085]

I wouldn't go to that once, because it doesn't have a lobster

[@MexicoBall957]

Mine is a raccoon

[@eaakkk829]

As someone who works for Trader Joe’s, I can confirm it is a amazing place to work, and they always take such good care of us employees. All the Mates and the Captains care about us Crew me evers and I always have a fun time at work.

[@now_chemical]

I remember stumbling through one in middle school at the outdoor shopping plaza and being fascinated by everything. As an adult now, it’s so cool to be able to buy all the neat stuff in the store and still feed the fascination!

[@loobsterbisque]

Trader Joes is over 2 hours away from me but I make it a point to go there when I’m in bigger towns. They have great mochi

[@Hillers62]

I love mochi!!!! I got hooked on it when I lived in Hawaii...I especially love mochi with the ice cream filling...green tea and azuki beans are my favorites!!!

[@megamanfan3]

11:21 is the location that only takes minutes to get to. (Yes, I live in the photographed area)

[@scaldon2]

Food desert. Trader Joe's don't open in black communities

[@gamesndebunker]

I lived in Indiana and NY at the traders joes in NY they had a hidden stuffed bunny and in Indiana they had a lemur

[@maryvon8518]

We have a catamount in VT. I think it's because it's UVM's mascot.

[@MichaelOnines]

@@maryvon8518 It's a tiger in Stockton CA. Never realized that is probably because UOP is there and they are the tigers. Thanks for helping me make the connection.

[@johnsmith-gi2iz]

One thing that first draws my wife there, the flowers. And of course that's were it begins. We start exploring and like you said, the limited brand and items just makes it easier to choose from. it reminds me of In-N-Out, sometimes a smaller menu is more.

[@curtisholder8643]

You forgot to mention that their food offerings are actually high quality and VERY TASTY. There are only a few products I've had that I wouldn't buy again (and I can't even think of one right now). This leads only to fuller shopping carts (at least mine). Kudos to their buyers

[@edkrassenstein5534]

I love going to Joe's for their branded items. I will go there every couple of months to stock up on the frozen orange chicken, and while I'm there I'll get cheeses and whatever else looks good. At the start of covid they had a line around the block, I live in a very yuppie area

[@pinglefingle]

are you the real Krassenstein

[@webbsinferno3242]

Bro, that orange chicken is awesome!

[@TimHunold]

You missed the greatest part about the pirate Joe's Franchise wanna be that was illegally selling trader Joe's goods in Canada because they don't have stores up there. It's kind of funny

[@googiegress7459]

Hey I remember that, hilarious stuff! I thought that was a sure sign the company needed to export or expand themselves.

[@LuisGarcia-cq9ls]

Started working at TJ's after 10 years as a healthcare worker doing direct patient care and interaction. I've been there for less than a year, the pay is already comparable, and the environment is the best I've worked in.

[@sondranewall405]

They have the best employees, friendly, helpful and lots of cashiers, very little wait time.

[@iced_latteZ]

I live in chicago and a trader joes is literally 1 block away from me and its by far the best experience to go grocery shopping. also a note they purposely over staff their stores. This has to do with the experience to make sure if a customer has a question someone is there. Also the staff are encouraged to talk about the things you buy such as asking if you have a recipe going on or they make a suggestion themselves for a recipe you can make. I think it goes to show that treating your employees well will in turn make you way more money.

[@blahsomethingclever]

Because they're awesome. In detail, because they're highest quality, cheap, and always interesting, yet at the same time have some comforting staples. Plus friendly staff. Just good energy

[@ReginaDillard]

If you’ve ever hung around their food sampling stations, you’ll know why I’m mentioning this. You get roped into buying whatever is being sampled, not because of some marketing gimmick or pressure to buy, it’s because their products are really good. Trader O’s Cookies, Elote Corn Chips, Lemon Curd and Cheddar Cheese with Caramelized Onions are a few of my favs. I also know the names of the store clerks and managers. They’re really customer-oriented.

[@yihui31]

I'm not from the US but when I visited on a holiday, going to Trader Joe's is one of my fondest memories. The selection and unconventional nature of their food (at low prices and tasting really good), fun quirky store concept made an impression on me.

[@ryanjohnson4565]

Why do you call it holiday instead of vacation?

[@nslouka90]

I like the beer selection and nautical themes at Trader Joe’s. I’d love for you to tackle the rise and fall of Craigslist, i submitted it on the idea board :)

[@falsehoodbasher7240]

Craigslist fell when I left it. I used to be a regular but then ..

[@AntoinetteChanel]

I’m always happy when you cover businesses that started in California - especially when those companies grew throughout my childhood. #longlivethe90s

[@DarkLadyJade]

Things I love about Trader Joe's and why it's one of my favorite grocery stores: smaller cozy feel, no-hassle return policy, I always find something new, lots of vegan products, the products in general are great quality but lower cost, windows where I can actually see outside, the employees really are friendly and helpful and pleasant, the empathy (I've been given free bouquets when they found out I was having a really bad/sad day, been given items at no charge when I accidentally couldn't afford everything and was clearly embarrassed), even when it's the busiest times it doesn't feel too busy or overwhelming, I like the music they play, the one I go to is closer to my apartment than all the other grocery stores I visit, the mini shopping carts next to the regular sized ones are adorable, I really like that they don't use plastic bags and instead use paper or the reusable ones, even the wait times in lines are shorter. Bonus, their vegan frozen desserts are the size of the regular ones.

[@Randomark3087]

There's one in my hometown. It's small, the employees are nice, and they have a lot of different brands. Very unique store.

[@SqurtieMan]

My dad worked at the first Trader Joe's when he was in high school. It's pretty cool to see how far they've come

[@noelburke9792]

I knew about Trader Joes being owned by Aldi, so I am actually very surprised (and almost envious) as to the fact that these stores aren’t “clinical and cold” and run in the same fashion as an “Aldi” store. We have Aldi in Western Australia as of a few years ago, and I really dislike shopping there. Now, if they were all run like a “Trader Joe’s” store with that nautical theme I would be all over it!

[@kizmetbluebird8]

I discovered Trader Joe's while living in California and have been a fan for years. Their products are high quality, the prices are great, the employees are treated well and are always so helpful and friendly. I also love the tropical/nautical theme, the quirky humor, and the classic rock music in the background. There is just so much to love about Trader Joe's.

[@kevinw8276]

I go there every Saturday morning. Its kind of my kid and I's thing. We typically go right at open so it isn't too busy but there are several workers who've just gotten used to seeing us every week and always make sure to say hi to us. I give them a lot of credit. I could not be that upbeat all the time.

[@Tailstraw_xD]

"Pretty much every state" *cries in Alaskan*

[@zippinghen]

Hey at least it’s beautiful there!

[@thedarkforce9596]

@@zippinghen Yes it is I was born in Anchorage lived up there till I was 16 years old till I moved down to Washington state where I currently live now Now I am 31 going to be moving again soon moving all the way to Virginia in two weeks

[@Chr1s8o8]

Hawaii here…we feel your pain…

[@zippinghen]

@@thedarkforce9596 wow! Washington is also really beautiful. Idk too much about Virginia but I am sure it is as well! Also, can you tell me more about how life is like in Alaska?

[@thedarkforce9596]

@@zippinghen well I haven’t lived in Alaska in like 15 years it’s not really different besides when you meet certain people like Russians that still live up there The life up there is nothing different resize everything being expensive and I know once you establish yourself up there as a resident for a certain amount of time you can earn $1000 a year for the oil that they produce up here

[@DamarcusChlorine]

Litteraly nothing beats waking up to a new video from company man

[@Matteo_the_Plague_Doctor]

I think I need to start shopping at Trader Joe's more often. It's nice to hear they're a good company to work for.

[@ryanjohnson4565]

So progress report. Did you do it? Be honest.

[@Matteo_the_Plague_Doctor]

@ryanjohnson4565 no I didn't. You got me. XD

[@thegarybeach3052]

Trader Joe's has such high quality goods, especially when considering their incredibly low pricing. As a vegetarian, they also do a great job of catering to my demographic as well. Many vegetarian options, incredible produce, and their products are honestly very inspiring. It's rare for me to go to a Trader Joe's without looking at something and thinking "I can make that from scratch." So that's exactly what I do.

[@etms]

Best cashier system ever, so simple, so efficient 🤘🏻

[@ryanjohnson4565]

They have geese underneath making it all work. Geese. Of all things.

[@MultiPetercool]

I like the European made products they sell under their own brand. I always look for products from Italy in particular.

[@nahor88]

The biggest surprise to me was that they have their own brand of "Jelly Bellys" that are actually produced in IRELAND. They use all-natural colors unlike JB that uses fake-ass Red 40 and Yellow 5, and they taste a little better as well.

[@MultiPetercool]

@@nahor88 need 2 check it out! Thanks 4 the tip!!!!

[@tinkywinky5558]

My life is a repetitive and sad one, but trader joes is sincerely one of my happy places. It's brought me joy to be somewhere where every week feels like a sort of discovery can be found and feeling almost invited even if youre not part of the area. I'll always love this place and am happy they are so successful

[@Victoria-do8uj]

I absolutely love trader joes, it's a really refreshing environment. easy layout, it feels open, so many options, and i always spend less than i intend to. it's a win win all around

[@bobsana4590]

I am on my lunch break right now from Trader joe's, it is the greatest job I've ever had I am retired from a 30-year career and I am working here now just to keep myself busy, I absolutely positively love it and this company truly truly truly takes care of their employees and the big secret as to why we're all so happy they pay us well yes they pay us well I would say they pay us very well and they give us great benefits it's a great place to work I love it, they hire people it seems like, based on their personalities, and it works cuz these are the greatest people I've ever worked with I actually look forward to coming to work now, I know it sounds corny but it's true

[@conbertbenneck49]

Let me add THREE CHEERS for their occasional advertising newspaper. It is a wonderful piece of writing, and I, at least, read it from the first page to the last one. It is amazing and delightful writing, with lots of smiles at their wording and explanations.

[@yankinwaoz]

Love TJ's! When you shop for real estate, a good idea is to make sure that where you are buying is within 10-15 miles of a TJ's. If it is, then you have a pretty good chance of buying in a good area. TJ's puts a lot of work into deciding where to open a store. Piggy back on that work. When we were shopping for our current home, I put a county map on the table and put pins where every TJ's was. Then I drew a 10 mile circle around each and mapped the commuting distance to my office. Then I told my wife that we would only look at homes that are in those circles. We ended up buying a new house 1.5 miles away from my local TJ's.

[@frankiearana8287]

i recently started buying ALL my groceries there earlier this year and i love how everything i purchase i enjoy eating and always tastes good. the employees always make a connection with me and are very personable and one of the girls even remembers me every time i go. it’s like a target for me, i can wonder around for hours and be fascinated with everything lol.

[@calebdc4l]

I seriously thought this place was a restaurant until I went in there with my mom to go to the bathroom in San Antonio.

[@cruzcflores]

Might be thinking of Trader Vic’s the Tiki Restaurant

[@calebdc4l]

@@cruzcflores no, im just 13 and it sounded like the name of a restaurant lol

[@TheWutang1995]

We have a local restaurant called Tahoe Joe's and it's like cabin themed and for the longest time I assumed the 2 were connected since Trader Joe's is kind of beachey like they had some sort of nature thing going on

[@lordfarquaad1319]

Word I live at San Antonio and always go to trader Joe's for groceries lol

[@briansavage932]

Me and my wife drive 40 minutes across town to go to our local Trader Joe's in Nashville. Im obsessed with their $1.99 Indian vegetable curry packs. I have those over rice a coupla times a week. Also, their selection of fish and frozen dinner stuff is awesome.

[@SeraNeph]

Foreigners be like: Four words, they sell Cookie Butter.

[@jlyo1991]

… what is that?

[@richardhaegeler6858]

i know trader john's from peanut butter and coated peanuts. thats the only thing we get here ;) from germany

[@Lynn17]

Trader Joe's is one of my favorite stores ever, especially after recently discovering their frozen meals.

[@ky.000]

Have you tried their chow mein? One of my favorites

[@machupikachu1085]

@@ky.000 agreed. So good! It's a mein stay. :D

[@rmknicks]

It has a great vibe and food that you can't find anywhere else. I love it.

[@BugsyFoga]

Traders joe is a store I always enjoy going to .

[@sminthian]

They're in almost every state now. "I've never seen one....Oh, of course not Alaska."

[@Bunnyroo7]

When I was commuting to college and later work at the same college, I'd go to Trader Joe's at least once or twice a week. I still go at least once a month now that I work online. The shop is small, but it is full of variety. Bolivian coffee? Kona coffee? Sicilian olive oil? Spanish cheeses? Italian gnocchi? Chinese soupy dumplings? Real pizza from Italy? That's just a start! I love it. The quality, overall, is very good and the prices are excellent. Their competitors are generally overpriced and snooty. At least my "local" Trader Joe's was always chill, laid back and fun.

[@persianprincessxo1539]

I just went shopping at Trader Joe’s this morning 😅 they have good and interesting items at lower prices but I will say it’s not a market for large families because the portion sizes are small as you said mostly for singles or couples and their produce items are not as well priced as grocery stores. I find their fruit and some vegetables are more expensive than my local grocery store or cheaper grocery store.

[@panicstation7]

Yes, good for hipster couples, not so much for families of 6. And their produce is expensive and not that good/fresh IMO

[@persianprincessxo1539]

@@panicstation7 Yeah they don’t have very family friendly portions and I usually skip the produce section bc it’s really not the best value IMO.

[@zhongxue3025]

Very good price on organic produce.

[@nemmimann]

„Trader Joes“ is an ALDI North food brand here in Germany too :) Love they’re products !

[@compassioncampaigner728]

Hello.........Germany. Your floods are over? Hope you are ok.

[@colbystearns5066]

They have healthier options than your typical grocery store, they treat their workers well and I've noticed it's also much cheaper on average! They are certainly a brand that I'm happy to return to again and again.

[@Lotus.F]

I'm from England but I travel to the US regularly. The first time I visited Trader Joe's I thought the store design and layout was pretty dated like 80's feel but it has grown on me now. With the various artwork I now think its actually pretty cool and doesn't replicate any other supermarkets.

[@BarbaraChery]

I'm going to ask Trader Joe's to come to Canada since we don't have Trader Joe's in Canada especially Montreal

[@johnr797]

Yeah would be nice to have grocery stores that aren't super overpriced for once. I wonder what that's like...

[@Inukshuk67]

Quebec has always tried to keep out competitors in the grocery space. Why do you think they only had Metro and Provigo for so long?

[@BarbaraChery]

@@Inukshuk67 just because they're made in Quebec

[@bjv93]

If they do, I just pray they don't pull a Target and f everything up.

[@mainecarver]

Google Pirate Joes. Start here: Pirate Joe's - Wikipedia

[@ameanguy1995]

Thank you, company man! No other KZbinr has ever wanted to hear what I have to say.

[@companyman114]

Oh I'm sure that's not true.

[@scaryhours2220]

One of the questions on the Trader Joes job application is "Are you a good storyteller?"......how awesome is that 😎.

[@tristanbodle2179]

My wife was working at TJ’s as the demo girl when we met. I would go there to shop and see her. TJ’s will always have a special place in my heart for that reason alone.

[@pervailable]

In addition to their food, I also love using some of their beauty products! Their facial moisturizer is sooo good and affordable.

[@mikefuquay9903]

I like their wine and cheese selections.

[@violetviolet888]

Trader Joe's Podcast: Episode 7 We're Nuts About Wine and Cheese: Episode 20: www.traderjoes.com/home/podcast?page=8 Cheese, Cheese, and More Cheese with Trader Joe's: www.traderjoes.com/home/podcast?page=5

[@gmintraining4597]

Both excellent and impressive story. I think that I may have only shopped at a Trader Joe’s twice, but all the things mentioned about the store resonated with me immediately. (Store and lot size, brands, friendly staff, local appeal, etc.) I may have to go there more often now! Great video, thanks as always!

[@jahleelcoleman6117]

This brand is one of my favorites. You really articulated the ethos of the company and inspired me to relay this culture to my organization! I love the founders vision to specifically target a consumer of “Yuppies” & seeing the infatuation with customer service and identifying the need in the market place while adapting, genius. Thank you for taking time to make this. 🏡☁️

[@migueldelmazo5244]

Company man, why he's successful. Because he's awesome.

[@trainroomgary]

I go to my Trader's Joe every other week. Favorite item - Seasoning Blend. "Everything but the Bagel" & frozen meals. • Cheers from the Detroit & Mackinac Railway 🚂

[@rmknicks]

I hit up their frozen aisle when I don't feel like cooking. They have tons of frozen foreign foods that you can't find anywhere else.

[@ky.000]

Ice cream sandwiches, chow mein, candied pecans, and cookie butter are my favorite

[@TheWakaMinecraft]

Living in a big city and being a recent college grad, Trader Joe's ethos of targeting my demographic definitely works. The biggest thing for me, apart from their prices, that attracts me to the store is portion sizes. From their frozen food to smaller cuts of meat, it just reduces waste on my part when there are only two people cooking at eating in my home. I love costco, but it and so many other grocery store chains sell in massive quantities to promote the "bang for your buck" aspect of their shopping experience, but that isn't sustainable living in a small apartment.

[@mariawesley7583]

Trader Joe's has lost many of its longtime employees (including me) over the past year due to new hires making more than us. Because of employees unionizing in Massachusetts they are only now rectifying the pay disparity. It was a wonderful work experience and the employees are all gifted and accomplished people.

[@brandoc04]

I enjoy the variety they have. There's always something new I find and wanna try when I go there. Plus I like how they display their new products or employees pick their favorite Personally though I usually go there when I'm not doing a huge grocery haul, shoprite still is my go to!

[@jasonfischer8946]

Hey, I didn't know that the Trader Joe's by me in Maryland was a groundbreaking one. Love that place.

[@jerryandrews7951]

Love TJ's! Thanks for the great piece.

[@rozemilkteaz371]

I currently work at a Trader Joe’s and it’s been the best experiences I have ever been in. I worked at Target and it was so horrible I was depressed and struggling with school. But at Trader Joe’s they very much value each of us especially with maintaining our health throughout the pandemic. I meet people that have worked there for 20 years and I can see why! Love Trader Joe’s!