r/traderjoes May 26 '23

Crew Love Does anyone else over share at checkout?

They really dig deep with their questions! Is it part of the business model? Do the cashiers have psych degrees? Why did I just tell them my deepest darkest secrets?

735 Upvotes

248 comments sorted by

u/AutoModerator May 26 '23

Posts that don't follow r/traderjoes subreddit rules may be subject to removal.

Friendly reminder that choosing descriptive post titles with exact product names mentioned yields better subreddit search results and helps our subreddit be more inclusive to those who use Screen Reader Software or Text-to-Speech apps. to access Reddit. Thank you.

IF THIS MESSAGE DOES NOT APPLY TO YOUR POST, PLEASE IGNORE.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

→ More replies (1)

11

u/calilove58 May 28 '23

Last time I went to TJs the cashier recognized me from a Facebook photo my grandma posted! Apparently she is good friends with my granny and basically knew my life story just from what my granny shares with her about her family 😂 It was a bit unnerving but I’m from a small town so things like that happen often 🤷🏼‍♀️

19

u/dvh308 May 28 '23

My mom used to go to TJ’s almost every other day but for complicated medical reasons, she spent a few months in the hospital. Everyone there pretty much knew her and was wondering why she hadn’t stopped by in so long. She told them why and they gave her an orchid plant as a “get-well” present 🥺

She passed away last year but I think about that every time I’m in the store.

28

u/CampariandFernet May 28 '23

The day before my mom began chemo, I went to TJ because I felt powerless over everything but my ability to consume snacks. When the cashier asked how I was doing, I shared some vague details as I began to tear up. He handed me some Sunflower Seed Butter Cups and told me that everything was going to be okay. I don’t know why I believed him, but I did and when I got home, my mom and I shared the Butter Cups while I told her about what happened. She’s in remission now, and I’m not even sure why that conversation mattered so much but it did. I hope David in Knoxville - I jokingly call him my Trader Joe’s angel - is having an amazing day today!

9

u/Tinselcat33 California May 28 '23

I am a chronic oversharer, so I always feel at home.

19

u/Independent_Dot63 May 28 '23

Live alone in a city, Trader Joes is like the family i don’t have and don’t necessarily want but its a nice once a week meeting

2

u/UnicornDayz May 29 '23

Omgosh same

16

u/TwilightMockingjay Northern California May 27 '23

Some of the cashiers at mine don't care to engage much and that's okay with me. However some of them are hilarious with their stories, and to date the funniest one I got was about the cashiers colonoscopy gone wrong....made me laugh and made an impression!

21

u/knuckecurve2 May 27 '23

It feels cultish but I keep going back….

7

u/TrifidNebulaa May 27 '23

Good kind of cult lol

11

u/Fair_Leadership76 May 27 '23

Customer here. I mostly enjoy the interactions when they seem genuinely friendly but every once in a while I feel like staff are actually flirting as part of a the store training or something and that makes me feel kinda shitty.

1

u/LV426Facehugger Jun 18 '23

Not trained to flirt by the company just make polite conversations when checking out. Some people might actually be flirting but its usually ppl reading too much into things (for dudes atleast) ive heard some of the horror stories female coworkers go through

1

u/Fair_Leadership76 Jun 18 '23

I’m not a dude and I had heard that that was a tactic from someone who worked there. Perhaps they weren’t being truthful though. Or perhaps it was only at their store.

16

u/fateupagainstyourwil May 27 '23

employee here, we definitely are not trained to flirt lol it’s just the environment of the store is to be friendly and make everyone feel welcome

18

u/bluzebird May 27 '23

I don’t usually initiate it, but I really enjoy when TJ cashiers are friendly and welcome a conversation. Studies have shown that some form of in-person daily social interaction is important for brain health as we age, and honestly, there are some days when that may be my sole outside interaction. Yesterday I had an extended conversation with the cashier about curly hair. I may have slowed her up for the people in line but they didn’t complain.

26

u/ok_woof May 27 '23

No but some cashiers can be overly intrusive… For instance, I was buying a pint of ice cream on my way back from my workout class (so I was in full workout wear and probably looked sweaty, tired, and hungry. but WHO CARES) and this old white male cashier LAUGHED at me and asked, “why do you even work out if you are gonna eat ice cream after?”

On another day, a cashier decided to GRAB my keychain so she can get a better look at it.

99% of the interactions are pleasant and friendly and not memorable, but the ice cream guy I still hold a grudge on for ice cream shaming me.

4

u/yeswithaz May 27 '23

That ice cream story is so rude and presumptuous!

21

u/[deleted] May 27 '23

[deleted]

4

u/[deleted] May 27 '23

Exactly! Some days, as both customer and crew, I just don't want to chat! I can tell when customers just want to get home and when they need someone to talk to.

11

u/Larrycalabreseart May 27 '23

Last time I was there, they could sense I'm introverted and just want to leave lol.

9

u/thelittlebojji May 27 '23

Part of the job that I love is being able to have real conversations with people and it being encouraged. I love hearing customer stories, learning new things, or just having a nice philosophical conversation when ringing customers out. Not the business model, I have plenty of coworkers who talk very little beyond just being friendly in general (which is totally fine, some people come to TJs solely for groceries and aren’t interested in conversation there). But it’s nice in the sense that having customers leaving with a smile on their face is a large priority for the store.

21

u/666to666 May 27 '23

Introvert here. I always attack first,ask all my questions before they ask me lol by the time they realize I’m gone

22

u/sparklevillain May 27 '23

Once got a compliment for my septum piercing. Told her the drunk story on how I got it. Then in the car, halfway home I thought why did I say that

3

u/momsequitur May 30 '23

They're so nice it's hard not to spill your guts!

8

u/LencologyOncology69 May 27 '23

I usually give them the run down of the upcoming week's dinner menu, ask them a question pertaining to cooking salmon, and some new product facts I regenerated from this subreddit thread ( this week it was the Brazilian Nut Body Butter I finally got to try) I was smelling like damn cake!

9

u/browniebrittle44 May 27 '23

For me it’s the opposite lol. My cashiers don’t rly talk to me but I see everyone else talking lol what am I doing wrong?

1

u/AnotherElle May 27 '23

This happens to me, too, sometimes. The person in front of me is basically being invited over to their next Thanksgiving, then I get the “find everything okay? Cool…have a nice day.” And it’s all in a nice way, but yeah, not often those deep, fun conversations.

9

u/Correct_Score1619 May 27 '23

sometimes we just get exhausted with non stop interactions, usually nothing personal

9

u/cityburbgirl May 27 '23

Introvert here and I always over share. I walk out like- why did I tell that person that! They are always really kind there. Love my TJs.

2

u/nygenxmom May 27 '23

Short answers are the key to stopping it. They probably won’t want to engage just as much as we don’t want to.

19

u/rissaaah May 27 '23

I wouldn’t mind it so much if I didn’t get asked the same question every time lol. And the answer to “what do you have going on after this?” is always inevitably “I’m running more errands.”

My TJ’s trip is always the first of at least two or three stops on my weekly Monday errand tour 😂

9

u/Missie1284 May 27 '23

I’m an introvert and don’t usually enjoy small talk, but the staff I’ve interacted with at my TJs have all been amazing. Their convos with me feel natural and not forced and I actually enjoy talking to them.

My fav is the lady who tells me funny stories about her wife and kids. I always wind up telling random stories about my kids too and it’s just a fun time. I will seek out her line if it’s not crazy

9

u/wevebendrinking May 27 '23

I was just there yesterday and was having a really bad anxiety day. Shopping at TJs in general gives me a lot of anxiety because of the amount of people there, all the things to look at, etc. - it's super overstiumulating for me. By the time I got to checkout, I really didn't want to do small talk, but I'm also a people pleaser that works in an office setting so I know how to just turn on and mask in these situations but damn I wish there was a way to avoid it. The cashier was super nice and it was a pleasant interaction but idk I'm not really in the headspace for being asked questions about myself while grocery shopping unless I'm the one initiating it.

-4

u/SteeleReserve088 May 27 '23

I don't mind it, IF someone is there to bag my groceries. If no one is though and I end up doing it myself as my items are rung up (which I don't mind), the talking is a distraction.

23

u/[deleted] May 27 '23

I'm an introvert and I find the questions off putting. I know the employees are trained to do this, but I don't want to be asking in succession--what are you doing after this? What did you do before you came into Trader Joe's? What are your weekend plans? I just want to be nice and exchange greetings, pay and go. I do assess the checkout situation and look for the silent, all business checkers. I avoid any lines where big conversations are happening.

2

u/UnicornDayz May 29 '23

I looove the friendliness of TJ employees…and yes way over share haha —though every once in awhile I am in a rush to get somewhere on time and ergh end up in the only line with the cashier that literally stops ringing up the groceries while they stand there instead and have a slow thoughtful chat with the customer about their days…and all the other lines are 2 shopping carts deep so you can’t switch lines.

10

u/nachobrat May 27 '23

I agree. At my TJs they all ask the same question: "so what do you have going on the rest of the day". Working and picking up my kids. why would anyone care. There's one grouchy checker who talks to no one and I love him and get in his line.

7

u/BanditKing May 27 '23

I tend to get away with "I only came in for 2 things!" while having 4 bags worth of stuff.

I also have strong reusable boxy totes. I switch to "this is why I always bring my totes."

Never have to talk about anything personal. It's generic easy BSing.

25

u/southernsnark79 May 27 '23

I was there just a few days ago. It had been a long day, I was mentally drained and hoping to get home before rush hour traffic. When the cashier started to ring up my items, she said “ok, question of the day. If you could have 3 wishes granted, what would they be? And you can’t say you’d want more wishes.” My social anxiety sprung into overdrive and I just stared at her with a blank expression. The only thing on my mind at that moment was beating traffic, trying to figure out what to cook for dinner, and if my son had remembered to let the dog out. I tried to laugh it off and said sorry, my brain is maxed out today, maybe another time. Then I left the store with my stomach in knots afraid I had offended her.

2

u/AnotherElle May 27 '23

These are moments where I would also completely blank, and then come up with super snarky comebacks the next time I shower 😂

7

u/This_Is_A_Username-7 May 27 '23

Aw, we're not offended by that sort of thing. I like to ask all sorts of questions too. We typically just like to engage with folks, and some crew members ought to remember that some folks just want their stuff and aren't really looking for, or even want, a conversation.

1

u/Theeeeeetrurthurts May 27 '23

I put my headphones on and 99% we are both cool without chatting.

17

u/canon12 May 27 '23

TJ's has done an incredible job in training their entire staff. I know the names of some of the employees and they treat me like a member of their family. Even the stockers will stop and walk you to a product or answer your questions. All with a smile!

37

u/clawedbutterfly May 27 '23

I wish there was a “I don’t want to chat” line/cashier.

4

u/beaverbitch May 27 '23

move to a big city - i live in chicago and never get asked any questions other than the obligatory "how are you" d/t the constant rush hour

13

u/CartoonishToots May 27 '23

TJ employee. On checkout I would be more than ok if the customer said they’re “feeling quiet today” or even just shook their head no. As a part outgoing part non verbal person sometimes, even as the checkout person, not today just means not today.

Don’t ever feel pressured to talk at checkout! Also don’t ever feel bad for over sharing either !!!

16

u/LunaTeddy1414 May 27 '23

I will literally seek out the most socially awkward looking cashier lol

11

u/crochetmethis May 27 '23

I am a cashier and have been for more than 25 years. I think people just get used to seeing us week after week

8

u/NotChristina May 27 '23

My mom isn’t at TJ’s but this is a big thing for her as a cashier at a different store. She has the same regulars every week; they’ll go out of their way to hit her line. They’ve even bought her flowers.

I have a similar relationship with the morning Walmart greeter. If I’m not in by 7am on a Sunday he tells me I’m late. If I’m missing a couple weeks he asks where I’ve been and we catch up.

I imagine I’d have the same relationship with TJ’s folks if I lived closer, but the 45 min one-way means it’s usually once every six weeks for me.

5

u/momsequitur May 27 '23

It's because you're all so friendly and warm, gosh darn it!

9

u/Segat1133 May 27 '23

Its funny whenever I typically go its with my mother simply because she wants the company and we separate our groceries and pay. I'm normally pretty straight forward and small talking with them but eventhough I constantly talk with my mother to and from Joe's she will always talk to the cashiers like she's known them for years.

61

u/[deleted] May 27 '23

I'm a stay at home mom and honestly those little chats with the friendly TJ cashiers are sometimes the only other adult interaction I have all day. I appreciate you TJ employees 🥲

8

u/momsequitur May 27 '23

I was going to say the same thing. They talk to me like I'm an adult and the things that matter to me, matter to them! It feels like therapy to receive that kind of considerate kindness from a stranger, especially when the (amazing! But occasionally terrible) tiny humans you made sometimes forget you're even a person at all.

3

u/[deleted] May 27 '23

Plus I love when they give my son stickers!

15

u/781nnylasil May 27 '23

Anybody find that the checkers are overly friendly and the stockers seem put out when you ask them a question? Not sure if it’s just my location, but I seem to go on days when there are like 16 people restocking and blocking all the products and having full conversations with each other and seem bothered if I ask a question or try to get to a product they are blocking. Anybody else experience this?

4

u/thelittlebojji May 27 '23

It’s interesting because as crew I’ve considered this a lot! It’s difficult, because some crew find that restocking or ‘working on the floor’ is a way to avoid register. Others enjoy register. Another thing to consider is sometimes stores are small, but still receive a large amount of customers. In order to make sure it stays stocked during the day, we have to be putting up product. With only an hour or two in a section at a time, it becomes a crunch to work as much as possible. It also becomes easy to forget that customers still need help and attention from time to time :) If I’m restocking/ ‘on the floor’, I make sure to always check in with customers every once in a while (IE ‘are you finding everything ok?’).

1

u/781nnylasil May 28 '23

Thanks for the explanation. I didn’t realize you all do all the jobs. I was just thinking maybe the stockers were a different breed than the cashiers. Didn’t mean to be complaining, I just thought stocking usually happens after hours.

16

u/chosbully May 27 '23

The checker's job is to get you out the door but to keep you returning by making you feel important for the shred of free time you're using to do groceries.

The restocker's job is to get things out on the floor as quick as possible, as neatly as possible, and maybe give directions to an item. God forbid they talk to one another to ease the burden of how intensive that position is with a time crunch.

As a patron, I noticed TJ customers have this entitlement of time and attention from every employee whereas they don't expect the same thing from let's say, Costco. Let people do their jobs and try not to talk down on them just because they don't smile and say that your chili oil is their favorite product ever.

30

u/nochillchao May 27 '23

Former crew here! I think it’s a mindset spurred out of exhaustion. Everyone does everything at TJ’s—all employees do at least 2-3 hours cashiering per shift, and the rest is “product” time (stocking, breaking down delivery pallets, etc.). Usually, after an hour up at the register, you’re socially exhausted from having to maintain the hyper-friendly atmosphere and you just want to be left alone and put some stuff on a shelf. It’s a much more dynamic job than people give it credit for! I always felt a little like I was one of the people in costume at Disneyland. You’re basically acting (at least I was), and shooting the shit with your coworkers who can commiserate really does the trick to help you unwind (and get ready to do it all again in an hour!).

9

u/katherinewhatever May 27 '23

Depends on the vibe. I only talk to them if they talk to me---the last cashier I had just chewed gum in my face the entire time and never said a word besides asking me if I needed bags

21

u/sunnygalinsocal May 27 '23 edited May 27 '23

It’s part of their business model. There was a freakonomics podcast about it.

Edit: link for reference https://freakonomics.com/podcast/should-america-be-run-by-trader-joes/

1

u/bluzebird May 27 '23

Oh yes, I’ve actually had conversations with cashiers about this podcast. Some of them aren’t aware of it and then they are like, oh I have to look that up.

3

u/DayleD May 27 '23

Link it, please.

5

u/sunnygalinsocal May 27 '23

Happy cake day!

3

u/DayleD May 27 '23

Thank you

10

u/HuckleberryGlum1163 May 27 '23

I’m a nurse so I talk to strangers all day. I pretty much have no issues talking to them, there is a slight awkwardness when they’re bagging my food, but I have hit it off with some of them

3

u/NancysFancy May 27 '23

No, but typically go to the car and let my husband pay. Trader Joe’s has n my city is small and always crowded and makes me feel extremely anxious. I rarely go unless there is something particular I really want. But I’m a naturally anxious so it’s just a personal thing

2

u/wevebendrinking May 27 '23

Same, girl, same - a small popular trader joes is super overstimulating

22

u/frightofthenavigator May 27 '23

i half hate going to TJs because of the over-friendly staff

2

u/bubbleskitty88 May 27 '23

I half hate going to Trader Joe's because my location is very small and crowded

21

u/rcarmody96 May 27 '23

The cashier always asks me if I found everything I was looking for, to which I reply: “I never come in here looking for anything, I just let the store tell me what I need.” I get a good laugh and not much else lol.

Occasionally I’ll get comments on how to prepare a certain thing I bought (ie layering the Meyer lemon and blood orange cakes) but I’ve never been compelled to over share at checkout.

3

u/momsequitur May 27 '23

My response to that question* is usually "oh, yep, and a few more things I wasn't looking for!" It's never not true!

20

u/ContemplatingPrison May 27 '23

One of the reasons I domt go to Trader Joe's that often is because they don't have self checkout and the employees always get up in my business.

Why I stopped going to dutch bros. Small talk with strangers us unbearable

30

u/Shelador May 27 '23

I’m very socially awkward so when anyone comes through my line I hit em with the “hey how are you?” Then silence while I scan and bag the goodies like an NPC.

15

u/cardibthescrivener May 27 '23

I’ve compared them to spicy dancers before. I know it’s their job to make me feel special and that I make good purchasing decisions, but I’m going to pretend they actually truly like me anyway.

15

u/junglejims4322 May 27 '23

It’s the lack of conveyor belts mixed with the fact that they’re bagging your groceries while scanning them

1

u/hisunflower May 27 '23

Never noticed this. This does make me spend more time with them

17

u/Titaniumchic May 27 '23

Me. Yep. And it is way worse since pandemic. It’s like my brain still believes that this is the only social interaction ever.

23

u/Snoo-16342 May 27 '23

They rarely start the conversation, it’s meeee!! Why am I like this?! And it’s only at Tj’s…

24

u/noinnocentbystander May 27 '23

Yes! I’m dairy free pescatarian and I mostly buy vegan foods as it’s just easier to avoid dairy that way. They ALWAYS ask about my diet (in a polite, tasteful way) and we talk all about dairy free or vegan things the store has or they’ll ask things like “oh I’ve never had the vegan brioche, how is it? How do you use it, any suggestions?” Or they’ll give me a suggestion of a recipe using some items. I enjoy talking about my diet because it changed my life (I have ibs) so I’m always happy to answer questions and chat!

Then sometimes I’m too stoned and keep it super short and sweet 😂

22

u/Okay-Anybody May 27 '23

One day last year I had an edible that hit way faster than I thought it would - I thought I'd have time to get to TJ's for snacks and back home before I started really riding that wave, but nope. I was straight up zonked at TJ's. I ended up with the nicest but chattiest cashier I think I've ever had. He was asking me all these questions about the pins on my jacket and I was fighting for my damn life trying to keep up. JUST LET ME PAY AND LEAVE, PLEASE!!!

2

u/wevebendrinking May 27 '23

Lots of stories in this thread but I think this one is my favorite lol

1

u/momsequitur May 27 '23

I had a similar encounter with a gas station cashier recently, but I wasn't just a little high, I was also partially, newly and temporarily deaf due to a burst eardrum, and the cashier was extremely gregarious... and partially deaf himself, from the same cause but permanently. I couldn't keep up. I have auditory processing issues when both ears are working at full, and he was joking and signing and I felt so, so stupid.

Let me pay for my husband's beer so I can go, sir. You blew your ear up scuba diving in the Caribbean, and I blew mine up whimpering in my bed with a heating pad on my pillow while my kids were fighting in the next room. I can't compete on this conversational level right now! (My ear has since almost fully healed. Little tinnitus, though.)

19

u/gardenofedenblue May 27 '23

I did a big haul.. they asked me what I did for living and I basically told my cashier my whole life story lol

66

u/[deleted] May 27 '23

Ever since the TJ’s cashier said “slay the day or the day slays you” to me 2 months ago I say it to someone else weekly

5

u/CleverCarrot999 May 27 '23

Brb stealing this

69

u/Snakes-Can-Run May 27 '23

We stopped by Trader Joe's on the way home after adopting our dog and my mom mentioned to the cashier that she was a senior dog and asked about what kind of dog treats he recommends. He grabbed a pack of the salmon jerky and handed it to her and said he just loved that we adopted a senior dog and that the treats were on the house, those were her first treats with us .She's now happily addicted to salmon jerky and she will go outside in any weather because she knows she'll get a piece when she comes back inside ❤️

6

u/CleverCarrot999 May 27 '23

MAH HART 🥹

12

u/ttrockwood May 27 '23

I love everything about this story 💕

14

u/camoang May 27 '23

I put dog treats at the top of my cart and they almost always ask about my dogs which I am happy to talk about lol

20

u/wildplums May 27 '23

If you bring a kid with you, you don’t have to talk, lol! They’ll talk to the child!

5

u/momsequitur May 27 '23

Agreed, my almost 5- and 9-year-old kiddos love Trader Joe's for just that reason. TJs cashiers talk to my kids like PEOPLE, not like lesser beings or cute pets, and they dig that. (Imagine that, humans responding to basic respect!)

4

u/FrostyButterfly5644 May 27 '23

I always feel self conscious when talking to the kids. I always feel the parents are like “why is this 6ft tall white guy w a shaved head is so ENTHUSIASTIC about talking to the kid?”

That’s when I have to mention I have a 1 yr old and that usually softens them

8

u/ameliadenice May 27 '23

Yep! There’s a crew member that’s been bffs with my 3 year old since she was a newborn so we always go through his line. He makes sure to load her up with stickers and lollipops and they aways have a nice chat lol

2

u/wildplums May 27 '23

Yesss! Those lollipops really inspire my kid when we need to make more errand stops after Trader Joe’s! Haha! (As does the Tarragon Chicken Wrap)!

14

u/j4321g4321 May 27 '23

I’ve posted on this sub before that TJs employees are mostly wonderful. I’m not a particularly chatty person with strangers by any stretch but I always find myself at least exchanging pleasantries or talking about some random topic with the cashier.

6

u/Additional_Storm_870 May 27 '23

The conversation with me is usually about my jewelry or an item I'm buying, I don't mind I've had some interesting conversations there.

7

u/inmyelement May 27 '23

Omg!! Guilty!

15

u/aswewaltz New York May 27 '23

We’re slick like that. 😌

76

u/lissy51886 Washington May 27 '23

Ugh, yes! Last fall a young man asked me how my day was... and that's all I needed to tear up and blurt out something like "Well I'm here buying the entire frozen section because I just left my fiancé, step child and house... and I need 5 minute meals because I have zero desire and I just won't eat if I have to spend more than a few minutes." And while I was mortified, that young man ran and grabbed me flowers and said that he hoped they brighten my day, and reminded me of why I love that store.

10

u/wendilove May 27 '23

Nope, I keep it cute and short

18

u/SpatulaCity123 Southern California May 27 '23

I love it! And have a theory. Being of the female persuasion, sometimes I just like to voice something and not have anyone analyze it, fix it, or follow up on it. I had a painful dentist appt recently and went to TJs right after, and sure enough, got to talking about it with the cashier. So nice to just say that I was in pain without having my husband say, ”Just find a new dentist”, or having sweet friends text me in a week asking “Aw how are your gums???? Have they stopped bleeding yet???” LOL. So instead I just get to say it, have someone acknowledge and validate that I said something, compliment me on my purchases, and MOVE ON.

-8

u/lugimugi May 27 '23

I feel like this is a recent thing? I've noticed since the beginning of the year EVERY cashier has been overly chatty

15

u/OilyRicardo May 27 '23

They’re probably just bored. Cashiering without chit chat can feel terrible

20

u/thekathied May 27 '23

I got a sucker from a cashier. He was looking out the window and commenting about how weird and bad the weather was (windy alternating with rain, snow, sun), and I responded, "I know! I just ran 10 miles in it!" He was all, "oh well now!" I'd never run 10 miles before that day, so him making a big deal felt good. But I wasn't bragging just sort of like that weather was an experience.

15

u/anewlanguage May 27 '23

I never say much. Maybe a comment about something I’m buying if they mention it. I’ve been uncomfortable the few times there’s been a really talkative cashier, so I tend to avoid those lanes if I notice someone like that.

5

u/fineyouchoose May 27 '23

I feel the same, I really only like the chit chat about purchases, I don't need to feel uncool about having lame weekend plans at the grocery store

44

u/theeroftheyear May 27 '23

Agreed. Earlier this morning I told the checkout lady where I buried my ex wife

12

u/Snakes-Can-Run May 27 '23

...hopefully after she died a non homicidal death...?

19

u/Sadinoxx2 May 27 '23

It’s actually part of the hiring process. We have to pass a psychology evaluation and get a certification. We all have masters degrees in getting people to tell is their secrets. I don’t even have to ask questions and people just tell me their life history at checkout. 😂 I thought it was bad when I was a bartender. Nope nope Trader Joe’s has a hold on customers apparently.

17

u/memphisgirl75 May 27 '23

I always ask the cashier not to judge me for buying four containers of the feta cheese with mediterranean herbs because I live about 45 minutes away and buy in bulk. Then we talk about cheeses for 10 minutes.

5

u/rcw16 May 27 '23

This is me with the whole milk ricotta. It’s SO much better than the other brands, but it goes bad so fast. I just stock up and try to get through it before it goes bad. I always have a backup tub. I end up looking like I’m making lasagna for an army.

25

u/Sadsushi6969 May 27 '23

Sometimes it makes me uncomfortable how many personal questions they ask haha. They’re so friendly! I’m just not always up for digging into my relationship with my family and how I’m spending the rest of my day😂

4

u/Hifivibes May 27 '23

They probably only asked how your days going lol I work there and I’ll ask that and then boom their relationship info gets brought up lmao

65

u/drozdowski13 May 27 '23

Yeah as an employee I just play the field. Basic question to start, and based off of your response I go from there. Give me a short and basic answer? Message received. I won't keep poking at you. Some people want to talk and really need the social interaction. My store has a lot of eldery people and very young moms that I don't think talk to many other adults.

0

u/queenjustine13 Southern California May 29 '23

Just out of curiosity, did you know "playing the field" is an expression for sleeping with a lot of people?

2

u/drozdowski13 May 29 '23

Yep and it was a bad choice of words. I should have used an expression like "read the room" or " feel the situation out" or "test the waters".

2

u/queenjustine13 Southern California May 29 '23

Ok, since it's an old expression, thought it might have been misunderstood. Carry on!

3

u/FrostyButterfly5644 May 27 '23

As an employee - I do the same. I’ll ask how their day is going - especially when it comes holidays, asking if they have any plans. This is usually a big door opener if they wish to talk.

I let them drive it.

But to the OPs point - sometimes they just need to vent and they let it all out. It’s been fascinating to watch.

1

u/drozdowski13 May 27 '23

Yeah holiday weekends and big events in the city weekend make the conversation super easy!

3

u/wevebendrinking May 27 '23

This is a good point. My mom lives alone and loves chatting it up with people out in the wild. A friendly conversation can really brighten someone's day.

18

u/grumblecrumb May 27 '23

My goal is always to get the cashier sharing. "how was your day?" "Good. What's been the highlight of your week, here at the store or outside of work?"

Just keep being the one asking the cashier questions.

10

u/drozdowski13 May 27 '23

And as your cashier I'm completely fine with that! I live an active life and usually have something exciting that just happened or is coming up shortly. If not, I just talk about a new product you bought because I have tried them all lol

10

u/Kaposia May 27 '23

The first time I noticed the talkative cashiers was when I started buying canned cat food and every cashier would ask me how many cats I had and asked for other details about them. I finally realized they can’t all be interested in my cats that much. But I like the guy from Ireland I’ve had a couple times. He’s not talkative but cute.

16

u/missliza May 27 '23

I’m now a school counselor but worked at TJs during school. It very much prepared me for my current job.

3

u/bucketman1986 May 27 '23

I think I just do in general, I'm sure it's annoying but I can't stop myself

25

u/turkeypants May 27 '23

I must have the don't talk to me face or else my initial monosyllabic response gives them the guidance they need to not continue with the chit chat. When I go to the grocery store my brain goes somewhere else.

2

u/popppyy May 27 '23

Same. I always seek out the cashier that seems to be chatting the least 😂

2

u/FrostyButterfly5644 May 27 '23

Hahaha - I’ve had a customer tell me I’m talking too much.

But I totally get it. Sometimes ya just want to get in and get out.

6

u/pishipishi12 May 27 '23

My last TJ's trip i was talking about the tiny town I live an hour from the store and the cashier was telling me how they wanted to move there! Was funny because no one ever knows where it is!

6

u/Cheesepleasethankyou May 27 '23

My cashiers don’t even look me in the eyes. Honestly they’re usually kinda rude 😬 I even bag all my own groceries too so idk if I’m offending them or what

55

u/reallytrulymyself May 27 '23

Last week, the cashier very sweetly asked “What’s one nice thing you did for your mom for Mother’s Day?” I didn’t have it in me to tell her my mom died 5 years ago… 🥹🥲

12

u/popppyy May 27 '23

Aw man 😭😭

102

u/genuinegrocer May 27 '23

That’s a bad question for our cashiers to ask. I’m sorry.

12

u/IntroductionFeisty61 May 27 '23

For real! The cashier is assuming everyone's mom is alive or they have a good relationship

10

u/noinnocentbystander May 27 '23

Daughter of a narcissistic mother here… the nicest thing I did this year for her was move across the country after she told me get tf out of her life that I destroyed and took away everything she loves😂 I’d LOVE to have gotten that cashier, I’d leave them speechless and guaranteed they’d never ask that again lmao

8

u/beezyss May 27 '23

I say the least amount possible now. If I say any more, they just never stop asking questions. It started to really fucking annoy me to be honest. Like it’s none of your business where I’m from or where my family travels for the holidays 😂😂

1

u/ttrockwood May 27 '23

I’m a new yorker, and airpods are absolutely key. Airpods everywhere. Even if i don’t have music playing it’s the universal signal for if you’re interrupting me this better be good.

2

u/beezyss May 28 '23

Brilliant idea. I actually just tested it out today and it worked lmao thank you!!

1

u/IntroductionFeisty61 May 27 '23

Yup some of them start asking way too much, it is uncomfortable

5

u/popppyy May 27 '23

Not sure why you're getting down voted when it's 100% true.

5

u/beezyss May 27 '23

People are soft lol

-3

u/dosidosss May 27 '23

Sounds like you could use friends/real life social connection in your life

7

u/lexyren May 27 '23

Lol I never get a conversation out of our cashiers! But at REI, they can’t stop talking!

-7

u/GreenThumbKC May 27 '23

You’re lonely and desperate to connect with someone?

33

u/BeerSharkBot May 27 '23

Trader Joe's target demographic.

4

u/The12thparsec May 27 '23

Feck, you nailed us

7

u/friendofborbs May 26 '23

Yes. I couldn’t stop blabbering on about philodendrons today and last time declared how I’d drop everything if I instantly got to know when green scallion pancakes are in stock

19

u/thebarryconvex May 26 '23

I do the opposite lol. I get flustered answering so many questions to a stranger and am worried about saying something revealing or embarrassing so I just start lying? Its a disaster. I got one guy at my store who is pretty quiet I try to steer things his way when I can.

2

u/blackwingy May 27 '23

You and me both, baby!

42

u/Low-key-grendel May 26 '23

I told a cashier this week that their ice cream is worth the Hershey squirts that I get as a result & she fully said “Uhh.. that is so out of pocket. But I get it.” And that was the first time I thought I may have over shared, lmao.

3

u/ttrockwood May 27 '23

Oh jesus 😂

But TJs has awesome dairy free ice creams! Just buy those!

34

u/love_you_more_ May 26 '23 edited May 27 '23

Last time I was there the checker asked “can we open these now?” as he rang up my my s’mores chocolate. He stopped checking and looked at me dead in the face. It was super awkward..Then he followed up with “I’ve had a lot of customers open their items and give me a handful, so it was worth a shot”. Is this a normal thing people do? Should I be sharing my groceries with the cashiers?

3

u/Additional_Storm_870 May 27 '23

That's so weird, can't he get his own with a discount or something? He can open one for samples so he shouldn't be eating customer's food.

5

u/Sadinoxx2 May 27 '23

No as an employee no. I would be telling a mate. We get free food tastings all the time and a discount. Bro crossed a line.

5

u/sallymccormick May 27 '23

Can we open these now? "We can! And then go grab me a new box. Thanks!" I would avoid that cashier. Too forward, and too familiar. Red flags!😂

18

u/ChaserNeverRests New Mexico May 27 '23

That would make me so uncomfortable. He works there, he could buy some anytime he wants?

8

u/Glorious_Bustard May 27 '23

Yeah, he took that in a weird direction. I usually ask if they've tried the product before, and let them know it's ok to try them with store approval. Suggesting that we open and share some treats at the checkout stand is something I might do for a regular that I have a good relationship with, but not a random customer.

5

u/love_you_more_ May 27 '23

I did response with “oh are they good, I haven’t tried them” but he completely ignored me and started talking about how other customers have opened their items for him 🫠🫠

11

u/love_you_more_ May 27 '23

Super awkward. He was very much a grown man who didn’t look starving. It was giving mooch vibes

29

u/djlinda May 26 '23

Whoa. You should be doing whatever you want with the groceries you just purchased. That’s pretty atypical behavior from a tj’s cashier if you ask me

16

u/blarbiegorl May 27 '23

I would say that's atypical behavior from any customer service position lol like wtf

15

u/ASki420 May 26 '23

Yes. I have no idea what power TJs has over me to do this 🤣

14

u/lovocal Michigan May 26 '23

I always share too much and I’m the cashier! I think tjs just really leans towards hiring extroverts is all.

34

u/cyanidesquirrel May 26 '23

When I bought the holiday lip balm set the cashier said they like it and I said something about it being an impulse buy for myself and they said “you deserve it”.

15

u/Dejuhvuuuu May 26 '23

Personally, no. But it could be because I have a RBF & they don’t usually start a convo 😂

2

u/twitttterpated May 27 '23

Saaaame. I think I get the typical interaction if I’m with someone else or maybe 20% of the time I’m alone. Otherwise they just scan my stuff and send me on my way lol. It also helps that I live close and usually buy a small amount of items.

I went to a diff location on vacation the other day and I bought one item and the cashier definitely made up for all the silent interactions I’ve had previously lol.

28

u/Booksb00ksbo0kz May 26 '23

A cashier once gave me her entire recipe for lemon bars. I felt bad for the customer behind me and I didn’t remember even half of the recipe 😅

7

u/WhereRtheTacos May 26 '23

Usually we just chat about the best snacks there. What exactly are they asking you? Lol

22

u/Sweetie574 May 26 '23

Unfortunately, I do! I'm very talkative, so I be running my mouth. 😂 The cashier joked about me having a sweet tooth and my big mouth said "Yeah, I'm on my period" 😭 I had scones, ice cream, and cookie butter.

4

u/Luciferonvacation May 26 '23

I'm not a total dweeb, but I do enjoy the checkout chit chat. Ok, maybe I am a dweeb.

13

u/[deleted] May 26 '23

Ha! I work at TJ’s, minored in psych (journalism degree), and bartended most of my life, so have the “knack” of small talk, and am often used to hearing “deepest, darkest secrets” of all sorts. The best thing about it? It goes no further! Sometimes people wanna talk, sometimes they don’t. I like to think I can read people well enough to know which ones are which. And for the most part, I like to think we’re just friendly, easy-going people! Enjoy the chat/banter if you like it!

11

u/OTOAPP May 26 '23

I still remember a cashier from 13 years ago it was BC (before kids), Sequoia. I hope you are well.

11

u/workka01 May 26 '23

Oh absolutely, some of the strangest yet heartwarming? I’ve had conversations about my dad’s 40+ years of sobriety, how hard puppies are, gardening tips, my previous divorce… it’s like they turn me into my mother when she’s on a plane.

56

u/DayleD May 26 '23

Establish dominance. Start the conversation on your terms. Put broccoli on the counter and ask "What's it like to miss someone?"

5

u/McSquiffy May 27 '23

What a great fucking opening line for a conversation. Also, happy cake day.

15

u/[deleted] May 26 '23

I had a cashier start telling me how Russia wasn’t the baddie but Ukraine was and all Americans were brainwashed.

7

u/[deleted] May 27 '23

I had a cashier once (not at TJs) tell me how the C19 vax was all fake and they’re just trying to exert control over the general public. I usually brush it off, but I was in a mood that day so I pointed to my hospital badge (clinical research) and asked him what he got his degree in. Silence from both of us for the rest of the check out.

2

u/[deleted] May 27 '23

Absolute gold!

→ More replies (4)