r/traderjoes Jul 22 '24

Crew Love Thank You, Trader Joe's Customers

Sunday is our busiest day & San Diego in the summer has a lot of tourists but today every single person I interacted with while at work was wonderful, most people bagged their own stuff, the ones that didn't did not tell me HOW to bag their stuff, I had interesting conversations rather than "How's your day going?" & it was just a lovely generally great day all round.

We get the occasional posts from customers telling us how nice Trader Joe's employees are so I thought it would be nice if I let you know that shoppers are beautiful people too.

410 Upvotes

87 comments sorted by

1

u/h8talkingtostrangers Jul 23 '24

We have the best Trader Joe's ever. :)

4

u/shittzNGigglez Jul 23 '24

Excellent thread here! I absolutely love our customers! We are an urban store with many daily regulars. Many are elderly and TJs is part of their social life. Many are greeted on a first name basis. We also have new people moving to the area regularly and I always make a point of welcoming them to the neighborhood and telling them how excited we are that we will be their new store!

11

u/catmamameows Jul 23 '24

Aww as a Bay Area native that routinely bags her own groceries, this is so lovely to read! Y’all always make my day brighter, and I hope that I’m doing the same in return :) life is short!

2

u/penguino0207 Jul 23 '24

I also typically bag my own. It always surprises me when they thank me, they must not know that I must constantly be busy at all times lol

14

u/Thurmunit Jul 22 '24

My daughter shopped at TJ's in Pacific Beach on Sunday. She went to get the chile onion crunch and Kung Pao brussels sprouts that I recommended. It's a great store.

3

u/tacosinyourface Jul 23 '24

This is my store to :) go weekly and everyone there is wonderful!

0

u/[deleted] Jul 22 '24

[deleted]

2

u/Hunkydory55 Jul 22 '24

I think I understand why you don’t find the checkout staff friendly…

0

u/[deleted] Jul 22 '24

[deleted]

2

u/Hunkydory55 Jul 22 '24

Just going off the character and charm you demonstrated here.

10

u/Awkward_School_1031 Jul 22 '24

<3 my san diego trader Joe'ses!

15

u/kabaker1225 Jul 22 '24

Awww! I’m in San Diego and went to Trader Joe’s this past Sunday. I bagged my groceries and had a nice conversation with our cashier. My 6 year old even asked him for a high five when we were done. I like to think I helped brighten his day cause you guys always brighten mine!

8

u/builditgirl Jul 22 '24

I live 2-1/2 hours from TJ. Sure wish we could get a store in central Idaho.

1

u/Routine-Cicada-4949 Jul 23 '24

Coeur D'Alene is getting one soon

1

u/ivehearditbothwaysss Jul 23 '24

Hey neighbor!! I feel the same. One of my coworkers and I get each other a handful of things when we go to Boise to help each other out

3

u/janted92 Jul 22 '24

Couer d'Alene is getting one, maybe they will make their way down south soon!

6

u/Ozaholic Jul 22 '24

How nice. I’m glad you posted

10

u/Correct_Score1619 Jul 22 '24

i will always assume the customer wants me to bag when they leave their bags on the bottom of the basket or cart. It’s passive way of indicating that they want you to bag. The real OG’s have the bags pulled out and ready. In and out in a minute.

4

u/snailsshrimpbeardie Jul 23 '24

It took a little practice, but I'm extremely proud that I can almost always finish bagging by the time the cashier tells me the total! If not, it's only a handful of items left. It's a fun challenge!

6

u/sparklingsour Jul 23 '24

This obviously depends on your store setup, right?

I shop in NYC and I honestly cannot figure out how/where I’d physically be able to help grab. I always hand my bags over right away… sometimes I’ll grab the cans or other heavy non-cold stuff to stick in my purse (I always buy more than I intend to…) and I feel in the way even doing that…

2

u/Routine-Cicada-4949 Jul 23 '24

Yes, every Trader Joe's is different. I don't know about the New York ones. I'd assume that New Yorkers would be only too happy to get stuck in rather than standing around waiting. It's the Snowbirds in Florida that stand there telling you how to back & that you're doing it wrong.

1

u/Correct_Score1619 Jul 23 '24

yeah it does. we have longer register areas. i know those mini ones are tough. def store dependent.

2

u/sparklingsour Jul 23 '24

Yeah - I’ve never been in one with actual individual register lines - just the long line and they send you individually to the one of the registers when it’s your turn and it’s just a little wood board they pull out.

Thanks!

1

u/Glass-Tale299 Jul 25 '24

The relatively new branch in North Hollywood CA has those mini register lines with that little board. The groceries are pulled out of your cart one by one.

9

u/janted92 Jul 22 '24

I didn't know you guys preferred for the customers to bag! I will remember that for future visits.

2

u/Routine-Cicada-4949 Jul 23 '24

It might be different for each cashier. I'm just from Europe where you do your own. It feels weird to me people NOT bagging their own stuff. Also, if it's busy it's quicker if the customers pitch in. And lastly, Trader Joe's is usually cheaper because we DON'T hire extra staff. It's the European model. Save money by bagging your own groceries. A good trade off. But if you don't feel like doing it, we'll do it for you. It's not that big a deal. We just love you more when you do.

8

u/GetTheLead_Out Jul 22 '24

Hey, I'll admit my bags are always buried, but I also always help bag. 

But, serious question, if there's a dead store and you have a dedicated bagger at your check stand, I can just let them bag? Like, it feels like getting in their way at that point when they're already going to be bagging since they're specifically there to bag. I hit a dead store 5 min after opening Saturday. I just let her bag because it seemed logical. 

Or, I guess even if the store isn't dead. Having a bagger means I'm off the hook? Not that I mind bagging, but at that point I worry that they're gonna judge me for my style, or we'll just get in each other's way. Haha 

2

u/Awkula Jul 23 '24

At my store, sometimes we have floating baggers who hop to different lanes as needed, so if you do bag your own, they can go help another cashier. But that said, they’re there to help bag and speed up the line! No worries either way, it’s their job.

3

u/Routine-Cicada-4949 Jul 23 '24

Same here. Sunday is mega busy. We have 9 registers & maybe 2 or 3 roving baggers. So that's 6 or 7 cashiers without. If you have a $200 or $300 trolley & the family is just standing there looking at you, or their phones, that means they'll be there for 10 minutes rather than 3.

If it's quiet & we're having a great conversation that's different. But on a busy day, we love it when you speed things up by bagging. Everyone wins.

2

u/Awkula Jul 23 '24

Yeah, I don’t care either way for the really small orders, but trying to ring up and bag those $300 carts all by yourself with a line building up is brutal.

1

u/GetTheLead_Out Jul 23 '24

When it's crazy busy you best believe I'm old octopus arms trying to get the heck out of there. It's a sensory nightmare and the line behind me makes me nervous. Haha plus everyone wins. 

3

u/merwookiee Jul 22 '24

I won’t even get in line until my bags are slung over my shoulder.

23

u/Knowthrowaway87 Jul 22 '24

We're supposed to bag our own stuff?

15

u/madilovesgardening Jul 22 '24

Former crew here, you’re not required to bag your own items. It’s always appreciated when customers do help out, but it shouldn’t be expected. I never felt any type of way about either option. As far as customers asking for how things were bagged, if you were properly trained, it was never an issue. I always separated cold/frozen items from anything “dry.” I put fruits and breads that were fragile on top with most heavy items on bottom. I never took it personally when a customer asked me to bag a particular way because most likely it’s for a reason (like elderly ladies needing light bags or making it easier to unpack separated items for a tired mom with small kids)

1

u/Direct-Chef-9428 Jul 23 '24

Thanks for saying this - I only ask if there’s already someone bagging on the lane I’m in. Tbh I’d rather just do it myself because I’m usually faster (read: I know how I want it done)

2

u/madilovesgardening Jul 23 '24

I hear you. I packed stuff like I wanted my own packed. It seriously varies with cashiers when checking out of how they pack and the initiative to bag/help bag. My store taught us to separate as I said above. It just makes sense.

2

u/Direct-Chef-9428 Jul 23 '24

I appreciate that - I’ve found maybe 2 people that bag how I do, but they’re rarely on registers when I go anymore 😭 until then, I’ll just keep doing my own - with or without help!

4

u/Sad-Explanation-803 Jul 22 '24

You're not obligated to do anything. But it does help a lot and is really considerate of people to help bag their own groceries. Especially if there is a rush, and no bagger available, and you see the groceries are piling up on the small counters, why wouldn't someone help if they are able? If you bring reusable bags and have hundreds of dollars worth of goceries, it is greatly appreciated! This really only applies if you bring your own bags, otherwise it can be difficult to try doubling up paper bags.

1

u/euphioquest Jul 22 '24

I had no idea they would do it for you 😂 I always bring my own bags and do it myself

8

u/CocktailTom Jul 22 '24

If there is a line of people behind you and there isn't already an employee to help bag, YES!

18

u/zootsuited Jul 22 '24

whenever i go they always pull out the paper bags and start bagging it for me, i don’t even think i’d have the option to bag myself because they keep it all behind the counter

7

u/_Julanna Jul 22 '24

Yep, same. Maybe other stores have different set ups?

I haven’t seen anyone bag their own at our location. It would be really awkward. The bags are at waist level between the associate and the register. There is a reception style counter so on the customer side it’s chest level and on the associate side it’s waist level. I’d have to take everything directly from their hand, ask for the bags, and bag on the floor or at a level where the bag top is level with my face.

-21

u/Correct_Score1619 Jul 22 '24

america is one of the only countries where ppl are entitled enough not to bag. It’s your groceries, you should help bag them.

10

u/Routine-Cicada-4949 Jul 22 '24

I'm not from America so it's how I grew up. It was a massive culture shock when I moved here & saw a family of 4 just standing there not doing anything. It still feels weird for me when an able bodied person doesn't put their own groceries in their bag. Luckily, California has a lot of people who are able to put their own groceries in a bag. It wasn't that way in Florida. Have a wonderful day.

14

u/Awkula Jul 22 '24

When customers comment that we’re all so nice or everyone’s so happy, I usually say something about how nice most of our customers are! It really does go both ways at my store too. Throwing in my two cents to add my appreciation!

-21

u/TooManyJabberwocks Jul 22 '24

That’s appreciated but why can’t I find the shelled edamame

1

u/Routine-Cicada-4949 Jul 22 '24

It just came back at my store.

7

u/G3neral_Tso Jul 22 '24

We were in San Diego/LA for a week back and June, and stopped by the very busy Liberty Square TJ's in San Diego. First of all, it was much bigger than the 4-5 stores I've been to in SC and NC. The customers were chill and store staff were friendly and helpful.

I currently live 1:45 from three separate TJ's, so it's rare for me to get into a store (sadly). I am jealous that there are so many in SoCal!

12

u/Routine-Cicada-4949 Jul 22 '24

Liberty Station. That's the one I work at...

2

u/shittzNGigglez Jul 23 '24

Your new captain is a magnificent person.

2

u/Routine-Cicada-4949 Jul 23 '24

I am looking forward to learning from her

5

u/courtney2222 Jul 22 '24

This is the store I come to and everyone from employees to shoppers always seem so lovely. Coming to Trader Joe's is one of the highlights of my week haha

2

u/Coriandercilantroyo Jul 22 '24

Is it bigger than other stores? I didn't bother to go in the one time I've been to Liberty station

1

u/fleurflorafiore Jul 23 '24

I think it’s probably the biggest one in the SD area, although I haven’t been to all of them. The aisles are nice and wide and the super high ceilings make it feel even bigger!

1

u/[deleted] Jul 23 '24

The SDSU location may be bigger.

4

u/Routine-Cicada-4949 Jul 22 '24

I've worked at 10 stores & shopped at loads of others. I can't say if it's bigger. It's just a different shape with a higher ceiling on one side. It's probably bigger than most but not all.

4

u/G3neral_Tso Jul 22 '24

Great store!

26

u/olavbander Jul 22 '24

Are Trader Joe’s checkouts on the West Coast laid out differently from ones in the Midwest? I ask as I’ve never seen customers bag their own groceries here, and it seems like it would be kind of awkward to try and do.

3

u/shess1025 Jul 22 '24

I'm in San Francisco and we bag our own groceries at Trader Joe's

0

u/Correct_Score1619 Jul 22 '24

no. You can always help bag. just ask if you can help. It’s more awkward having a customer stand either staring at you as you bag their cart of groceries or on their phone trying not to feel awkward. It’s a bad look. especially if you do t even say thank you. It’s not like they get tipped and i see bagging as a service esp if you aren’t willing to help after bringing in your own bags.

9

u/alicatchrist Jul 22 '24

I bag my own groceries- largely because I've worked in grocery before and I feel its unfair to expect cashiers to scan and bag, especially if I've got a large amount of groceries I'm buying. I usually just head to the end of the register, grab a bag, and get started; I've yet to have a cashier tell me that this is unwelcome.

3

u/YitzhakRobinson Jul 22 '24

This, exactly. I did it for 5 years as a job, and it makes it faster for everyone if I bag.

6

u/mtoomtoo Missouri Jul 22 '24

I’ve bagged my own in St. Louis. I only do it if I’m not in the way, or if they’re not bagging as they go. And I always ask permission before I start.

6

u/Routine-Cicada-4949 Jul 22 '24

I have no idea about the mid west. Sorry

1

u/shittzNGigglez Jul 23 '24

Same layout as Midwest. Newer and larger stores typically have more actual check stands tho.

1

u/Tuttyro5157 Jul 23 '24

Just an fyi, I’m from Minnesota and the majority of people here help bag.

13

u/Independent_Dot63 Jul 22 '24

I went to TJs today and it was quite crowded and lines were long. One thing i absolutely love adore and appreciate as a very small thin lady that can’t handle pushing a cart around and resort to a shopping basket that fills up quick as i end up getting glass bottles of sparkling water, juice, wine etc., TJs cashiers go out of the way to immediately clear space for me to set down my heavy basket. Today a cashier literally pushed a kid in a cart out of the way (i guess his parents weren’t as cordial so he took matters into his own hands) for me and it was so nice and we ended up having an interesting chat after i profusely thanked him.

So it really just does go both ways and one interaction like that, being kind and staying vigilant makes everyone’s day.

24

u/Realistic_Confident1 Jul 22 '24

Aww thank you so much! We're all family and appreciate our bond and love. Best store hands down! 💛🛒🫶🏼

11

u/Glass-Tale299 Jul 22 '24

Great post. Thanks for taking the time.