I work at Trader Joe's. AMA.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:The bread at TJ's definitely goes bad quickly too. I avoid buying bread products there.

Seriously? This is your complaint? This means that their bread is actually fresher!! Bread that last more than a couple of days is loaded with preservatives.

I've had bread get moldy in 2 days from Trader Joe's. That's unusable. Same thing with pita. This isn't freshness, something about how they store their bread is causing moisture problems. It may just be the store I shop at, but it's been a consistent issue.

I think they keep their bread frozen and then put it out on the shelves. Moisture builds up in the bag that facilitates mold.

Yes, I always see tons of condensation inside a lot of the bread bags so I don’t buy those.

Take it home, open the bag, let the condensation dry out, and use or freeze. This is not difficult.

If you leave food containers open, spores and bacteria can get in it making it spoil even faster, so I just don’t buy those. Fine if it works for you.

Enjoy your plastic bread!

No worries! I have no difficulty procuring bread that is neither quickly-molding TJ's bread nor plastic bread.

[Anonymous]

How much is the TJ cashier getting paid, in general, if they are working full time (40 hrs)?

[Anonymous]

When is the new TJs in Bethesda opening?

Seems like it has taken forever to finish that building.

[Anonymous]

Any hints on when the best time to shop is — looking for a combo of well-stocked plus not many shoppers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How much is the TJ cashier getting paid, in general, if they are working full time (40 hrs)?

Depending on COL in an area, anywhere from about $30k-$35k for a new hire to $45k-$50k for someone who’s been there for 20 years and is at the cap.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How much is the TJ cashier getting paid, in general, if they are working full time (40 hrs)?

Employees are rarely allowed to work 40 hours, because management doesn't want to pay them overtime. Shifts are 7.5 hours, up to 5 days a week. You are not paid for any holidays (store is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day).

In this area, starting hourly is 14-17/hour, and you can get up to a dollar raise a year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Any hints on when the best time to shop is — looking for a combo of well-stocked plus not many shoppers.

Opening to 11am, Tues/Wed/Thurs.

Stocking isn't normally issue, but "supply chain" issues are real. From pickers, to packers, to warehouses, drivers, and store staff. Covid + weather have made things harder, but stores get trucks every single day normally.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How much is the TJ cashier getting paid, in general, if they are working full time (40 hrs)?

Also fyi, you can't just be a cashier. Every crew does everything, from stocking, to cleaning (even bathrooms), to cashier, to returning carts. Every shift is broken up so your day is a mix of a variety of activities.

[Anonymous]

My husband is retiring next month and looking for “something fun to do” and earn vacation money. What is the minimum hours one can work?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How much is the TJ cashier getting paid, in general, if they are working full time (40 hrs)?

Also fyi, you can't just be a cashier. Every crew does everything, from stocking, to cleaning (even bathrooms), to cashier, to returning carts. Every shift is broken up so your day is a mix of a variety of activities.

I think that is brilliant

[Anonymous]

I don't really like Trader Joe's.

[Anonymous]

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE CAULIFLOWER PATTIES?

(one of the few things my toddler would eat - hence the ALL CAPS).

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:TJs milk is cheaper but goes bad much faster than a traditional grocery store. Why do you think that is? Is it older?

I have no idea, sorry. I don't buy milk that frequently but when I do, I haven't had that problem. Is it all kinds, or a specific kind (like the organic 2%)? Maybe it's the specific store's refrigeration?

Different poster, but we have had this problem with TJ's milk for the last decade or two. It's less of an issue for us currently, as one of my kids drinks a lot of milk and helps us get through it fast. But before this, we'd avoid the milk.

I noticed that as well. I used to never buy milk from trader Joe's as a result I think it has something to do with the cardboard containers because I haven't noticed the issue when I've bought plastic jugs

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My husband is retiring next month and looking for “something fun to do” and earn vacation money. What is the minimum hours one can work?

Depends entirely on the store. After applying, two interviews is standard. Availability is really, really important when they consider new hires. After working a while and proving your value/worth ethic/experience, I know some stores are ok with bumping people down to 1-2 days a week (especially if they have another M-F job). But for the most part, when hiring someone who’s just starting, they want your availability as wide open - probably 3 days a week (7.5 hour shifts, typically), one of them definitely being a Saturday/Sunday. They'll also get trained faster that way.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:WHAT HAPPENED TO THE CAULIFLOWER PATTIES?

(one of the few things my toddler would eat - hence the ALL CAPS).

Sorry, I don't know! Often it's a supplier issue, but it's not in our control.