Anonymous wrote:I used to work for Trader Joe's. Truly a great company, some warts like all, but really not many. I have seen some quality of food items go down with the price/profit crunch, but it is still far above many grocery stores. They have some awesome foods you just can't find elsewhere.
People are happy b/c they are well paid. I mean very well paid. I worked there 10 years ago and started at $8.00 an hour, within a short period of time I made up to $13 per hour, this was to stock shelves and run a register while I was in college. When they open a new store they bring in full and part time people from all over the country, seasoned friendly and loyal employees. It really makes a difference. Plus the stores are small so they really focus on their niche items and keeping a clean pretty set up.
The main manager at each store can make $150K++ easily, very well compensated. The majority of the workers are long time employees that have a career, yes, you can have a career in a grocery store. THere is a great 401K plan and health benefits. In my store, we had many burnt out executive/cubicle types that changed gears and moved to management roles in the stores. College kids stayed and moved to full time rather than pursuing jobs in their major. As a mom, if my career ever goes away, I'd go back in a heart beat. Compare that to the employees you see at the local giant, not paid well and not invested in their job, employer or what they do.
I read an article a while ago in the Post (years ago) touting TJ's excellent health benefits, even for part time employees I believe. This would have been enough to make me very happy a few years back when we were struggling with securing a job with benefits. I get it! It's a great experience to shop there and I'm happy to hear they treat people well.