Company Coasting on Reputation and Previously Progressive Policies - Crew Member Trader Joe's Employee Review

2.0
Aug 22, 2019
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The atmosphere is upbeat and I enjoyed the majority of my coworkers. Customers are generally in a good mood and treat you with more respect than other service industry jobs. TJs does a good job breaking up your tasks so you are not stuck doing the same mundane thing for an entire shift.

Cons

While my experiences might be more a testament to my local TJs (Overland Park, KS), I was extremely disappointed in my time at TJs. The wages are no longer competitive and I was consistently denied opportunities for pay raises. When I was hired I was under the impression that I would receive regular wage increases, however management is under no obligation to hand out raises and will only do so if you are in "the top 10%" of employees. During the last round of reviews at my store several hardworking and consistent employees were denied raises. Furthermore, management seems to be coasting on the reputation of the company as an exciting and progressive work atmosphere rather than actually working to uphold this reputation. They demand a whole lot from their employees and give very little (if anything in return). In the year and a half I worked there I was denied two different vacation requests even though I submitted them well in advanced (over a month and a half). And when I had a family emergency the mates I spoke with were unemphatic and denied me opportunity to leave. Bottom line, if you are the type of person who can make it at TJs (you have a strong and energetic work ethic, and can consistently come to work with a glowing attitude) you will find other companies that will value your work more. At TJs you are not going to feel like you are good enough and will have to really fight to get, what should be basic and readily available, wage increases.

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5.0
Jul 14, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Flexible schedule Salary raises Discount

Cons

Work weekends Crowded Heavy lifting

4.0
May 27, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

-Great way to meet people, socialize, and learn customer service -Always tasked with different things every hour -Friendly crew who will always help you to learn and get better at your job -Get a slight pay raise every 6 months -No outside commitments and amazing benefits if you work full time (about 28 hours a week for every 6 months) -Will take time, but find your friend group, stay with them and have fun, you can't please everybody -Care for your body, do not overdo it with physical labor, its a retail job and you only have one fragile body for yourself, get help or insist about your pains

Cons

-Not many, unless you are stuck in a bad store with bad management -I had some good luck of working in 3 great stores, so YMMV -Sometimes can get cliquey like you are back in high school -Getting promoted up to store management may involve buttering up and being a "yes-person" -Care for your body, do not overdo it with physical labor, its a retail job and you only have one fragile body for yourself, get help or insist about your pains

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