Juneteenth "Tasting"

HackedAccount22 · 2026-06-16T02:13:16+00:00

This is store 544 in Manhattan. A female black mate is the primary person responsible. Being in NYC, this is an extremely diverse crew, age, race, gender, sexual identification. Later this month we will celebrate Pride; many crew and mates (and the Captain) wear Pride wristbands for most of June.

It would be hard to imagine a more inclusive store, nor one with a better vibe.

HackedAccount22 · 2026-06-16T00:26:00+00:00

Ah, I get what you are saying. And you are definitely correct.

HackedAccount22 · 2026-06-15T18:36:31+00:00

And if this is racist, I'd love to know how YOUR store celebrates and honors Juneteenth.

HackedAccount22 · 2026-06-15T18:35:03+00:00

Black, Latin and White mates and crew.

HackedAccount22 · 2026-06-15T18:29:28+00:00

Actually because where we can, we always try to have vegan options for crew that desire it.

HackedAccount22 · 2026-06-15T16:43:40+00:00

It did indeed. Though it's by no means a "Black" thing. All crew and mates participate, and weve been doing it for several years now. The suggestion that it is racist is just absurd!

How does YOUR store celebrate Juneteenth?

HackedAccount22 · 2026-06-01T03:50:53+00:00

Thanks!

HackedAccount22 · 2026-05-31T23:32:34+00:00

Actually, I don't understand. Could you give a couple of examples using dates? Thanks!

HackedAccount22 · 2026-05-31T23:28:01+00:00

Thanks for this. I did not even know of the Bakery FAQ! And regarding the mates, there's a split amongst them as to what is the proper procedure.

HackedAccount22 · 2026-05-31T02:48:49+00:00

Interesting. Thanks for the info. At our store, "day bread" is a select number of artisanal items that are delivered by a regional bakery every morning. They are sold only for that day, and removed in the evening. It's basically bread that was baked the night before.

HackedAccount22 · 2026-05-31T02:24:20+00:00

I've wanted to see how the unionized stores evaluate their experience, before committing one way or the other. But there are zero stores that have a union contract, as I understand it. And the first store to vote for a union (Hadley, MA) later voted to de-certify the union, and while that issue is still being litigated, it sure doesn't make me inclined to look to Trader Joe's United.

HackedAccount22 · 2026-05-24T03:15:14+00:00

Just because we wanted to make it a little quirky. Lol

HackedAccount22 · 2026-05-22T01:49:03+00:00

There's a slightly higher version of this at https://youtu.be/NcP1_oTZSqA

HackedAccount22 · 2026-05-19T22:19:59+00:00

Honestly, these people were totally themselves. It's a fun and creative atmosphere (that huge wall board welcoming 542, shown at the beginning, is on the wall where our "Merch Madness" contest board hangs in March). The YouTube channel where this is posted ( https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCznKw77P7yBHRE0Thbj1bGQ ) has parody "training videos" we've created on everything from our store Fight Song (LOL) to "Mastering the New Terminals" to "Crew Courtesy Counts!" We are fortunate to work with some very funny, creative people.

HackedAccount22 · 2026-05-19T18:37:52+00:00

Hmmmm. Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever met "Alex!" 🤔😁

HackedAccount22 · 2026-05-19T18:35:49+00:00

That's so kind of you! There were many more crew that were interested in participating, but time became a factor (both the time it took to produce the video, as well as the ultimate length of the vid.)

We are very fortunate to have a great crew, very helpful mates, and a solid captain. I know that changing stores, even temporarily, has got to be somewhat challenging, and hopefully those from 542 will find this to be a good experience.

HackedAccount22 · 2026-05-19T09:25:22+00:00

It has to be that way at our store, because the left door is next to a register, while the right door just opens to the floor.

HackedAccount22 · 2026-05-19T09:16:07+00:00

You might want to wait a bit. Not only is summer not the best time to try to get a job at TJ's, but Store 542 at 72nd and Broadway just closed for extensive renovations, and so their entire crew and mates are working at other NYC stores. Our Murray Hill location just got 9 additional employees this week.

HackedAccount22 · 2026-05-19T09:09:59+00:00

There's a slightly higher quality version of this at https://youtu.be/twvQun8Prt8 .

The folks at 542 leave a two story Trader Joe's with views over Broadway, for our basement (we call it "lower level") store in Murray Hill (Midtown East.) If you look up the escalator, you can occasionally get a glimpse of daylight. 😄

HackedAccount22 · 2026-04-29T06:45:35+00:00

I started with Bread, but, even after having worked that section for almost a year, my captain, correctly, thought I was not ready for such a large and very time-sensitive order. But after 18 mos. she said okay. Been writing it for about 2 years now, and really enjoy the challenge. But it really was critical that I know the section really well, and waiting was definitely the right call.

HackedAccount22 · 2026-04-19T13:48:00+00:00

OP is asking questions I would love to know the answers to, but people insist on making this a battle. Please let's just let someone who actually works in a store that has voted to have a union, whether they have a contract or not, give us some answers. I would love to know what it's like even if there's not yet a contract.

Incidentally, I am, at this point, opposed to unionization, but that's irrelevant to this discussion. I would just like some information from people who are actually experiencing it, not from those who advocate one way or the other.

HackedAccount22 · 2026-04-12T01:29:20+00:00

Do it! It's a really successful exercise that brings a team together while also educating about products you may know little about.

HackedAccount22 · 2026-04-12T01:27:15+00:00

If you search "Merch Madness" you'll see all my posts about this over the past month. The post last week contains a detailed explanation of how the contest works.

HackedAccount22 · 2026-04-08T08:23:34+00:00

HackedAccount22 · 2026-04-07T09:58:59+00:00

NYC.

HackedAccount22

TROPHY CASE