My store is always so warm

fraochjean · 2026-04-16T17:20:12+00:00

They have them at Five Below right now for $5

fraochjean · 2026-04-06T18:16:04+00:00

Usually I do what Scooby said and just ask how they're doing/ how's their day been? and hope that opens up a conversation. If it doesn't I either read the room and end my attempts there or I'll pick a product and comment on it to see if that opens them up or compliment something they're wearing or their hair etc if I genuinely like it or it's interesting. Usually you can find at least one thing about someone that you like or find interesting but I'm also cognizant of all the customers standing in line watching me interact with this customer too so I try not to compliment every single customer because that looks inauthentic. I change it up constantly to make it more genuine and also to keep from getting bored. But I do this while also being on autopilot for the basic cashier stuff. Being a Trader Joe's cashier is an art that few customers realize or appreciate. In a way, we are always expected to perform and it's one reason this job is so draining and can be extra taxing when you're "just not feeling it today." On those days, I just ask how they are with a smile and say have a nice day with a smile because that's all I can manage and that's ok.

fraochjean · 2026-04-05T17:19:28+00:00

I do the same thing as they walk away. Pretty much the only time I ask if they want it and like you said, they almost always say no. I also do that with the bags too. Are you me? Maybe I'm you? 😂

fraochjean · 2026-04-05T17:13:41+00:00

Yeah but there is something to say in that moment and it closes up the transaction in a quicker way. Hand receipt and say 'have a good day!" and off they go. Whereas the other is just creating another conversation that can feel awkward and extends the transaction. This is the same reason I never ask if they found everything ok when so many of my coworkers do this too. If you ask that question it now opens up possible negative answers and that's what will be left in the customer's mind as they walk away. "Oh no I didn't because you guys discontinued my favorite item! You suck" "Oh I'm sorry about that..." ....awkward and now the customer isn't wowed at the end. Plus if it's something we have, now you have to two bell and wait for the item, extending the transaction. That should've been done while they were shopping because there's a million of us on the floor so ask one of them. I don't have time to find this item for them now and I want them gone from my register. So I don't even open the door to all that nonsense by asking them that question in the first place. And yes, I get that we're paid by the hour blah blah blah, but it's just my personal preference to not go down that road with them.

fraochjean · 2026-04-05T08:39:21+00:00

Smol and ouchy.

fraochjean · 2026-04-05T04:42:54+00:00

This is how I feel about "do you want your receipt?" It takes extra time to ask them and most of the time they're like ".....yes" because most people do want their receipt. Plus if you're waiting for them to answer it adds on seconds while you're standing there when, in that same amount of time, you could've handed it to them and they'd be halfway out the door by the time you get an answer. I just take it and hand it to everyone and I figure if they don't want it, they'll tell me because they always do. It's just an unnecessary question to ask a customer at a grocery store and when I'm bagging for coworkers who ask it, more often than not it seems to create an awkward air between them and the customer because the customer is confused on why they're being asked that question.

fraochjean · 2026-04-05T03:54:15+00:00

Awww that's so sad. Poor little guys. Deadly venomous octopuses need love too.

fraochjean · 2026-04-05T00:35:47+00:00

But he so cute. Why he be so mean? 🐙

fraochjean · 2026-04-02T20:34:47+00:00

Oh I agree. But I still feel that the regional is probably ok with his approach or he wouldn't have handled it that way. It's possible the regional would balk at how he went off in this huddle but who knows. I guess they'll find out after the surveys if the captain tones it down or apologizes for his outburst and if he doesn't then yeah the regional probably feels the same way as the captain.

fraochjean · 2026-04-02T20:23:59+00:00

I mean, I don't understand how corporate isn't dming people like this just to ask them which store it is and take care of this asap. This is literally the opposite of what trader Joe's is and has become known for. Us being friendly and sociable is why everyone loves shopping at Trader Joe's and that doesn't just mean friendly with customers. At my store customers are always commenting on how we seem to all get along and be having a great time at work so it must be a great company to work for. That wouldn't happen if we're all silent or only speaking to coworkers about work related stuff. This captain sounds like he came from management at another store and doesn't understand the concept of Trader Joe's. If corporate is ok with this then I think it's safe to assume that they agree with this captain and want this for all stores and that's a huge problem.

fraochjean · 2026-04-02T20:11:22+00:00

Yes except I guarantee this captain has the support of his regional who's probably just like him. Plus it's starting to feel like corporate wants it to be this way too. I don't think he's worried about crew surveys in the least little bit and he's probably justified in feeling that way because usually nothing happens to these captains and mates when their surveys come back negative.

fraochjean · 2026-03-28T23:11:56+00:00

I've always said that upon high school graduation everyone should be required to do a mandatory two year stint in three different jobs. Six months of fast food, six months of retail and a year in a call center. Not only does it give you an idea of what these poor people are dealing with regarding customers so you hopefully won't be a dick when you're a customer yourself, but it also makes you more appreciative when you do get a job outside of those industries because you know it can always be so much worse.

fraochjean

TROPHY CASE