Company has been on the decline for the past decade. - Captain Trader Joe's Employee Review

1.0
Sep 4, 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

It's fast paced and very active. Products are well priced and the quality is ok...except for the perishables. There are a lot of quality people working in the stores but most everyone wishes the company would reverse it's current course.

Cons

Company has integrity issues. There is a big disconnect between management and the crew. You never know what is going to happen next and there is a general fear factor that is supposed to be motivating. The CEO leads from an elite and entitled perspective, blanketing his "Chairmen Circle" with I am god mentality that has everyone running scared. The basic format has been greatly changed and the result has crew members scratching their heads in frustration. What was once a great company to work for is now a place that barely resembles a fun and upbeat environment, it's turning into just another grocery store where nobody really wants to work.

Explore other reviews about Trader Joe's

5.0
Jun 8, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Excellent work environment and team.

Cons

Might not be a con for some but the job requires you to spend a lot of time on your feet moving objects so not recommended if you have any injuries or ailments.

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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