Trader Joe’s Newbies #SOL17

Note: This random slice was originally going to be a bit of a rant about getting stuck behind two women who were clearly in TJ’s for the first time and operated as if they had the whole place to themselves. I decided to spin positive and focus on how much I love the place. I swear I didn’t block the aisles, walk too slow, or occupy every TJ’s crew member I encountered during my maiden voyage!

Do you remember your first trip to a Trader Joe’s? What? You’ve never been to one? You must go! Yes, it’s a grocery store, but it isn’t just any grocery store. Every Saturday morning around 9:30 AM I make my way to my local Trader Joe’s in Acton, Massachusetts and it’s one of the highlights of my day. Here’s why.

The products — Where do I begin? TJ’s carries all the basic necessities milk, butter, eggs, chocolate, bread, chocolate, produce, chocolate, fresh-baked goods, chocolate, and frozen foods. Did I mention chocolate? They have a lot of different types of chocolate here from all over the world and in various forms. But that’s not all. So many other wonderful products that you didn’t even know you needed, but you do! The floral department can’t be beat. Daffodils from Ireland for $1.49 a bunch? How is that possible?!

The crew members — Trader Joe’s hires the nicest and most interesting crew members. This doesn’t seem to vary by location, either. I’ve been to several locations over the years, and have always found them to be helpful and engaging. They don’t seem to turn over much at my location, which I guess is a good thing. You really get to know them all. Tragically, about two weeks ago, one of the older women that worked there was killed by a teenaged customer backing out of his parking space. She was leaving in the evening after her shift had ended, and the young man didn’t see her walking behind his large SUV. It happened on a Wednesday and I absolutely dreaded going there that Saturday. Bouquets of flowers from customers filled the store. It really is like a family — the crew and their customers.

The bagging — Nobody knows how to bag like the crew at Trader Joe’s! I think management must require that new employees take strategic bagging training before they begin working. Everything fits perfectly, nothing is damaged, and they use the fewest number of bags possible. Hooray!

The bags — While we are on the subject of bags, did I mention they use the best paper bags! No destroy-our-environment plastic ones here. Lovely thick paper ones with sturdy handles. And they even have double bags ready to go for heavy loads. Heaven!

So there you have it. Sharing a little Trader Joe’s love with the Slicing world this weekend.

This post is part of the annual month-long Slice of Life writing challenge organized by Two Writing Teachers. Join us! It’s my first year slicing, I’m a planner, and apparently an “Early Morning Slicer,” too!