My brother the trained chef swares by this place! And now I know why. Holy cow are there so many hard to find items or things that you could never imagine existed! I recently learned that the store has a large emphases on organic and nature friendly products, as well as many vegan items.
According to Wikipedia: Trader Joe's pays above-union wages: as of 2010, full-time crew members starting at $40-60,000 per year and store managers earning in the "low six figures." It contributes to an employee's standard 401(k) plan.As of 2004, pay for entry-level part-timers was $8 to $10 an hour.
Trader Joe's also offers health insurance benefits (dental, vision, and medical) to part-time employees and their dependents. Part-time employees must work 900 hours per year (an average of 20 hours per week) and be employed for a minimum of three months consecutively to qualify. All part-time employees are evaluated every six months with the possibility of a pay increase. They also receive a 10 percent discount on items bought at the store.
Instead of public address systems, Trader Joe's uses a bell system to communicate. One bell means that assistance is needed at the checkout stand by any available employee. Two bells means that any possible help is needed. Three bells notifies any manager of assistance needed.
I hope to move to this area soon so I can start my Trader Joe's shopping spree!