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

1.0
4 Sept 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
23 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Fun place and good people!

Cons

Long days and busy store

2.0
25 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Flexible schedule is the best part of the job. A lot depends on your captain but it can be a good gig at the right store. Employee discount is 20% and there is usually food in the break room.

Cons

Most employees don't have any kind of education past high school. Can be very frustrating in that aspect. Will consistently get hours but your schedule can wildly change week to week. Expectations are often unclear and lost in gray areas. Customer experiences are much more negative than positive once you become a mate. Never really have any down time or room to breathe. If you think you are a people person, make sure you really are or else you will dislike the job. Takes over a decade at least to be promoted to Captain, if you get lucky.

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