Trader Joe's Reviews in Mountain View, CA

Pros

Upbeat atmosphere that is fast paced and fun. Really feels like a neighborhood store that customers consider their own (in a good way). I've never seen this type of customer/employee dynamic at other large chain grocery stores-including Whole Foods. Work day is split between working the stockroom/floor (stocking product), and working the cash register. It is refreshing to work for a company that has such a loyal and satisfied customer base.

Cons

Seemingly constant relocation of products around the store is baffling. Regular customers have become use to this, and promptly enlist employees to help locate product for them--at least 20% of my floor time is spent leading customers to these products--this significantly limits the efficiency of any floor worker. Culture is becoming more by the book recently, managers seem to be choosing their words very carefully these days, and HR (corporate) seems to be exerting more influence and punishment then ever.

Advice to Senior Management

Treat the employees like adults (most of them are!), not like children. Pestering (motivating?) your employees to work harder and talk less--gets old fast. Leave the kids (and that mindset) at home, and act like an adult-not a hall monitor-when you're managing responsible adults.