Did you know that Trader Joe's is owned by ALDI?
I was not surprised by all the comments generated by Mike Saunders' post on the new Trader Joe's that opened in his home town. Those who are familiar with Trader Joe's agreed wholeheartedly with him and those who are not familiar with it were left wishing they had one too.
I have loved Trader Joe's since my daughter introduced me to it when she was living in Boston. Now, I manage to go to the closest one to me (which is 20 minutes away) as often as I can.
What I find fascinating is the history of Trader Joe's which began in California by Joe Coulombe and was bought out in 1979 by Albrecht Discount (ALDI), a grocery chain that started in Germany in 1948. Trader Joe's has the vibe of a Whole Foods while Aldi has the basic no-frills warehouse feel. Despite feeling worlds apart, both offer great prices (although fewer products than a supermarket). I shop regularly at ALDI simply because I need to buy fruits and vegetables more frequently, but I always plan a trip to Trader Joe's to stock up on what they have to offer.
I shop at both stores for different reasons, but Trader Joe's is definitely a more fun experience. The people who work there are very helpful and cheerful. I don't know what ALDI's policies are but Trader Joe's definitely takes a positive approach toward employees, so maybe they want to work there. Check out this quote from the above-mentioned article:
You can't buy engagement from employees, but the pay at Trader Joe's helps. Store managers, "captains" in Trader Joe's parlance -- the nautical titles are a holdover from Coulombe (newly promoted captains are commanders; assistant store managers are first mates) -- can make in the low six figures, and full-time crew members can start in the $40,000 to $60,000 range. But on top of the pay, Trader Joe's annually contributes 15.4% of employees' gross income to tax-deferred retirement accounts.
Kind of an amazing story, isn't it?
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Peggy Chirico, REALTOR®
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Prudential CT Realty
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Mmmm. Sounds like they treat their employees pretty well.
No wonder they are always so friendly and smiling.
Goes to show if you treat employees good, it will show in their work. good post
Hi Lenn - I know--smiling and friendly is great!
Hi Mickey - It's always nice to hear success stories like that!
Peggy we have an Aldi's here in Middletown, but I have never been to a Trader Joe's. I got to check them out, West Hartford is not very far.
Hi George - It's definitely worth the trip! They have great quality stuff!
Now I see how you found my blog-LOL. And I see why Trader Joe employees are very nice. They make very good money. If I find one in my area,I am definitely going to start shopping there. Thanks for sharing this Peggy. Great post.
Thanks Lanre - I know they have Trader Joe's in the DC area--you will certainly be able to get a healthy dinner there!
Hi Peggy -- I had no idea that Trader Joe's was owned by ALDI. I gues in the world of mega mergers, etc., nothing should be surprising, but I never would have guessed this. I like Trader Joe's selection. I used to live near one and frequented them quite often, not so much anymore now that I've moved. Thanks for the history lesson. Those salaries seem amazing for the retail food business -- good for them if they can make it work successfully. I have found Trader Joe's employees to be top notch.
Hi Chris - I like Trader Joe's selections too. I usually go only about once a month, but I stock up on my favorites. The cashiers always ask me why I am buying 12 jars of peanut butter, but I love their peanut butter and can't live without it!
I love them both!