History of Trader Joe’s

The Trader Joe grocery stores are privately held and operated in a private trust by Theo Albrecht one of the two brothers behind the German based supermarket chain Aldi. Joe Coulombe founded the stores in 1958 as a Greater Los Angeles area chain of “Pronto Market” convenience stores. He/She developed the Trader Joe South Seas motif while on vacation in the Caribbean.  The very first store opened its doors in 1967.

This store, on Arroyo Parkway in Pasadena, California still remains in operation today. In the first few decades the stores offered fresh meats offered by butchers who leased out part of the store.  Trader Joe’s offered at one time sandwich shops, freshly cut cheese, and fresh squeezed orange juice. Theo Albrecht bought the store in 1979 changing ownership with John Shields put in charge of operations. The store offers many good products and is still existence today with over 342 stores in operation.

Job Description/ Average Wage

Crew Member: The crew member works in the store helping customers find the products that they need. They take care of the purchases charging the customers, ringing up all sales and putting items in a bag. The average wage for a crew member is $11.95 an hour.

Floor Crew Member: This type of crew member is on salary and is usually in charge of the shift that they are working. Making sure that the customers are taken care of, merchandise is put out, and that the cash drawer stays in balance. Often they approve checks or returns as well. The average wage for this crew member is $23,000 a year.

Sales Associate: The sales associate is going to work the floor of the grocery store.  You’re going to help with stocking shelves, keeping the department clean, as well as ensuring that the customers are happy with their shopping experience.  You will also help with any other associates with duties that need to be performed.  The average wage is anyhwere from $9 to $12 a hour.

Cashier: The cashier is going to run the front of the store where they are going to ring up customers, help with questions, as well as other concerns.  You’re going to handle cash, manage credit cards, as well as help with coupons and more.  The average wage is going to vary anywhere from $8 to $10 a hour.

Benefits

  • The company pays above union wages for this type of position.
  • They offer a good health care package that includes such things as prescription drugs, dental, and vision care.
  • The company also offers lucrative retirement plan putting 15.4% of your wage into a retirement program.

How to Apply

If you are interested in one of these jobs or one of the many others that is offered it is best to visit their website:

http://www.traderjoes.com/careers

You are always welcome to stop into one of the stores and apply for one of the open positions.

>> Download Trader Joe’s  Job Application