Episode 77: Trader Joe's Goes Back to School with Chocolate and Mustard

We all know that every neighborhood is unique. And because Trader Joe’s is a national chain of neighborhood grocery stores, every Trader Joe’s is as unique as the neighborhood of which it is a part. In this episode of Inside Trader Joe’s, we’re taking you inside two distinctive neighborhood Trader Joe’s stores, that just so happen to be in the same neighborhood. (Right? It’s amazing what a few blocks can do!) Starting with our original Back Bay store in Boston – the smallest Trader Joe’s in the known universe – and traveling almost five blocks away to Boston’s newest TJ’s (also in the Back Bay), it’s plain to see that every store is a reflection of its surroundings – the customers, the Crew, and the physical space it inhabits. And a super-exciting bonus – we’re learning about stand pipes and rack rooms! Yes! Transcript (PDF)  

We get a lot of questions at Trader Joe’s. One of those we hear the most is, “Hey, when are you opening a store in my neighborhood?” And “How do you decide where to put a Trader Joe’s?” – that comes up a lot, too. As you can imagine, like Trader Joe’s stores themselves, choosing store locations isnot a one-size-fits-all approach. Truth is, we’d like to be in thousands of neighborhoods all across the country – and it’s going to take some time. Tune in to the latest in our series of bite-sized episodes, ITJ ICYMI, to get the scoop.  Transcript (PDF)

In this episode of Inside Trader Joe’s, we’re taking you inside our customers’ shopping carts to find out what keeps them coming back to Trader Joe’s again and again. For this inaugural iteration of our Customer Cart Conversations, we go to Trader Joe’s number 122 in Studio City, California, where our store Captain Jay Jay gets up close and personal with the contents of customers’ carts, with questions about favorites. Along the way, we get some insights into how Trader Joe’s brings a little joy and deliciousness into their busy lives. We’ll get answer to pressing questions like: Savory or sweet? Snack or dessert? And even, Regular Fries or Sweet Potato Fries? What’s in YOUR cart? Transcript (PDF)

It’s September at Trader Joe’s. That, of course, means the Pumpkin-palooza is underway. You’ll find more than 70 pumpkin-forward products on our shelves this season – including new entries like Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate and the much-anticipated Pumpkin Mini Sheet Cake. And despite the plethora of pumpkin, this season is also about so much more. Like Apple (Shortbread Cookies), Maple (Brown Sugar Butter), Vanilla Cardamom (Cold Brew Coffee), and Butternut Squash (Mac & Cheese). There are returning faves and new finds filled with fabulous flavors in every corner of your neighborhood Trader Joe’s. Listen in to this episode of Inside Trader Joe’s to get the scoop on a few of our favorites. Check out traderjoes.com and @traderjoes on Instagram for more on what’s new and what’s back (finally!) in your Trader Joe’s. Transcript

When we think about back-to-school, we immediately think of chocolate and mustard. (Doesn’t everyone?) Specifically, we think of Belgian chocolate and Dijon Mustard. Just in time for back-to-school shopping – as well as classes like History, Geography, Chemistry, and Culinary Arts – this episode of Inside Trader Joe’s takes you to the source of these longtime favorites. Travel along with us as we go inside a chocolate factory – outside Brussels – talking to the folks who make some of our favorite chocolate (we’re looking at you, Pound Plus Bars!); and to the very (aromatic) room where the mustard magic happens, getting the inside scoop on how Dijon, France came to be home of the world’s most iconic mustard.  Transcript (PDF)

Do you ever feel like you’re hearing things when you’re shopping at Trader Joe’s? You’re not alone. The bells are ringing at Trader Joe’s – nearly all the time. They act as a kind of intercom system, and they keep us attuned to what’s happening in the store. Ever wonder what they mean? Come on, ring those bells, and tune in to the latest in our series of bite-sized episodes, ITJ ICYMI, to get the scoop. Transcript (PDF)

When you ask folks why they shop at Trader Joe’s, they’ll usually mention the “Three Ps” – Products, Prices, and People.  In this episode of Inside Trader Joe’s, we’re diving deep into the third P – People. As we continue to open more stores around the country, ensuring we have the right people in those stores is a top priority. And it doesn’t happen by accident. We’re always on the lookout for great people, and we’re constantly at work developing tools to help those folks cultivate their skills and strengths. More Trader Joe’s stores means more than just new buildings; it means more opportunities for more people to grow right along with us. Transcript (PDF)

Fact number one: nothing generates excitement like a contest. Fact number two: when we announced our Store Recipe Contest, we could not have predicted the level of excitement it would generate.  Fact number three: the Crew Members in our stores are culinary creative in countless ways, and the recipes they submitted for this contest were exciting, interesting, and most of all, delicious.   In this episode of Inside Trader Joe’s, we get a behind the scenes look into how the winning recipe was chosen, and we have a chat with the curious and creative Crew Members behind the winning recipe. And speaking of recipes… fact number four: you’ll find the contest champ at traderjoes.com. Transcript (PDF)

Looking for something interesting – and easy to prepare – for dinner? An appetizer to wow a crowd? A cocktail or mocktail to satisfy even the most critical companion? Or even a creative way to use up the very last bits of peanut butter or jam? We turn to our resident recipe developer for help, and share some tips to help you find recipes that are sure to make you love your favorite TJ’s products even more. Tune in to the latest in our series of bite-sized episodes, ITJ ICYMI, for all the delicious details. Transcript (PDF)

Trader Joe’s is ready for summer! Our shelves, freezers, refrigerators, and bakery racks are brimming with new and returning favorites to make the season really shine. Bet you didn’t know you needed Eggs & Bacon Gummies… but you do. And your dog needs Surf’s Pup Dog Biscuits just as much. Two new ready-to-pop-on-the-grill burgers will have all your friends on the lookout for your next cookout. A new Boba kit, Coffee Mochi Ice Cream, and Organic Freezer Pops… listen in for all the delicious details, and then swing by your neighborhood Trader Joe’s and fill a cart with your faves. Three, two, one… summer! Transcript (PDF)