Trader Joe's Customer Service Issues

I returned several unopened bags of chicken at Trader Joe's in Commack, NY on July 5. I was surprised when the employee asked, "Are you returning all of these?" It made me feel like I needed to explain myself. I didn't have a receipt, and he mentioned they would have to discard the items. However, the sign at the service counter clearly states that returns are accepted without questions or receipts. This experience was different from my previous returns. I've never been interrogated or informed about the fate of my returns like this before. The employee's attitude made me feel uncomfortable and as if I had done something wrong. His behavior was unprofessional.

I wanted to share my positive experience with a staff member at the Bloomfield Hills, MI store ([redacted] Telegraph Rd). I interacted with Melissa and was impressed by her helpfulness. When I inquired about broccoli salads at Trader Joe's, she promptly checked and even read out the ingredients. Melissa was not only polite and professional but also apologized for the brief hold time, which I didn't mind due to the pleasant hold music. She kindly offered more assistance during my next visit and left me thoroughly satisfied. A big shoutout to Melissa for her outstanding customer service and upbeat attitude! Earlena Molini

Subject: Concern Regarding Incident at Trader Joe's Store #51 Hello, I am reaching out for the second time to address a serious issue at your store, #51 in Montrose, CA, on Sept. 28, [redacted]. Regrettably, I encountered verbal and physical assault by a group of approximately 20 employees. If I do not receive a response within 24 hours, I will be compelled to take legal action. I am disappointed by the lack of communication on this matter. The incidents mentioned in the attached complaints raise further concerns about Store #51. Thank you for your attention. Brian W. A. [redacted] PS: Enclosed are photos documenting the incident, and reference is made to the Glendale Police Report #18-[redacted] for additional information.

I have been a loyal customer of TJ's in Pasadena since the opening. Today, I had a concerning experience at the store during noon. While browsing the open freezer section for Mexican meals, another customer named Scott H. brushed past me in a very cramped space without any apology or acknowledgement, causing me discomfort. Despite my polite request for him to excuse himself, he rushed away. This incident left me feeling disrespected as a customer and a woman. I hope this matter can be addressed promptly. Thank you.

I am writing my second message as I received no reply to my email sent via the website about two weeks ago. I am a frequent shopper at Trader Joe's in Fort Lauderdale, FL, and appreciate the great staff and good food. I choose Trader Joe's because of its commitment to GMO-free products, and this is crucial for my family's trust in your brand. However, I noticed a big GMO product, Morning Star by Kellogg's, in one of the fridges at your store. This contradicts your stance on GMOs and raises concerns. I have discussed this with my family and friends, and we all find it very puzzling. Please provide an explanation as to why you carry a product that goes against your core principles. Your response as a loyal customer is greatly appreciated.

This is my second attempt to reach out. I sent an email through the website two weeks ago without any response. I am a frequent shopper at Trader Joe's in Fort Lauderdale, FL. I appreciate the great staff and quality food. I choose to shop here because of your commitment to GMO-free products. However, I noticed a contradiction in your store. There is a significant GMO product, Morning Star by Kellogg's, in your fridge. This goes against the values you promote. I am puzzled by this inconsistency and would like an explanation. How can we trust your claims if you carry products that contradict your principles? This situation is perplexing and does not align with your stated beliefs. I have discussed this with my family and friends, and they share my concerns. As a loyal customer, I urge you to address this issue.

I wanted to share my positive experience with one of your products. Today, I decided to purchase your chocolate pecan pie bar after trying a sample. I had been hesitant to buy it because I was worried I would devour the whole bar in one go. The bar is incredibly delicious. However, upon closer inspection of the box, I noticed it described the product as a "rich chocolate pecan pie bar with buttery, tart shell." The use of the comma between "buttery" and "tart" suggests that the shell is both buttery and tart, which doesn't seem accurate. It should read "buttery tart shell" without the comma, as "tart" is acting as a noun here, not an adjective. While I may be mistaken, after tasting it, I found the shell to be only buttery. Thank you for considering my feedback. Suzan W.

Dear Recipient, Our group is proposing an event to provide free and fresh food to food-insecure students at library locations during the upcoming RRR week. We aim to reduce the stress of food insecurity during this academically intense period and enhance academic success by offering complimentary refreshments to students studying in the library. This initiative not only addresses immediate needs but also promotes local businesses that support food justice on campus. Please consider partnering with us to make this project a reality. Thank you for considering our proposal. Best regards, L.C.

I am a team member at a TJ [redacted] store. Recently, one of my managers showed personal interest in me, leading to a physical relationship. After our encounter, he completely stopped communicating with me, creating a tense and uncomfortable work environment. I find myself constantly trying to avoid him while carrying out my responsibilities. The experience has left me feeling foolish and used, impacting my mental well-being. Despite loving my job, I dread going to work due to the manager's actions. I attempted to transfer to the 72nd street store for a fresh start, but my efforts were unsuccessful. The entire ordeal has taken a toll on my emotional health, and I am seeking assistance to relocate to a different store where I can work without feeling distressed.

I visited the store on 23rd Street and 6th Avenue in New York City on December 22, [redacted], and encountered multiple incidents of racial profiling. The manager hovered over me at checkout, a cashier trailed me to the exit, and another female employee scrutinized my bags while I was leaving. In addition, the cashier nonchalantly discussed personal medical information while customers waited in line. Despite my protests, the cashier continued to follow me out while other employees did not intervene. This behavior made me feel unsafe, and I plan to address these issues with a letter to the corporate office for further investigation into the manager and staff's conduct.

Trader Joe's should address the plastic issue by transitioning to waxed cardboard for dairy products, fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish where feasible. Additionally, using cardboard containers for mushrooms and considering alternatives for produce currently in sealed plastic packaging, such as green beans and arugula, would greatly benefit the environment. Some customers, including myself, are shopping less at TJ's due to these concerns. TJ's, known for leadership, has the opportunity to lead in sustainability once more. By pioneering a non-plastic movement, Trader Joe's can influence global change for the better.

Hello, I have admired the high-quality food at Trader Joe's for as long as I can remember, particularly when comparing it to larger stores. I appreciate the transparency regarding dairy products sourced from animals free of antibiotics and the availability of pasture-raised, free-range eggs. Knowing that Trader Joe's prioritizes quality and ethical standards is reassuring. However, I must voice a concern as a loyal customer and representative of many others. The amount of plastic packaging utilized at Trader Joe's is excessive. While I understand the necessity for product preservation and handling, I question the need for items like a single head of cauliflower to be individually wrapped in plastic. This overuse of plastic prompts me to consider shopping elsewhere, as some local stores demonstrate a more eco-friendly approach to packaging produce. I implore Trader Joe's, a company I hold in high regard, to explore alternative packaging solutions that reduce plastic waste. I am willing to pay slightly more for items like walnuts and sunflower seeds if they are packaged in paper instead of plastic. Investing in sustainable packaging options is crucial to combat the environmental impact of excessive plastic usage. Please feel free to reach out if there is any way I can assist in this matter. Sincerely, Megan

I experienced harassment and discrimination at your Studio City location from management staff, specifically Ivan, Cris Lozano, and James Zendueda. They collaborated with a coworker to create false stories about incidents involving me. James and Cris even confronted me after a purchase, stating they didn't want me at the location. As an EBT recipient facing financial struggles and homelessness, most employees there treat me well except these two. I am certain they are fabricating stories. Several employees would attest to this. I possess recordings of the incidents and employees lying, threatening to call the police without cause or evidence. The treatment was terrible, and the lack of a paper trail is concerning. Another ex-employee will reach out to you. A prompt response is requested as the situation is deeply disturbing. I have evidence to support my claims.

On February 1st, during my visit to your Campbell CA store, I unfortunately discovered that my wallet was missing after completing my shopping and going through the checkout process. The subsequent unauthorized charges at Nordstrom's caused me significant distress. Although the credit card companies have resolved the fraudulent transactions, I incurred a loss of about $[redacted] in cash and Christmas gift cards. The absence of surveillance cameras in your stores, according to the Campbell police and my own observation, is quite surprising. I believe that having cameras could aid in identifying culprits and act as a deterrent against future theft incidents. Trader Joe's has been my preferred shopping destination for many years, where I used to feel happy and secure. Following this distressing event, however, I now feel anxious and uneasy about returning to the store. Thank you for considering my feedback.

I was disappointed to learn that one of the top employees at your store located at 88th and US1 was let go by management. The staff there, with a few exceptions, lack social skills and seem unhelpful. I was especially fond of Mathew Lynn, a respectful, hard-working employee who I believed would be promoted. It's unfortunate that he was fired. On the contrary, I've had a great experience at your Rhode Island store where the staff is much more pleasant. I would appreciate a call from your company to hear your explanation regarding this incident. Please reach out to me at 1-[redacted]. Thank you. - Mary Acuna.

I have a severe allergy to soy and even products manufactured in facilities that handle soy can make me sick. I usually shop at Trader Joe's, which is my favorite store. However, recently I had a bad experience with their cheese puffs and spinach hummus, which I suspect were made in a soy facility. I got ill both times, on different occasions. Trader Joe's customer service was excellent and they refunded me without any issues. Despite this, my soy allergy makes it scary to buy items without clear labeling about their soy content or manufacturing processes. I had stopped shopping at Trader Joe's for five years due to getting sick, especially from their frozen meats. I have returned, but I now purchase very few items because of the limited information available about soy in the products or their manufacturing origins. I wish Trader Joe's could do more for people with soy allergies like me. I would even consider working there as a soy allergy specialist to help prevent such incidents in the future. no more sickness.

I have a lactose intolerance issue and I'm unable to consume soy, limiting my options in the ice cream/frozen dessert section to only one product from Trader Joe's – the coconut non-dairy frozen dessert in chocolate and strawberry flavors. Although I'm not a fan of chocolate, I absolutely loved the strawberry flavor which I found to be fantastic. Unfortunately, I have recently discovered that this product has been discontinued. As a result, I now purchase my frozen non-dairy desserts from Whole Foods or HEB, where I end up doing all of my weekly shopping to avoid making an extra trip to Trader Joe's with other perishable items in the car. I spent $85.00 at Whole Foods yesterday. I truly appreciate Trader Joe's products and believe their employees are exceptional. I kindly request that Trader Joe's brings back the strawberry coconut non-dairy dessert so I can continue getting all my groceries from them.

Two months ago, the Bench & Field Holistic dog food was removed from your store, and you've been struggling to find a suitable replacement. Now, you've been informed that the food will no longer be carried. Your dog has been eating this food for a decade, and the change has been difficult for her. You feel frustrated that customers weren't given any notice about this decision. You walked in one day and the food was simply gone. Since then, you haven't returned to the store. It used to be convenient to shop for other items while buying your dog's food there. You have been a loyal customer in this aspect, but that might change now.

I have been buying a fantastic product at Trader Joe's called SPROUTED GRAINS PIZZA CRUSTS. Unfortunately, it has been discontinued due to low sales in certain stores. It was popular at my Westlake Ohio store. The issue seems to be that it was labeled as a "pizza crust" even though it was too thin for that purpose, measuring only 1/8" thick. However, it worked amazingly well as a Flatbread for Wraps or a Tortilla. I am wondering if Trader Joe's could possibly repackage this item as a Sprouted Grain 10" Flatbread instead of a pizza crust. It was originally 13 or 14" in size. I really hope they bring back this delicious sprouted grain flatbread soon. Thank you!

I recently bought two olive trees at TJ's in Berkeley this morning and noticed I was charged $1.48 in sales tax. As per the California Sales Tax Code, seeds or plants like olive trees should not have tax applied, as outlined in Regulation [redacted] CDTFA-CA.gov. I have encountered similar issues with herb plants at TJ's. I am requesting a cash refund for the incorrect tax charged and urge TJ's to comply with the law by ceasing unauthorized tax collection on these items. This situation is particularly concerning for SNAP clients who may be facing unnecessary financial burdens due to this error in tax collection.