A CULINARY expert and Trader Joe’s fan of nearly six decades has spilled the beans on how shoppers can take advantage of the chain’s simple food return policy.
Although the foodie encouraged others to make the most of the store’s generous policy, she issued a word of warning about sharing the secret with others.
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Trader Joe’s is a fan-favorite grocery store among Americans, having amassed a cult following of millions of shoppers and even tieing for the top spot on the list of favorite US grocery stores alongside Publix.
While conventional grocery stores like Publix, Target, and Walmart excel in offering convenience, temping deals, and a massive selection of products, Trader Joe’s pulls ahead in other areas.
The specialty grocery store is known for a variety of things, including its imported goods, store brand products, quirky atmosphere, creative signage, seasonal products, and affordability.
Trader Joe’s is also highly regarded for its helpful staff and friendly customer service, with the chain’s culture perfectly summed up by its liberal return policy.
Read More on Trader Joe’s
The policy, much appreciated by customers, is one of the distinct features that food writer and Trader Joe’s fanatic Cherie Mercer Twohy has praised.
Having written four books about the chain and spent 15 years teaching thousands of students to appreciate Trader Joe’s food products, she knows a thing or two about the specialty grocery store.
Twohy spoke exclusively with The U.S. Sun, sharing exactly what makes the Trader Joe’s return policy so special and how shoppers can save a few bucks when hitting up the chain’s aisles.
PRAISED POLICY
As soon as you step into a Trader Joe’s store, it presents an entirely different atmosphere than traditional grocery stores.
Shoppers are instantly greeted with a friendly atmosphere, characterized by a small layout filled with hand-painted and bright wall art as well as handwritten signage – a completely different feel than the massive and impersonal vibe of normal grocery stores.
Twohy explained that the unique and positive undercurrent at Trader Joe’s was one of the aspects that kept her coming back, even traveling 60 miles frequently to visit the location nearest her.
“I very rarely have fun at the regular grocery store,” the culinary expert exclusively told The U.S. Sun. “It’s just an errand. But I look forward to a Trader Joe’s visit every time.
“The corny music, the bright colors and clever signs, the lush floral displays – it all puts a smile on my face even before I get to the cheese section.”
The customer-centric ambiance is further reflected in Trader Joe’s highly liberal return policy, which Twohy encouraged fans to utilize.
“If you take something home to try and you don’t like it, they’ll refund or replace on your next visit,” explained the shopper.
Cherie’s Top 3 Trader Joe’s Products
Culinary expert Cherie Mercer Twohy shared her three favorite items from Trader Joe’s.
- Frozen Puff Pastry: “This winter seasonal item is an all-butter pastry, which is what we want in this flaky, laminated dough.”
- Unexpected Cheddar Cheese: “This product is full of those salty, crispy crystals – tyrosine – that good Parm has. It is my dairy-driven dog’s favorite too.”
- Roasted Oregon Hazelnuts: “Because hazelnuts are my favorites. I’m also from Oregon, and roasting them is a messy process.”
One of the most exciting aspects of Trader Joe’s is exploring its constantly evolving range of new products, and the company’s lenient return policy allows customers to go crazy with grocery experimentation without the worry of disliking something.
The iconic grocer typically offers customers a full refund on items that they do not like, even if they are opened, used, or lack a receipt.
Shoppers are able to return unwanted items even if they were not bought recently because Trader Joe’s does not have an official return window in place, with the store even accepting returns from purchases made years ago, according to employee claims on Reddit.
The generous return policy, similar to Costco’s 100% satisfaction guarantee policy, has garnered much praise among Trader Joe’s fans.
Many online have called the policy “amazing” while others commended the store for “pretty much tak[ing] anything back.”
While the chain’s return policy is highly regarded, Twohy warned Trader Joe’s fans about being too forthcoming about the rule.
She noted that, while the generous return policy is handy, it is better to keep the policy under wraps to prevent abuse.
“We don’t want this option to be overused, because that will ruin it for all of us,” said the expert.
In addition to the chain’s popular return policy, Trader Joe’s fans frequently flock to the store for its unique products.
For example, shoppers are rushing to Trader Joe’s for its new $3.49 “sour candy belts” – and even employees are addicted.
Plus, the store just launched a new rich night cream for just $9 that fans say rivals Estee Lauder’s $135 alternative.