The iconic Trader Joe’s location is voted Davis’ Best Grocery Store by students
By YASMEEN O’BRIEN — features@theaggie.org
Known for its friendly employees, affordability and wide range of snack selections, it is clear why Trader Joe’s won Best Grocery Store in Davis (for the third year in a row!), securing 54.9% of the student vote.
At any given time in the popular grocery store, you are bound to find an abundance of customers of all ages, from college students to families to elderly shoppers, all with the shared goal of finding good deals on reliably high-quality groceries.
Joe Johnson, a Trader Joe’s crew member of over two years, said that while he is very appreciative, he is not surprised that Trader Joe’s won Best Grocery Store. He chalks it up to its proximity to campus and the friendly environment of the store.
“People are just more excited to be there [than other grocery stores],” Johnson said.
Johnson also shared that there’s never a dull moment at the store, and that you must be prepared for anything while on shift.
“I once had a roach crawl on my arm from a customer’s bag that they brought from home,” Johnson said. “So, that turned me off a little bit [from customers bringing their own bags].”
The positive work environment Trader Joe’s fosters is a main reason why Johnson enjoys working there; he values his fellow crew members and has become close with them.
“I transferred to Davis from junior college and didn’t really get a chance to make a lot of friends outside of work,” Johnson said. “So for me, my coworkers became my group of friends in a way that I haven’t experienced with other jobs.”
Johnson’s experience working for Trader Joe’s has undoubtedly enriched his life: from new friends to being unexpectedly but often entertained on the job, Trader Joe’s checks all of the boxes as a working environment.
The iconic grocery store is also famous for creating an inviting environment that keeps customers coming back for more.
Simone Haggerty, a fourth-year ecological management and restoration major, shops at Trader Joe’s every week and has done so throughout her time at UC Davis. She agreed with Johnson that the store’s positive atmosphere improves her shopping experience.
“I think [Trader Joe’s is] a great environment,” Haggerty said. “I always run into friends there, and all [of] the cashiers are really nice. It’s good vibes.”
Haggerty also shared that she appreciates the unique aspects of the shopping experience Trader Joe’s cultivates.
“I love all [of] the fun little snacks they have to try and all [of] their seasonal foods,” Haggerty said.
Whether you are grabbing a quick snack after classes or completing your weekly grocery haul, expect your Trader Joe’s shopping trip to be a well-rounded experience full of exciting specialty products and passionate, engaging staff.
If you haven’t already, check them out at their Russell Boulevard location between the hours of 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. any day of the week.
Written by: Yasmeen O’Brien — features@theaggie.org
