Trader Joe's is one of the largest and most successful supermarket retail chains in the United States. It is a privately owned company that has more than 200 stores across the country. Most of their operations are world-class such as product development, quality control, workforce management, distribution, and customer service. Trader Joe's carries a small line of products, but specializes in organic, unique, and healthy food for reasonable prices. Trader Joe's introduces customers to new products every month. Information about bad quality products is always available at the store. Trader's Joe employees are responsive to customer's complaints about food quality and service. Unsatisfied customers can receive a full refund for the products that do not live up to their standards. The workforce operation at Trader's Joe is on a high level. Employees get great benefits and higher pay than other supermarket stores. Their rate of turnover is relatively low because Trader Joe’s has created a positive environment, where employees’ opinions are respected. Therefore, employees’ work satisfaction is high. Trader Joe’s encourages multi-tasking and has an extensive 12-month training program, so employees’ productivity is high. Trader Joe’s buys directly from manufacturers with timely cash payments. The company offers long term contracts to manufacturers. Low-cost of distribution helps keep low-prices on Trader Joe’s products. They have great in-store customer service. When they need more employees at cash register, they ring the bell and additional workers come to speed check out. In order to keep low usage of paper bags, Trader Joe’s has a lottery of 25 dollars gift card for customers who use their own bags. They also have an express line for customers who have less than 15 items to buy.
Two non-world class operations are facility and inventory. The size of the retail facility is small, and parking is congested and uncomfortable. Trader Joe’s also has inventory...