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Trader Joe’s has made some major adjustments to their store policies in response to COVID-19. However, one policy that is noticeably missing from the grocery store chain is curbside pickup and grocery delivery. Although there have been some calls for these adjustments, the grocery store has decided not to move forward with making these changes.
Matt Sloan, Trader Joe’s Vice President of Marketing. explained why: "It's something that takes months or years to plan, build and implement and it requires tremendous resources. Well, at Trader Joe's, the reality is that over the last couple of decades we've invested those resources in our people rather than build an infrastructure that eliminates the need for people."
Tara Miller, Trader Joe's Marketing Director, also explained, "The bottom line here is that our people remain our most valued resource.While other retailers were cutting staff and adding things like self-checkout, curbside pickup and outsourcing delivery options, we were hiring more crew, and we continue to do that."
Despite these claims, Trader Joe's has recently come under fire for their treatment of employees during coronavirus. Specifically, employees have claimed that the grocery chain was not offering hazard pay and only a week of sick leave.
However, in their updated policy, the retailer specified new ways they are helping protect their workers--including crew member wellness checks, additional paid-for-sick time, and thank you pay.
