In a recent interview, CEO, Bryan Palbaum, confirmed that his chain has no intention of introducing self-serve checkouts.  This move is intended to satisfy existing clientele who associate direct interaction with a checkout clerk with the Trader Joe’s shopping experience.  The second consideration is the ongoing pressure for unionization at Trader Joe’s with four stores in California, Kentucky, Massachusetts and Minnesota, now with a union contract.

Despite liberal fringe benefits and competitive wage rates, Trader Joe’s is under pressure to unionize. The workers’ union, Trader Joe’s United has filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board claiming anti-union activity.

This approach by Trader Joe’s, rejecting innovations in technology including self-checkout and just walk out, denotes a mindset contrary to modern supermarket management including introduction of E-commerce, self-checkouts and other innovations adopted by competitors including Aldi and the major chains.