Hello,
As a Crew Member (and the Bread Man) at Trader Joes East/DC i have the pleasure of meeting and helping out a lot of very interesting customers. Let me relate to you some of them I've found most enjoyable.
Many new customers are unaccustomed to the service we offer. I was stocking the bread one day and was asked 'could you point me in the direction of the green beans?' My responce of course was to drop what I was doing (no I didn't drop any loaves of bread on the floor - grin) and take the customer to the frozen section, pointing out a few options, including a few I like.
Well this guest was amazed. 'You didn't have to do that' she said. 'But of course I did, thats why they pay me the big bucks and feed me so well'. She was truly surprised.
Also sometimes a customer will feel embarrassed to interrupt me from my breadly duties. I'll take them where they need to go and will hear 'I didn't mean to bother you'. 'No bother', I've said, 'I need the exercise anyway to deal with the weight I'm gaining due to the french toast and scrambled eggs we had for breakfast this morning.'
Lastly, and I'll close, we do carryout service....we call it 'ship to shore' of course. One time I went down to the parking garage (the 50 space garage is a well kept secret...don't tell anyone) with a women who had a huge cart of food, a young child, and 'a bun in the oven' if you know what I mean. ('Is that a bread joke Ronald?')
I loaded her trunk with the groceries. She said 'would it be alright if I gave you a tip' as she pressed some money into my hand. I took the money and told her I'd buy something for me and the rest of my crewmates with it.
Upon my arrival back on ship I went to the wine section and bought a bottle of 'Two Buck Chuck' and had change to spare after my employee discount! We had a good time in the break room that afternoon.
No, No, No, I didn't really buy any wine. I did buy an assortment of holiday cookies, afterall, I am the 'Cookie Monster' as well as the 'Bread Man' don't ja know?