Can You Order From Trader Joe’s Online?

Last Updated on 02/03/2021 by GS Staff

As the popularity of online grocery ordering continues to grow, Trader Joe’s has opted not to go this direction. Trader Joe’s does not offer curbside pickup, in-store pickup, or any similar online ordering service. You can indirectly purchase some Trader Joe’s items online on Amazon.com.

Given the challenges of Covid, you might suspect that Trader Joe’s would seriously consider adding online ordering as a way for customers to obtain groceries in a safer manner. It would also better protect employees as foot traffic would presumably be reduced.

However, the company is taking a long-term approach with a focus on people and not on building infrastructure which requires an enormous cost.

Trader Joe’s has been transparent in its reasoning for staying away from online ordering. A Trader Joe’s podcast from April 2020 clearly explains it all. Here is an excerpt:

Creating an online shopping system for curbside pickup or the infrastructure for delivery, it’s a massive undertaking. 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.

Trader Joe’s Podcast, 4/10/2020

Clearly, Trader Joe’s online ordering should not be expected in the future. You should continue to count on the excellent in-store customer service that Trade Joe’s provides going forward.

Image Credit – Mike Mozart/flickr