Cashiers at busy Trader Joe's

What The Sound Of A Ringing Bell Means At Trader Joe's

NEWS

BY ALLISON LINDSEY

Person looking at Trader Joe's produce
Trader Joe's does things differently than other grocers, and the chain uses the clap of a brass bell to indicate several different things to its employees.
Large bell at Trader Joe's
The Trader Joe's bell system
is analogous to the average supermarket's intercom system. Employees flick the clapper of the bell to call for assistance.
Line of Trader Joe's carts
One chime means that register lines are filling up fast and crew members should return quickly to their register. Two chimes indicate a broken product that needs replaced.
Cashier at Trader Joe's
Three chimes is the sound that your cashier needs help from a more senior crew member. Four chimes prompts all employees to rush to the register to clear unusually long lines.