The entrance of Trader Joe's.
FOOD NEWS
Here's Why Trader Joe's Employees Wear Hawaiian Shirts
By David Tran
A Trader Joe's storefront.
Trader Joe's employees are extra friendly, and their Hawaiian shirts have become emblematic of the grocery store and its goal of being fun and unique.
Trader Joe's employee at checkout line.
The shirts tie in with Trader Joe's nautical theme and, according to Trader Joe's website, are worn by "our Crew of adventurous traders on the culinary seas.”
Customers shopping at Trader Joe's.
Crew member titles, such as merchant and mate, are also part of the theme. On Reddit, an alleged Trader Joe's employee said Hawaiian shirts are reserved for captains (managers).
Customers waiting to check-out at Trader Joe's.
Other crew members typically wear plain shirts with flower prints on the back, which also nods to Trader Joe's nautical theme.