Parents know how difficult it can be to bring their children grocery shopping. Gone are the days of a 15- to 20-minute solo grocery run. Trying to keep a high-energy child occupied while you quickly check off the list is no small feat.
Trader Joe’s is helping parents and children have a smooth shopping experience by hiding toys in aisles to make grocery shopping fun for all.
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Trader Joe’s doesn’t advertise it, but people have been finding stuffed animals hanging in the shelves of their store aisles for years.
In a 2015 Reddit thread from the subreddit IAmA, a Trader Joe’s manager, or “Mate” as they’re called, revealed the little secret.
Someone asked, “I’ve been told that there’s a lobster hidden in the store – looked for it every single time – never found it. Is there a lobster hidden somewhere?”
“Each store has a stuffed animal of some sort hiding somewhere,” the manager replied.
“It’s really just for kids to run around and find the missing animal, and they get a treat.”
“Kids seem to LOVE it and parents go along with it too. So, I’m guessing the store your referring to has a lobster as their animal.”
According to The Kitchn , the rumor is true.
“Now, I cannot say that there is one in every single store, but in general, stores typically have one,” Kendra Friend-Daniel, a PR director for Trader Joe’s told The Kitchn.
“It’s a way to engage with kids in our store. If they locate the hidden stuffed toy, they just let a Crew Member know and they’ll receive a treat.”
Each store may have a different toy and treat, as well.
How fun! I’ll definitely be keeping my eyes peeled next time I head to Trader Joe’s!
