WALNUT CREEK, CALIFORNIA – A simple act of kindness at the Trader Joe’s off Newell in Walnut Creek sparked a wave of appreciation across the community this week.
Jeannie S., a teacher from Rudgear Estates, said online that she watched a staff member step in as a small family struggled with a screaming toddler and a pregnant mom. After several minutes, the employee hustled over with a bouquet of flowers for the mom and a long strip of stickers for the child — “stickers are kid gold,” Jeannie S. noted — and the mood shifted. “Parents were so appreciative and I was heartwarmed to see this kindness. Good for you Trader Joe’s,” she wrote.
The post set off a chorus of neighbors praising the Newell crew and the chain’s customer service culture. “Yeah love that TJs and the one on Treat and Oakgrove,” said Linda H. from Buena Vista, adding thanks for “this story of kindness and empathy.”
Lynne P. from Homestead put it simply: “I love this Trader Joe’s. It is always a pleasure to shop there.” From Clayton Valley, Dianne G. chimed in, “I agree. They’re amazing.”
Several commenters said experiences like this aren’t a one-off. “Every time I cash out, I comment they have the best customer service in town,” said Mikki B. from Colony Park, who’s watched staff patiently wait as customers clear space for trucks and restocking.
Want more stories about positive things happening in the community, as well as local restaurant openings and more? Join our free 925 News newsletter by clicking here.
“Yes, that is part of the training and who they pick,” she added, noting she knows students who work at “a Joe’s.” Kaaren B. in Homestead suggested other retailers could learn from the model: “Other businesses could take a page from the Trader Joe customer service book. They are exceptional.”
For many, that culture is exactly why they keep returning. “Everyone there is so nice — that’s what keeps me going back,” said Jackie B. from Rossmoor Golden Rain. Lenore K. in Rossmoor’s Tice Creek praised the trifecta of “staff, variety, and prices,” while Denise L. from Rancho San Miguel singled out the Newell team: “TJ’s staff on Newell is the best!”
Neighbors also connected the kindness they see to how employees are treated. “This is when smart management giv[es] the staff the encouragement to do the right things. It shows and customers appreciate you,” said Anna L. from Foothill.
Marilyn B. on Cervato Circle wondered how TJ’s “gets such great people,” and Anna L. replied that referrals and onboarding matter: “One corporate recruitment incentive is employee referral bonus. The other is employee orientation and training. It’s a win/win. Kudos to TJ team!” Mikki B. added that when she compliments staff, she often hears the same thing back — “they like working there.”
The goodwill stretches to other nearby stores, too. “Trader Joe’s in Lafayette is also outstanding,” said Helen R. from Corliss, while Mary-Anne D. from NW Alamo noted that her grands “work at Trader Joe’s on Treat — they love working there while attending DVC.”
Jana D. in Downtown Lafayette said the chain carries “good European items, priced very well,” and suggested the employees’ upbeat vibe comes from how they’re treated: “The employees are pleasant, because they are treated well by the employer.”
For some, the Newell store feels like an extension of family. “It is like visiting the nicest members of one’s family,” said Jorge M. from Walnut Heights, grateful a location opened closer to home. And for others, the takeaway was just the rare joy of seeing something positive online. “Omg, something really nice on ND,” wrote Lance S. from Sycamore, referring to the Nextdoor social network where the post appeared.
One bouquet and a strip of stickers turned a tough moment into a community story — and reminded neighbors why the Newell Trader Joe’s has such a loyal following. As Jean P. from Tice Valley put it: “The best!!!”
