What The Bells At Trader Joe's Actually Mean

Once a wine shop (per Eat This, Not That!) and now a quaint grocery store that sells interesting snacks, frozen treats, and produce, Trader Joe's has grown in popularity and can be found in most states across the U.S. It distinguishes itself from other grocery chains due to its quirky atmosphere, friendly crew members who wear Hawaiian shirts, and humorous signs throughout the stores. There's even a hidden plastic lobster to find and a stuffed animal lurking somewhere on the shelves via Taste of Home. Your hard work and efforts are rewarded with candy if you find it.

But while shoppers wander through aisles and pick out popular products like the frozen mandarin orange chicken or jars of cookie butter, they might suddenly hear a bell or two. It's not an alarming emergency buzz, and it isn't rung for fun but instead utilized for three specific reasons. Here's what they are.

According to Eat This, Not That!, the bells at Trader Joe's act as their PA system. This is why you never hear employees talk over a loudspeaker for requests; they ring a bell a certain number of times depending on what they need. The official Trader Joe's website also states that the bells act as a Morse code for communication, which seems to enhance the overall maritime vibe of the store.

Eat This, Not That! goes on to explain that one bell signifies that a cash register needs to be open, two bells indicate that assistance is needed for a customer, and three bells call for a manager.

So next time you're strolling through the vibrant and lively aisles of Trader Joe's on the lookout for that hidden lobster or stuffed animal, listen for the bell to ring. You'll know a secret that most other shoppers won't, which will make any Trader Joe's crew member proud to have you aboard their store.