About this episode
The quirky little grocery chain with California roots and German ownership has a lot to teach all of us about choice architecture, efficiency, frugality, collaboration, and team spirit. SOURCES: Kirk DesErmia , facilities manager in Seward, Alaska. Mark Gardiner , journalist and author. Sheena Iyengar , professor of business at Columbia Business School. Michael Roberto , professor of management at Bryant University. RESOURCES: “ Trader Joe’s ,” David Ager and Michael Roberto ( Harvard Business School Case, 2014). “ What Brands Are Actually Behind Trader Joe’s Snacks? ,” Vince Dixon ( Eater, 2017). Build a Brand Like Trader Joe’s by Mark Gardiner (2012). “ When Choice is Demotivating: Can One Desire Too Much of a Good Thing? ,” Sheena Iyengar and Mark Lepper ( Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 2000). Unlocking Creativity , by Michael Roberto (2019). EXTRAS: “ How Can This Possibly Be True? ,” by Freakonomics Radio (2016). “ How to Save $1 Billion Without Even Trying ,” by Freakonomics Radio (2016). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.