Why on Earth Does Trader Joe’s Hide Stuffed Animals in Its Store?

Wait, what?! If you’re like us, and you didn’t know, Trader Joe’s actually hides stuffed animals all around its stores. Once we let that news sink in, we were on a mission to figure out why. 

“I’m a huge fan of TJ’s—particularly hiding their stuffed animals, as I have a 5 and 3 year old,” says Andie Lunkenheimer, a frequent Trader Joe’s customer based in Philadelphia. “When I walk in [to my local store], there’s a ‘missing’ poster with whichever animal is currently hidden,” Lunkenheimer says. It creates a win-win scenario—while adults shop, kids go on an adventure. And, what kid (or kid at heart) can resist a scavenger hunt to find a missing stuffed animal and win a prize?

This game absolutely fits with Trader Joe’s friendly, playful approach to its products and customer experience. 

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Where Are the Stuffed Animals Hidden?

The animals can be anywhere in the store, wherever customers can roam. “So, they won’t be in back rooms or behind registers,” says Nathan Russo, another frequent shopper at TJ’s based in Destin, Florida. Generally, the animals are hidden in areas kids can’t reach, so they’ll need to tell an employee once they’ve found it—this prevents shoppers from finding and stealing them.

“All stores take part in this, and sometimes the animals hidden change from season to season,” Russo says. In most cases, the missing animals differ across stores to maintain variety and deliver new experiences. And, if you see a lobster, it’s not a coincidence. “In addition to a stuffed animal, most Trader Joe’s also hide a plastic lobster,” Russo adds. So, be on the lookout!

What’s the Prize?

Once you point out the stuffed animal to an employee,  “you’ll get a lollipop (or stickers) as a reward,” Lunkenheimer explains. When you are ready to check out, you’ll receive the reward. 

While kids get a sweet treat, there’s also a built-in reward for the adults too. The scavenger hunt acts as a fun distraction to keep kids entertained and busy, meaning the adult can shop more efficiently and comfortably. “I can’t even begin to tell you how helpful this is when we had a big shopping day and the kids, rather than asking ‘how much longer,’ are instead on the hunt for Monkey Joe or Sammi the Sloth,” Lunkenheimer says.