Outside the Trader Joe’s nearest my house (where charities occasionally ask for donations) today there was a sign stating that solicitations would no longer be allowed, inside the store, outside the store or in the parking lot. Quite a few other things were also prohibited, including gathering signatures.
So I asked the always helpful staff if that was store policy, or state policy or corporate policy. Answer: Corporate. I asked “Does Trader Joe’s own the store or the parking lot”? Answer: No.
In California, gathering signatures is a necessary evil, as historically legislation is enacted by Propositions. We could have a lot of discussion about the wisdom on legislating by Propositions (wonderful if you do not care about accountability!), but really I am feeling that the Trader Joe’s policy is an infringement of free speech, especially on rental property where they share a parking lot with other businesses.
I sent them the following via the “Contact us” button on the website:
I was quite surprised to read the posted new policy at my local Trader Joe's, which at first appeared to be about solicitation, but in fact contained quite a few free speech constraints. The always helpful staff informed me that this was new corporate policy in response to my query; they also informed me that the store and the parking lot are not owned by Trader Joe's. Please consult with both legal and customer service and explain. Sincerely, slowbutsure
They have not yet gotten back to me. Am I overreacting?