As if your local Trader Joe’s store isn’t already crowded enough, your next visit might be even more enjoyable because the grocer’s new collapsible tote bag has gone viral—and it’s selling out fast.
The bags retail for just $3.99, making them more affordable than last year’s must-have fashion accessory, Stanley Cupwhich retails for nearly $50. In terms of design, they are almost as simple, with only two designs to choose from, both of which read “Greetings From Trader Joe’s” with a bunch of pictures. One shows a giant rutabaga, a biplane and a grocery cart. Another is decorated with a sleeping moon, a giant strawberry and a carrot.
However, what makes them so desirable is the fact that they are as practical as a Stanley mug, which could keep drinks cold all day. The bags stand on their own, making it easy to transport groceries home, and fold almost flat when not in use. They are also spacious and can fit a lot of food.
It got people talking on TikTok, Reddit, and Instagram.
@nwsahm New TJ’s bags!! Collapsible hard side bags for Thanksgiving groceries and snacks. #traderjoes #traderjoessnacks2024 #traderjoesthanksgivingpopcorn #fyp ♬ original sound – Lori~Beth
“You have places to go, people to see and, more likely, things to take with you,” the company she wrote on her website. “It’s one of the reasons we’ve put so much effort into creating fun and functional reusable bags over the years (and inadvertently created a few Mini Tote crazies along the way…).”
Crazy is not an exaggeration. Since Trader Joe’s only sells a limited number of bags, the secondary market can get a little ridiculous, with prices historically reaching hundreds of dollars, sometimes more. Even now, when the bag is still available in stores, there are ads for it eBay starting at almost $40.
That said, it’s still a bit shy of the frenzy that surrounded the Stanley Cups at their peak. In January people camped outside Target stores for the new edition 40-ounce glass.
