Only Trader Joe’s could drop the cutest winter accessory for all of your holiday grocery shopping — and it only be $3.99! While Trader Joe’s has dropped other beloved viral tote bags in recent months, the latest version is the first to have stand-up and collapsible features, which makes it ideal not only for grocery hauls, but also for transporting dishes like mac and cheese, casseroles, baked goods, or any other dish you’re bringing to the festivities this holiday season.
The practical stand-up collapsible tote comes in two vibrant, fun designs, and was crafted by an “expert” tote maker in Vietnam, Trader Joe’s boasts. My favorite of the two options is an eye-catching design with a deep purple sky background featuring whimsical clouds, a moon, and floating grocery staples.
What’s with Trader Joe’s’ Viral Totes, Anyway?
This whole bag trend didn’t just pop up out of nowhere. Trader Joe’s made a name for itself in the trendy tote scene with the arrival of its canvas reusable bag back in 1977, which is now a statement piece for trendy TikTokers and a staple of California fashion — it’s even gained a cult-following in Japan as a symbol of “American casual style.” When Trader Joe’s released a $2.99 limited-edition mini version of the classic tote in February, shoppers went wild, selling it out almost immediately and reselling on sites like eBay and Poshmark for as much as $500.
The California-based grocery retailer managed to create yet another viral sensation with the release of its “it girl” mini insulated bag, with many Trader Joe’s fans documenting their journey trying to get their hands on one before it flew off the shelves (like every other TJ’s bag drop).
My own sister was one of the many who waited in line outside of our local Trader Joe’s for an hour when the first batch dropped, and managed to get her hands on the highly coveted pink colorway. Have you ever heard of a college student waiting in line … for grocery store merch?
If you head to your local Trader Joe’s and find that the new stand-up collapsible grocery tote is already sold-out, don’t worry — because it’s already hit the resell market. But you’ll have to pay at least four times the retail price. Most of the listings I saw on eBay and Poshmark are reselling for about $16 to $25 a bag.
Love This Tote? Then You’ll Also Love …
If you’re after the functionality of the collapsible tote but don’t care about the color, I’ve got you: Amazon sells a similar four-pack of grocery totes that gets the job done and ships directly to your door. But if you’re patient (and really set on the adorable designs), it’s only a matter of time until Trader Joe’s releases new colors or does a second bag drop like they have with other popular bags in the past. Fingers crossed for a Trader Joe’s holiday miracle!
