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Trader Joe’s Mini Totes Are Reselling for Hundreds Online

March 14, 2024

Trader Joe’s has found itself at the center of social media buzz once again, thanks to its latest offering: mini canvas totes. These tiny bags, available in four vibrant colors — blue, red, green, and yellow — have sparked a frenzy among customers, with demand soaring to unprecedented levels.

Priced at a mere $2.99, these mini totes have become a hot commodity, fetching prices many times their original value on platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace. Third-party sellers are capitalizing on the hype, with listings ranging from $20 for a single bag to a whopping $999 for a set of four.

Videos circulating on social media depict eager crowds swarming Trader Joe’s stores in hopes of snagging one of these coveted totes. TikTokers, in particular, have garnered tens of thousands of views by showcasing their customized bags adorned with intricate paintwork, buttons, and embroidery.


Despite the unexpected surge in demand, Trader Joe’s spokesperson Nakia Rohde revealed that the company had not actively promoted the mini totes. “Our Mini Canvas Tote Bags certainly sold more quickly than we anticipated,” Rohde said. “Before we had the opportunity to promote them in any way, customers across the country found them at their neighborhood Trader Joe’s.”

While Trader Joe’s disapproves of reselling its products online for higher prices, the allure of exclusivity and scarcity has driven prices skyward. This phenomenon mirrors past instances, such as the frenzy over Huy Fong Foods’ Sriracha sauce.

The mini totes are not the first product to capture the internet’s attention, with Stanley cups experiencing a similar surge in popularity recently. Limited supplies of these tumblers led to chaos at retailers, with third-party sellers inflating prices accordingly.


Although the mini totes have sold out nationwide, Rohde reassured customers that more would be available later in the summer. Until then, enthusiasts will have to keep a close eye on social media for updates on this latest craze from Trader Joe’s.

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