While it’s a hard-to-explain phenomenon, Trader Joe’s canvas bags have become a global sensation, and now, Costco wants to get in on the action with its version of the viral bags.
“The phenomenon didn’t appear overnight. Known for its affordable prices and carefully curated selection of seasonal snacks and private-label products, Trader Joe’s has cultivated a fiercely loyal fanbase. Its canvas tote bags, in particular, have become a global obsession, with consumers from around the world eager to get their hands on one,” The Guardian reported.
eBay shows hundreds of listings for the bags, with prices ranging from $8.99 to $50,000 for sets of multiple bags, although it’s unclear whether any have sold at the highest prices.
And now Costco has started selling two new heavy-duty canvas tote bags in the United States.
“And the designs on the club retailer’s bags bear a striking resemblance to ones sold by the specialty grocer. Made by KeepCool, the cream-colored totes sport the Costco Wholesale logo and have either black or red accents. The two-pack, which retails for $10.99 online, includes a small bag and an extra-large one,” Grocery Dive reported.
Costco shows the new items on its website.
Trader Joe’s has created a global sensation
As someone who spends about a third of his time on cruise ships, I often bring gifts for crew members I know. That could be anything from candy to personal care items, or even clothes, they can’t get on board.
In recent months, however, I noticed my travel companions, PostCard Travel Planning owners Dennis and Amy Post, who keep in touch with dozens of crew members, bringing Trader Joe’s totes as gifts.
“We found out talking to several cruise ship staff, especially in the Philippines, it’s a thing. Every woman in the Philippines wants to have one, and if they have the specialty ones that come out seasonal like for Easter with multiple colors, they are a big deal. Also the new mini smaller bag too,” the Posts shared with TheStreet via text message.
They also did some research at the retailer.
“Spoke to a manager at Trader Joe’s Viera Florida, they have to actually limit the amount per person because people are selling them online at inflated prices so they sometimes have a 3, 5, and 10 limit on purchases,” they added. “It went viral several years ago and [in] certain countries, especially the Philippines. It’s a big deal.”
Trader Joe’s sells multiple totes:
- Mini Canvas Totes/Mini Pastel Totes: $2.99 each
- Standard/Large Canvas Totes: $3.99 each (prices can fluctuate slightly based on region and material, but they typically stay under $5)
- Mini Cooler/Insulated Bags: $3.99 each
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Costco faces a challenge
Costco has not commented on its new tote bags, but RTM Nexus CEO Dominick Miserandino thinks the chain faces an uphill battle when it comes to equaling the viral success of Trader Joe’s.
“Costco can make the bag. The harder part is making people care about getting the bag,” he told TheStreet.
The formula for success, he noted, has been laid out by the cult-favorite grocery chain.
“Trader Joe’s figured out that a cheap tote can become something people actually hunt for if the colors change, the supply feels limited, and people think they might miss it,” he wrote.
That doesn’t mean the warehouse club can’t capture the same phenomenon.
“Costco already has a fanatical customer base, and two bags for $10.99 is very Costco. If they keep changing them and give people a reason to want the next one, this could absolutely work,” he added.
The chain’s customers seem to support the idea.
“I like Costco for its great prices and good-quality products, so having the Costco tote bags feels like having little collector’s items to me. They’re practical, fun, and something I’m genuinely happy to add to my tote bag collection. I would like them even more if the canvas were a bit thicker, but the current material still feels durable,” Susan wrote on Costco’s website.
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