While it’s a hard-to-explain phenomenon, Trader Joe’s canvas bags have become a global sensation, and now Costco is looking to get in on the action with its version of the virus bag.
“This phenomenon didn’t happen overnight. Known for its affordable prices and carefully curated selection of seasonal snacks and private-label products, Trader Joe’s has developed a very loyal following. Its canvas tote bags, in particular, have become a global obsession, with consumers from around the world eager to own one,” reports The Guardian.
eBay shows hundreds of listings for these bags, with multiple bag sets ranging in price from $8.99 to $50,000, though it’s unclear if any bags are selling for the highest price.
Now Costco has started selling two new heavy-duty canvas tote bags in the United States.
Grocery Dive reports: “The designs of the bags at club retailers are very similar to those sold in specialty grocery stores. The cream tote is made by KeepCool and features the Costco Wholesale logo with black or red accents. The two-pack retails online for $10.99 and includes a small bag and an oversized bag.”
Costco showcased the new items on its website.
Trader Joe’s becomes a global sensation
As someone who spends about a third of my time on cruise ships, I often bring gifts to the crew members I know. This could be anything from candy to personal care items or even clothing that they can’t bring on the plane.
In recent months, however, I’ve noticed that my travel companions, Dennis and Amy Post, owners of Postcard Travel Planning, keep in touch with dozens of crew members and bring Trader Joe’s tote bags as gifts.
“We talked to several cruise ship staff and found out, especially in the Philippines, that this is a thing. Every woman in the Philippines wants to have one, and if they have a specialty bag that comes out seasonally like Easter in multiple colors, that’s a big deal. There are also new mini bags,” The Washington Post shared with TheStreet via text message.
They also did some research on retailers.
“Talking to the manager at Trader Joe’s Viera Florida, they actually have to limit purchases per person because people are selling it online at inflated prices, so they sometimes limit purchases to 3, 5 and 10 pieces,” they added. “A few years ago it became very popular in certain countries, especially the Philippines. It was a big deal.”
Trader Joe’s sells a variety of handbags:
- Mini Canvas Handbag/Mini Pastel Handbag: $2.99 each
- Standard/large canvas tote bag: $3.99 each (Prices may fluctuate slightly depending on region and material, but generally stay under $5.
- Mini Cooler Bag/Insulated Bag: $3.99 each
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Costco faces challenges
Costco has yet to comment on its new tote bags, but RTM Nexus CEO Dominick Miserandino believes the chain will have an uphill battle to match the viral success of Trader Joe’s.
“Costco can make this bag. The harder part is getting people to care about whether they can buy it,” he told TheStreet.
The recipe for success, he noted, was developed by the beloved grocery chain.
“Trader Joe’s found that cheap tote bags can become something people actually want if the color changes, supply is limited, and people think they might miss out,” he wrote.
That doesn’t mean Warehouse Club couldn’t capture the same phenomenon.
“Costco already has a cult-like customer base, and $10.99 for two bags is very much in line with Costco’s style. If they keep changing them and give people a reason to want the next one, it definitely works,” he added.
The chain’s customers appear to support the idea.
“I love Costco because of its affordable prices and great quality products, so owning a Costco tote bag is like owning a collectible to me. They are practical, fun, and I’m really excited to add them to my tote bag collection. I would like them better if the canvas was a little thicker, but the current material still feels durable,” Susan wrote on the Costco website.
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