Trader Joe’s releases new tote bags, reselling for more than $1K

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***Related video above: Massive lines at Trader Joe’s as viral mini tote bags made return last fall***

(WJW) — Trader Joe’s released a new line of its popular $3 mini tote bags just in time for spring, and the bags are once again going viral as some resellers list them for hundreds of dollars online.

The mini tote bags were first introduced at stores last February, when a viral video with millions of views showed customers swarming a display and reaching over each other to get one.

The grocery store chain restocked the limited-time totes last fall, and shoppers didn’t waste any time. A video posted to TikTok in September showed crowds of people lined up outside the Trader Joe’s at a strip mall in Monrovia, California, with the caption reading, “Would you wait in this line for the mini tote bag?”

This spring, Trader Joe’s decided to bring back the popular item in new pastel colors, including blue, green, lavender and pink.

“Last year, when we introduced our Mini Canvas Totes, we were so pleasantly surprised by their rapturous reception that we’re bringing in even more Mini Totes, this time in a series of Pastel shades to herald the beginning of spring,” the company said on its website.

Company officials said the new bags would be available “at your neighborhood Trader Joe’s” for a limited time for $2.99.

A Trader Joe’s spokesperson told ABC News on Tuesday that the exact day the totes would be available at different stores “will vary.”

However, some resellers are already listing the viral bags for more than $1,000. A pastel lavender bag is listed on eBay for $1,600, while a blue tote is listed for $1,400 and a green is listed for $1,100. Other listings are much cheaper, with some selling a set of four for nearly $50.

According to the Trader Joe’s website, the totes “are made of the same heavy duty, 65% cotton/35% polyester blend as our larger, classic Canvas Bags.”

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