Trader Joe’s is dropping a new $2.99 tote, and shoppers are already preparing for chaos

Trader Joe’s is about to drop a new collection of mini totes. And, if the past is any indication, these bags are likely to fly off the shelves as soon as they arrive in stores. The popular grocer just announced the line of mini totes, which are striped and come in four pastel colors: pink, blue, green, and brown. The bags are made of a 65 cotton and 35 polyester blend fabric with a pocket on each side. Each bag is just 13 inches long, 11 inches tall, and six inches wide. The mini totes are priced at just 2.99. Nakia Rohde, a Trader Joe’s spokesperson, tells Fast Company that the mini totes are likely to be a big hit, especially given they are compact and convenient. Rohde said, “The size is ideal for smaller shopping trips, to pick up those few items you forgot the first time around.”Rohde added, “Just be sure to pick up a Tote while you can—supplies are limited.” [Photo: Trader Joe’s] Trader Joe’s tote drops are typically a viral sensation that seem to have dedicated shoppers racing to their local TJ’s store to try and snag one with every release. But while Trader Joe’s has sold a variety of bags, such as larger totes, cooler bags, and even Halloween-themed bags, the smaller canvas tote has been known to attract the most attention from shoppers. Back in 2024, Rohde told AP News that the company didn’t have to do any promotion in order to drum up excitement about the product. “Our Mini Canvas Tote Bags certainly sold more quickly than we anticipated. Before we had the opportunity to promote them in any way, customers across the country found them at their neighborhood Trader Joe’s,” the spokesperson said at the time.Given the item is so popular, some sellers have tried to capitalize on the viral sensation by reselling bags at inflated prices, or even selling fakes. Trader Joe’s says it has now launched a lawsuit to combat knockoff versions of its totes from being sold. Rohde says, “We are aware that some knockoff totes are being sold online and have recently filed a lawsuit to protect our customers from being misled.”The spokesperson added, “At Trader Joe’s, it’s very important to us that our customers are getting what they’ve paid for. That’s one of the reasons we only offer Trader Joe’s products for sale inside Trader Joe’s stores. This enables us to put our customers first, ensuring they’re getting authentic Trader Joe’s products.”