Trader Joe’s new mini canvas bags are causing Stanley Cup-level excitement – Chicago Tribune

Trader Joe’s newest product is a reusable bag.

Demand for the grocery chain’s new canvas mini bags caused Stanley Cup-level frenzy over the weekend, according to social media posts showing crowds gathering around a display case. One video shows shoppers carrying baskets containing nothing but mini bags.

Nothing says the height of consumerism like buying a new “It” bag to fill with more things to buy, but the size of the mini bag (about 13 inches long, 11 inches high and 6 inches wide) is especially well-suited for Trader Joe’s customers . ‘ habits. Most Trader Joe’s shoppers purchase 10 or fewer items per visit, according to data from Numerator, an analytics firm. For scale, a banana can easily fit in the bag, vertical side up.

But many of TJ’s fans think they’re cute. “Do I need someone? No. Will I still buy one? Yeah,” one user wrote on the Trader Joe’s subreddit. Another wrote: “Nobody needs more tote bags, but I’d love to buy one and not all.”

The global reusable bag market is growing, and in the US, that’s thanks in part to plastic bag bans, according to Business Research Insights. Eight states have banned single-use plastic bags, a tally from the National Conference of State Legislatures found, and cities including New York and Washington D.C. are charging fees for their use. With the exception of Ikea’s big, blue 99-cent Frakta bag, it’s rare for a reusable bag to inspire any sort of cult following.

Made from the same material as Trader Joe’s classic canvas bags, the mini bags come in blue, green, red and yellow patterns and retail for just $2.99. Sellers now sell them on eBay for $10 or more. Trader Joe’s did not respond to a request for comment.

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