If there’s one thing Trader Joe’s knows how to do — besides snacks and seasonal frozen finds — it’s creating a frenzy over a tote bag. The grocery chain recently dropped a new lineup of mini canvas totes in pastel colors, and in true TJ’s fashion, they’ve become an overnight sensation. The bags may retail for just $2.99, but some are now being resold online for eye-watering amounts, with eBay listings reaching into the thousands — and even millions — of dollars.
Yes, really.
The new release features four soft shades — mint green, baby blue, lavender, and blush pink — just in time for picnic weather and Easter gift-giving. At around 13 inches long and 11 inches tall, these compact totes are ideal for light grocery runs, carrying lunch to work, or stashing tech gear on the go.
While Trader Joe’s pitched them as practical and charming additions to its reusable bag lineup, customers saw something more: a collectible. And they acted accordingly.
In cities like New York and Los Angeles, shoppers lined up before stores even opened, hoping to get their hands on the limited-edition bags. In some locations, employees reported managing distribution directly at the counter, keeping the totes off the floor to control the rush. At some stores in Manhattan and Brooklyn, extra security was even present, the New York Times reported.
The buzz was loud enough that purchase limits were imposed — usually two bags per customer. But even that wasn’t enough to curb the demand.
Resale Madness: From $2.99 to $1 Million?
Shortly after hitting store shelves, the mini totes began flooding resale sites. A quick look at eBay shows thousands of listings, with bundles of four bags going for between $30 and $150. Still steep for a grocery store bag — but downright modest compared to some of the more outrageous listings.
One seller is offering a set of eight bags for a staggering $1,000,000. Others are asking $10,000 for a set of four, or nearly $50,000 for a single mint green tote. While it’s unclear whether any of these have sold at those sky-high prices, the listings are certainly generating buzz — and a few raised eyebrows.
So, Why All the Hype?
Part of the appeal comes from the bags themselves: they’re cute, functional, and seasonal. But there’s also a sense of exclusivity that drives the craze. Much like last year’s primary-colored mini totes (which sold out quickly and became hot commodities online) the pastel collection taps into the thrill of a limited release.
For many fans, the bags aren’t just practical, they’re part of a growing culture of Trader Joe’s memorabilia. Tote collectors and superfans are more than willing to pay a premium for a full set, especially if they missed out in stores.
A New Spring Tradition
Given the overwhelming demand for these tiny totes, it wouldn’t be surprising if Trader Joe’s turned the mini bag drop into an annual tradition. And if resale trends continue, shoppers may soon start marking their calendars — and their budgets — for next year’s launch.
For now, if you’re hoping to score one at retail, you’ll need (a lot of) luck, timing, and maybe a little bit of line-waiting grit. The internet is also always open — just be ready to pay boutique prices for a bag that originally cost less than a coffee. But, if you don’t mind skipping the OG, there are several cute dupes of the pastel mini tote that are easily available. Check out some of our favorites below.
L.L.Bean Boat and Tote Bag
Price: $34.95
Land’s End Medium Natural 5 Pocket Open Top Canvas Tote Bag
Price: $34.95
Dalix Small Daily Tote Bag
Price: $12.95
The post Whoa! Trader Joe’s Mini Pastel Tote Bags Are Selling for $1 Million on eBay appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.