Tote-ally Obsessed: Why The Trader Joe’s Tote Bag Has Taken Over Campus

There exists a bag as sought after and coveted as a Hermes Birkin. It’s about $20,000 cheaper, found at a grocery store chain and made out of a simple canvas fabric. This is the Trader Joe’s tote bag. 

Found all around campus, the Trader Joe’s tote bag has taken the Loyola world by storm. Denouncing previous connotations on popular accessories being overpriced and inaccessible, this simple tote has gained just as much traction as its high end affiliates. 

Trader Joe’s, an American grocery chain, is renowned for their one of a kind products, hand-drawn advertisements and easy going vibe. Yet it’s not just the food which captivates the interest and hunger of customers — it’s the tote bag. 

Adorned with two blue straps, outer pockets on each side and the classic red logo embroidered in the middle, the bag has become a staple of college fashion. Initially developed as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic bags, the tote bag was meant to promote sustainability and give customers a sturdy yet fashionable way to schlep their groceries to-and-from. However, it’s become much more than just a plastic bag substitute.

As university students have gotten their hands on it, the bag has been used as a substitute backpacks, overnight bags, sacs for the beach — you name it. For every occasion, one can find a use for the Trader Joe’s bag, but why? What makes this simple $3.99 bag so special?

Well, it’s precisely the price. The simpleness of the sack paired with its heavy duty material and affordable price has made it a necessity for college kids. In a time where finances can be a huge burden and following the most current trends can mean forfeiting half of the month’s rent money, it’s easy to see why accessibility and affordability are everything. 

Beyond the price, the functionality of the bag is a big selling point. I’ve used my own as a picnic basket, laptop case and even an accessory for Instagram photoshoots. It’s not uncommon to see students around Loyola carrying their books to and from classes in the canvas sack. 

And no need to fret about looking like a copy-and-paste of every other en vogue college student as the bag’s lightweight fabric allows for individuality and self-expression. From pins to embroidered patchwork, it’s easy to add your own personal touch to the utility. 

The tote has also gained traction and popularity in foreign markets. While there are no Trader Joe’s located outside of the states, that doesn’t stop trend hungry consumers from getting their hands on the product. 

In places such as Japan and in countries across Europe, some people are paying upwards of $1,000 for the bag, incomparable to the 4 dollars American shoppers spend on the same product. This is due to the popularization of Western fashion in foreign nations, known as “American core,” – Trader Joe’s tote bags fit perfectly into such a realm.

With its international popularity, American consumers are sure to go even crazier for the tote, meaning we can expect to see more and more throughout the city and on campus. It’s low price, multiple uses, and ever growing popularity make the Trader Joe’s tote the perfect college accessory.