PPAI • MAY 2026 • 49 Buzzworthy | Community 2. Trader Joe’s Totes Do It Again Trader Joe’s isn’t a luxury grocery store. It’s the place to go for unique budget-friendly finds that can’t be found anywhere else. One of those finds is a $2.99 reusable canvas tote that’s being found on overseas retail markets for up to six figures. Totes are being spotted on shoulders of fashionistas everywhere: Japan, England, Australia, South Korea and more. There’s nothing particularly special about the bag. It’s made of standard ecofriendly canvas, comes in a couple accent colors and measures about 20.5 inches wide, 14.5 inches high and 5.75 inches deep. It’s sturdy enough for a crowded ride on the Tube and roomy enough for a mid-sized mutt (groceries will work, too). And of course, the Trader Joe’s logo sits front and center. So, why the fervor? Despite having over 600 stores, not a single Trader Joe’s can be found outside the United States. “They represent a limitation,” Yale School of the Environment lecturer Michelle Gabriel says. “Trader Joe’s isn’t in every city and on every corner. That already imparts a scarcity that … can be used in service of status.” This isn’t the first time a TJs reusable bag went viral. In March 2024, a miniature version of the same style tote sold out in stores nearly immediately and popped up on resale sites for $1,000. The same thing happened in December 2024 when the chain introduced a standup collapsible grocery tote. Despite becoming a household name in many homes overseas, Trader Joe’s isn’t loving the notoriety. When asked about the resale market, the company’s public relations manager, Nakia Rohde, said it “neither condones nor supports the reselling of [its] products” and “does all [it] can to stop the practice.” Gemline, PPAI 100’s No. 13 supplier, carries both large and mini versions of the canvas tote bag synonymous with Trader Joe’s. elements because “it celebrates New England pride that goes hand-in-hand with the Patriots.” Meanwhile, retailer Simply Seattle didn’t wait until the Seattle Seahawks snagged the NFC Championship to get the ball running. Prep work started months prior, and the printing press was fired up within hours. “The design process started six to eight weeks ago; we were kicking around different ideas, tossing out others,” says Jake Smidt, vice president of product at Simply Seattle. From stickers and drinkware to a Lumen Field replica and a “Run the Damn Ball” cap, fans have literally thousands of items to choose from. In December, the NFL and high-end streetwear brand Fear of God launched a multi-year licensing collaboration allowing both brands to “work to bridge the worlds of sport and fashion through an American luxury lens.” Following the throwback trend, the luxury streetwear label debuted a collection of relaxed and oversized ’90s-inspired apparel. For those who are strictly Team Halftime, the NFL has a collab for that, too. The league teamed up with Grammy winner and halftime show performer Bad Bunny for a two-part merch series. The Fans/Concho collection features the sapo concho (the Puerto Rican crested toad) frequently found on the artist’s albums. Fans are already going loco for the gear even though items won’t ship until May 1. The second collection, “Super Tazón (Super Bowl),” marks a milestone for the league, becoming the first official NFL-licensed Super Bowl merch featuring Spanishlanguage branding. Image courtesy of Trader Joes
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