Are you even a Londoner if you don’t own a tote back from USA supermarket Trader Joe’s?
While it’s caused some confusion among Americans — especially given the grocery store doesn’t exist in the UK — the biggest are in high demand.
Despite costing around $4.99 in stores, they’re going for much more on eBay.
One, in the newly released lavender shade, is selling for £18, while a set of four is listed for £53.15.
We’ve even seen one ambitious seller posting theirs for £36,000.
But now, budget supermarket Lidl is taking matters into its own hands and releasing its own supermarket tote — and this one is completely free.
While it might be famed for it’s low cost essentials and bakery items, Lidl is no stranger to the fashion world.
In 2024, its Croissant Bag went viral, and earlier this year it released a bag shaped like a trolley.
The new navy and white bag has two blue straps down the middle, next to the logo, similar in design to the Trader Joe’s option.
You can set yours apart from the crowd though by customising it. There are keyrings to personalise it with, including the Freeway Cola keyring (real ones know), and even a pin of the beloved All Butter Croissant.
In a press release Lidl said: ‘Th fashionable tote bag is a reminder that Brits don’t need to cross the Atlantic for great produce, great prices — or great style.
‘Complete with a spacious interior and two handy side pockets, it’s perfect for picking up weekend essentials, heading to work, or simply adding a little extra to their everyday look.’
This really should be studied the amount of trader joes totes I see here in London. Like something that is only offered in America IT really makes me giggle. #americaninlondon #americanintheuk #americanabroad #traderjoes #traderjoestotebag #traderjoestiktok #lifeinlondon #londonlife #londonliving #londontiktok
How can I get a new Lidl tote bag?
If you want to get your hands on one of these bag boys, you’ll need to come prepared. The totes will be available from 10am on Wednesday, September 16, but there’ll only be 1,000 of them available for free.
Once they’re gone, they’re gone. It’s a first-come, first-served basis.
The bag won’t be available in stores across the UK, but online via a website dedicated to the occasion called The Lidl Tote.
Joanna Gomer, Lidl’s marketing director, said: ‘We’ve always seen a phenomenal response to our branded bag drops, with shoppers turning everyday accessories into iconic style staples.
Let’s find the VIRAL Trader Joe bag!!🇺🇸👜😭 #traderjoes #traderjoestotebag #totebags #viralfinds #britinamerica
‘With this new tote, we wanted to create something special, a bag that is robust and stylish, perfectly balancing practicality with a premium look.’
She added that Lidl wants this launch to serve as a ‘creative canvas’ for customers, who’ll be able to add their own ‘personal stamp’ to a soon-to-be iconic fashion moment.
More supermarket news from Metro
In other supermarket-related news, Aldi’s limited edition German Pilsner-flavoured crisps went down a storm back in 2024, prompting a return by popular demand the following year.
Now, shoppers can get their hands on these ‘hoppy and savoury’ cult favourites once more, as they’re back on shelves for Oktoberfest 2026.
From today, the booze-inspired Specially Selected Crinkle Crisps will be available at the budget supermarket, priced at £1.15 for a 150g bag.
But as with all Aldi Specialbuys and theme week items, you’ll need to be quick; once they’re gone, they’re gone.
Elsewhere, while it might only be September, brands are already starting to load Christmas products onto the shelves.
The Big Mix at Marks & Spencer went viral last year, after people claimed the chocolate tin was ‘better than Quality Street’ and it looks set to be just as popular in 2026. People are already planning ahead, nabbing one now to avoid missing out closer to the big day.
The Big Mix from M&S costs £7 for a 650g carton or £12 for a 1.2kg tin and features a mix of 10 different sweets in colourful wrappers, suitable for vegetarians.
The selection includes Salted Caramel, Coffee Truffle, Hazelnut in Caramel, Cream Toffee, Milk Crème, Caramel Fudge, Strawberry Crème, Orange Crème, Biscuit in Caramel and a Butterscotch Éclair.
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