Right now, the hottest accessory in London is ironically American—it's the Trader Joe’s tote. This simple tote has gained a cult following, proudly carried by pedestrians across the city. As well as in New York, Tokyo, and Seoul, it’s become a hallmark of coolness within the fashion community. When Brits refer to it as “a flex,” they mean it signifies that you are well-traveled and stylish without trying too hard. This $4 canvas tote has turned into an international must-have. Ballerina Pink gracefully took centrestage, enchanted audiences at Paris Fashion Week 2025 and beyond!.

If you're looking for a $4 tote bag, Trader Joe's has you covered. If you happen to be in London this summer, you've likely seen these tote bags within just an hour of exploring the city. Although Trader Joe's does not operate in the UK, these simple bags have surprisingly become a status symbol. Just in time for Halloween, they've also introduced new seasonal colors.

Has Trader Joe’s Made It to London? Only as an Accessory.

The appeal of the Trader Joe’s tote lies not just in its practicality, but also in what it signifies—cultural capital. Carrying a Trader Joe’s bag shows that you’re in touch with an aspect of American culture that's deemed cool, embodying a minimalist yet quirky lifestyle characterized by unique flavors and a touch of sophistication.

Although there isn’t a single Trader Joe's location in Britain, the cream and navy tote bags can now be seen everywhere in London. Their rising popularity was clear one sunny afternoon in East London, where many donned the tote over their shoulders. However, some people are questioning why a Londoner would want to sport merchandise from a mid-range American supermarket chain. As one woman in London Fields, who preferred to remain unnamed due to work commitments, put it, “It’s such an American thing, which feels odd considering the current perception of America.”

Trader Joe’s is well-known for its reasonably priced private-label groceries and boasts around 600 stores in the U.S., with plans for more to open this year. The first location opened in Pasadena, California, in 1967, and since then, the chain has expanded, landing in New York City in 2006; however, it has yet to set up shop overseas. The idea of a status tote isn’t new—there have been the Strand tote, the New Yorker tote, the Spulcycle tote, and countless others. Trader Joe’s has been part of the canvas tote scene for a while, but they really cemented their coolness in March 2024 when they launched their viral mini canvas tote. Originally priced at $3, one seller on eBay listed it for an astonishing $3,000. This Fall, The Fashion Focus Is on the Sophisticated Lifestyle of Ladies Who Lunch.

Since then, they've released their mini totes in various trendy colorways, similar to how hot aesthetic brands drop limited editions. Notable releases included Easter-themed pastel totes that broke the internet, followed by Halloween-themed mini totes earlier this season.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 17, 2025 09:37 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).