It’s pumpkin everything season at Trader Joe’s.
Whether you can’t resist the pumpkin bread mix, the pumpkin ravioli (there’s even a gluten-free version), the pumpkin empanadas, or the pumpkin Greek yogurt, it’s time to load up.
Trader Joe’s has been expanding rapidly over the last couple of years, making it easier for more consumers to get their hands on all of these popular seasonal items (in 2025 the retailer added 20 new locations to its lineup).
There is always an enticing mix of staples like milk, bread, and eggs, plus a dizzying array of ready-to-eat and frozen meals. But that isn’t necessarily what makes people so loyal.
The beloved retailer, known for its loyal customers, earned a top ranking in the 2025 American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) survey based on feedback from over 41,000 shoppers.
Trader Joe’s is known for its “service with a smile” mantra, and its crew members are among the friendliest you’ll find in grocery stores. They’ll share recipe ideas and opinions about products.
And they just might remind you about new items in stock that are likely to sell out.
Like totes.
Trader Joe’s seasonal bags almost always sell out within days.
Image source: Trader Joe's
Trader Joe’s viral product goes on sale October 8
If past tote bag launches are any clue, fans had better set an alarm for October 8. The latest mini canvas totes, decked out in festive black, orange, and purple shades, have morphed from simple grocery accessories into instant viral collectibles that often vanish long before midday.
For anyone thinking, “Who cares about a cheap canvas bag?” according to store crew and devoted tote hunters, the race for Trader Joe’s mini bags is so competitive that some stores are bracing for lines and plan to limit customer purchases.
In this case, scarcity is real: The most recent drop of pastel totes saw prices soar on eBay, and at some locations, shoppers lined up at sunrise to get their hands on one.
Why customers are wild for Trader Joe’s totes:
- Trader Joe’s has built a cult following for its mini canvas totes by mastering limited releases and rotating color palettes.
- Halloween’s viral palette of black, orange, and purple, plus one multi-colored mashup, turns the bags into must-have accessories for trick-or-treaters, lunch packers, and resale vultures alike.
- The retailer’s strategy combines affordability, colorful, playful branding, and limited supply, which all result in instant sell-outs.
Related: Trader Joe’s just keeps growing — new locations revealed
Key facts about the launch:
- Launch date: Wednesday, October 8, 2025, nationwide, while supplies last.
- Colors: Solid black, orange, purple, plus a black/green/orange/purple edition.
- Size: About 13 inches long, 11 inches tall, and 6 inches wide — perfect for snacks, lunches, and trick-or-treat outings.
- Price: $2.99 each (but eBay presale sets already top $60).
- Limits: Some stores will cap purchases per customer to one of each color, maximum, per trip.
Expect long lines at Trader Joe’s on bag release day
There are often big crowds on the days new bags are released. Past bag launches have sold out in less than an hour. Social media feeds are already alive with memes, alarms are set for bag day, and shoppers plot color combos with friends.
“Our buyers travel the world searching for products we think are exceptional and will find a following among our customers,” a Trader Joe’s spokesperson told ABC News. “We hope our customers will be excited about these new colors.”
For shoppers who want a little holiday flair, the Trader Joe’s tote drop is the unofficial Black Friday of Halloween.
Related: Trader Joe’s issues urgent recall for contaminated food
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