Families and students at Shadow Ridge frequent Trader Joes for their grocery needs, but they are now shopping at Trader Joe’s for their hottest item, branded Trader Joe’s bags. From their cooler bags to their mini totes, the Trader Joe’s bags come in many options and colors at amazing prices. People line up around the building the days these bags are in stock and the bags usually sell out within the hour. The bags at Trader Joe’s start at an amazing price of $2.99, but some people will resell them on Ebay up to $79.99!

English teacher, Mrs. Smith has many of these bags herself. She uses the mini tote daily, and the cooler bag any chance she gets. Her son works at Trader Joe’s and makes sure Mrs. Smith gets one each time they are released. When Mrs. Smith’s son isn’t working, she can depend on a couple of her amazing students, seniors, Preslee LaFreniere and Brendan Carey to come through and get the anticipated merchandise. Many people ask LaFreniere to hold and purchase the bags for them, so luckily, Mrs. Smith usually gets prior notice when the bags will be in the store.

LaFreniere states that workdays look a little bit differently when the bags are in stock, “It’s actually not as difficult as some may think… but since a lot of people rush in to grab them, those work days get a little crazy….” She also adds, “The days are long and hectic. People are lining up the second the bags are released so us employees are running around with them trying to keep everything in check. It feels like The Hunger Games in there.” 

LaFreniere has one herself, a mini tote that is green she takes to work everyday. While Carey uses a hot pink mini cooler for work lunches and practice.

Plenty of people love these bags, but sometimes inserts are also needed in order to keep everything organized in the bags. Though it seems like a hassle, the cute design and good price is what keeps these bags as “must have” items on anyone’s list. Since these bags are released as limited editions, the exclusiveness draws people out to get them; especially those who are regulars at Trader Joes’.

It’s not just these mini totes that have people in a frenzy, but also their cooler bags. Among the teachers at Shadow Ridge, a great deal of them use the mini cooler bag daily, for their lunches; and for coaches, extra water and snacks. Assistant Principal, Mrs. Shipp expresses, “I am obsessed with my TJ mini cooler! I use it daily for bringing my lunch to school! It is so special to me because I have never had a mini cooler and a wonderful friend gave it to me.” 

The many different colors show personality, and since most teachers use them it makes teachers feel more connected and the bags are a great conversation starter. 

Mrs. Pisciotta is another teacher who has one of these cooler bags. 

Mrs. Pisciotta states, “It’s just the right size for lunch, I can fit a lot of things in it and  it makes it much easier to carry my tupperware.” She also says, “It was a gift from a student, he got it for me and wants me to have the latest tread.”