Trader Joe’s Halloween totes are here — will fakes follow in Korea?

SEATTLE — New Halloween mini totes from Trader Joe’s, one of the most anticipated merch drops of the season, hit U.S. shelves Wednesday. Now, shoppers in Korea are watching closely to see if the frenzy will inspire another round of knockoffs. The $2.99 mini canvas bags, available in pumpkin orange, purple, jet black and multicolored, are the latest addition to the American grocery chain’s line of reusable totes that have become unlikely collectors’ items. In the U.S., the limited edition release drew long lines and social media buzz within hours. But in Korea, the conversation centers not only on scarcity, but authenticity. Earlier this summer, pastel-colored “Trader Joe’s” totes flooded Instagram and Naver, many of them marketed as “officially licensed imports.” The nearly identical bags mimicked the brand’s viral mini size, but many buyers soon realized they were dupes. Complaints piled up as customers discovered that the fabric, stitching and number of outer pockets differed from genuine Trader Joe’s merchandise. As refund requests increased, one question dominaWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times