So committed is Trader Joe’s to its claim of having low prices that it eschews popular discount practices that are nearly universal among supermarkets. Trader Joe’s items never go on sale, and—ironically for a brand whose shoppers can be particularly loyal—it has no loyalty program; its website explains that the reason for both is that it “believes every customer should have access to the best prices on the best products every day.”

That’s also why the brand explains on its website that it does “all [it] can to stop the practice” of reselling its products, which it says often are resold at “exorbitant” prices.

But surely never as exorbitant as what’s happening now.

The love tote: A mini version of Trader Joe’s logoed canvas tote bag, which it began selling in February for $2.99, has exploded on social media.

Sellers on eBay, meanwhile, are asking as much as $1,000 for a set of four of the totes and $700 for just one, the latter an increase of 23,233% over what Trader Joe’s charges.

Keep reading here.—AAN

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• Outline the criteria for potential influencer partners.
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Strolling along London’s Oxford Street is an exciting experience for a shopper. From Selfridges and John Lewis to a plethora of fast fashion stores, there’s something for everyone.

In fact, according to a new report, Oxford Street alone was responsible for 3.1 billion pounds in sales in 2023.

But a new wave of investments is set to elevate the already popular street to another level.

Per the report, Oxford Street will be central to the Oxford Street Programme, a 90 million pound project funded by the New West End Company, a firm that represents 600 businesses around Oxford Circus, and by Westminster City Council. The New West End Company authored the report with international real estate firm Colliers.

The program, which will start this fall and run until 2030, is responsible for revamping the streets across the West End neighborhood.

Noting a shift from transaction retail to immersive retail focused on experiential elements, the report emphasized the street’s international as well as domestic appeal.

Keep reading here.—JS

On Wednesdays, we wear pink spotlight Retail Brew’s readers. Want to be featured in an upcoming edition? Click here to introduce yourself.

Beverly Malbranche is founder and CEO of Haitian coffee company Caribbrew.

How would you describe your job to someone who doesn’t work in retail? I work to make a difference in the lives of Haiti’s coffee and cacao growers. We partner directly with small-scale farmers through cooperatives in Haiti to pay above the fair-trade minimum per pound. This helps to create sustainable income for Haitians and also for everyone in our supply chain. Today, we supply our premium products to coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, subscription boxes, and sell directly from our website. On a day-to-day basis, I focus on partnerships with suppliers, retailers, and other stakeholders to grow the brand.

One thing we can’t guess about your job from your LinkedIn profile? One thing you wouldn’t know by just looking at my LinkedIn profile is that I love the innovation process. I have a huge passion for creating new products for our brand. I am constantly experimenting with new ideas, flavors, and packaging. I am even involved in creative processes like photo shoots. I’m always thinking about where we can take it next. For example, we’re about to open the doors of our first Caribbrew Café in New Jersey.

Keep reading here.—EC

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