Better Merch…Better Marketing: Trader Joe’s Triumphant Tote Bags

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Reading Time: 3 minutes

18 Apr, 2025
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Kirby Hasseman
Better Merch...Better Marketing: Trader Joe's Triumphant Tote Bags

On this episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, Kirby and Jade are back with another round of insights, trends, and real-world lessons from the frontlines of branding and merch.

This week’s conversation includes:

  • The Trader Joe’s tote bag craze and what it teaches us about branding, scarcity, and audience connection*
  • Tariff lessons and how to respond (not react) as pricing shifts
  • Productivity apps that help keep the Hasseman Marketing team running smoothly
  • Product of the week: a name badge release program from Vault
  • A shoutout to the upcoming Shark Tub event in Zanesville—a pitch competition for entrepreneurs

Watch or listen to the full episode here:

Trader Joe’s Tote Bags: A Masterclass in Brand, Scarcity, and Culture

You’ve probably seen it by now—Trader Joe’s mini tote bags going viral. People are lining up. Resellers are flipping them online. And social media is buzzing with hype.

So what’s the lesson here?

Jade and Kirby break it down like this:

  • Great brand affinity + well-designed merch = success

  • Create something that resonates with your audience—not just another logo slap

  • Add scarcity to the mix, and the hype becomes real

The bigger takeaway: branded merch works when it’s emotional, meaningful, and hard to get. Whether it’s for employees, fans, or customers, the same formula can be applied to your brand—if you’re thoughtful and intentional.

Tariff Talk: What We’ve Learned So Far

Tariffs have been front and center in recent industry conversations. Some suppliers are already adjusting pricing, others are holding firm (for now), and many distributors and clients are wondering what to do next.

Here’s what Kirby and Jade shared as key takeaways:

  • Don’t panic—but don’t wait. If you know you need product this year, ordering sooner can help lock in current pricing.

  • Confirm all pricing before reordering. Don’t assume your old quote is still valid—always double-check.

  • Domestic and alternative sourcing is becoming even more relevant.

  • Be transparent with your clients and help them plan ahead.

Being proactive, communicating clearly, and staying flexible are the keys to navigating uncertainty—without losing momentum or credibility.  If you want to dive deeper, check out our blog on the subject here.

Productivity Tools We Love

With so much going on, staying organized is key—and this week, Kirby and Jade share their go-to productivity apps that help them keep things moving.

Jade’s Picks:

  • Notion – For project management, content planning, and internal documentation.

  • Google Calendar – For scheduling, visibility, and shared team planning.

Kirby’s Picks:

  • Outlook – For email, calendar, and daily task tracking.

  • Trello – For visual workflows, project timelines, and marketing tasks.

Whether you’re a list-lover, a visual thinker, or a calendar junkie, the right tools make it easier to focus on what matters—and keep teams aligned along the way.

Product of the Week: Name Badge Release Program

This week’s featured product isn’t just about the item—it’s about the program behind it.

Vault’s name badge release program simplifies how companies onboard and update name badges for new employees, locations, or events.

Why it matters:

  • Consistency across locations or roles

  • Reduces the back-and-forth on proofs and reorders

  • Saves time for internal teams (and your promo partner)

This is one of those “simple but smart” solutions that helps businesses look polished and professional without reinventing the wheel.

Perfect for organizations with frequent new hires or multiple departments.

Shoutout of the Week: Shark Tub in Zanesville

This week’s shoutout goes to the Shark Tub Pitch Competition happening in Zanesville on April 9th. Hosted by the Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation, Shark Tub is all about supporting and spotlighting local entrepreneurs.

Learn more about the event here:
https://www.tuscedc.com/sharktub

Events like this are vital for the region—they foster innovation, create connections, and help the next generation of business leaders grow. Hats off to the organizers and participants!

Final Thoughts

From tote bags and TikTok trends to name badge programs and productivity hacks, this episode had a little bit of everything. It’s a reminder that great branding is about more than just product—it’s about strategy, intention, and execution.

Here’s your quick recap:

  • Trader Joe’s tote bag buzz shows the power of brand + scarcity

  • Tariffs aren’t the end of the world, but they require planning and flexibility

  • Tools like Notion, Trello, Outlook, and Google Calendar keep things moving behind the scenes

  • Vault’s name badge release program is a smart system for growing teams

  • And we love seeing communities support entrepreneurship, like at Shark Tub

Thanks for tuning in! Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss the next episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing.

And as always, if you need help with branded merch, marketing strategy, or creative ideas to grow your brand, let’s talk.  We’d love to help you.  Head here to get the book “Hit The TARGET” for FREE!  This will help you dial in your marketing for better results.

Written by: Kirby Hasseman

Kirby Hasseman is the CEO of Hasseman Marketing & Communications. Kirby hosts a weekly Web show called Delivering Marketing Joy where he interviews business leaders from around the country. Kirby has published four books. His most recent is “Fan of Happy.” His book, called "Delivering Marketing Joy" is about doing “promo right” and is perfect for people in the industry and customers. He also wrote “Think Big For Small Business” and “Give Your Way to Success. All are available on Amazon.