Why Starbucks Japan is selling $15 paper tote bags

The latest offering from Starbucks in Japan is a paper tote bag that is a near replica of the one given out for free with your purchase. The only difference is that this one will set you back $15, although it is not the first of its kind.

Starbucks offers a variety of merchandise at all of their locations, including the occasional feature of bags. However, in Japan, this concept has been elevated as customers can now purchase a sturdier replica of the classic paper carrier bag.

It may cross your mind why this bag is necessary when you can obtain one at no cost, however, Starbucks is not the only brand that offers these types of bags, as others such as Trader Joe’s and Balenciaga have also sold similar products in the past.

This bag is not meant to be filled with croissants and cake pops, but rather with all the essentials for a day out. However, one may wonder how it manages to hold everything.

The bag is made from special paper that can withstand a lot

The bag holds more than just coffee.

This kraft paper shopper is made from chemically treated wood that is broken down into a puree, resulting in a more durable material. Its design aims to make it water-resistant, but a journalist in Japan tested the bag and found that it would not hold up well in the rain. Additionally, the bag’s handles are reinforced to prevent breakage, but it was reported that they did begin to fray after multiple uses.

Despite its identical appearance to a typical Starbucks carrier bag, this bag is designed to be more durable and withstand condensation from coffee cups, unlike most paper bags. However, it does not offer protection from rain or seal at the top. Despite these limitations, the bag has gained popularity in Japan and has fans speculating if it will make an appearance in US stores.

Starbucks is following in the footsteps of other brands with this fashion statement

Trader Joe’s also released a similar bag, which was sold for approximately $20 on eBay. Balenciaga followed suit, producing their own version featuring the celebrity-endorsed grocery store Erewhon. This further solidifies the carrier bag’s evolution from a simple everyday item to a fashionable accessory.

While $15 may seem like a hefty price for a Starbucks bag, the Balenciaga bag, which resembles a simple brown paper bag, is priced at a staggering $2000 and has been spotted adorning the arms of multiple members of the Kardashian family.

Kim Kardashian and Kendall Jenner at Erewhon — WWD

Even the Kardashians are jumping on the trend

Although this is not the initial bag that Starbucks in Japan has introduced, previous bags resembled typical tote bags and none have imitated a grocery bag like this one.

The trend of posting photos of every Starbucks drink on Instagram has made it acceptable for people to share their purchases with others. It’s not far-fetched to imagine that people would also be willing to purchase a tote bag that resembles a Starbucks carrier bag. Whether or not this unique Starbucks item will become available in the US remains to be seen.