![Trader Joe's sign on the exterior of a store](https://www.uc.edu/news/articles/2024/03/n21234000/jcr:content/image.img.cq5dam.thumbnail.500.500.jpg/1710255409199.jpg)
Washington Post: A tote bag is the latest must-have product
UC professor says consumers are democratizing status with this humble bag
The latest “it” product that’s captured the public’s attention is a $2.99 tote bag from grocery store chain Trader Joe’s, according to the Washington Post, which turned to a University of Cincinnati professor to explain the phenomenon.
Joshua Clarkson, PhD, Arthur Beerman Professor of Marketing Department of Marketing
The canvas bags are miniature versions of the store’s standard totes. They’re selling out quickly, and the retailer has placed limits on how many consumers can buy at some of its stores.
While the bags are limited edition, that doesn’t fully explain why they’ve gained so much popularity, said Joshua Clarkson, PhD, the Arthur Beerman Professor of Marketing in UC’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business.
Usually high-priced luxury goods are signs of social status, but Clarkson said this seems to be an example of people democratizing status.
“So it’s almost paradoxical that these are utilitarian goods,” he said. “It has this feel that you are democratizing status in some way. People are taking everyday, relatively accessible items and creating status for them.”
Earlier this year, Clarkson offered perspective on another viral product, Stanley’s tumblers that flew off the shelves at Target stores across the nation.
Featured image at top: Trader Joe’s sign. Photo/ jetcityimage via iStock
Impact Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.
Related Stories
Cincinnati researchers want to know if MRIs can work better
June 28, 2024
![WVXU logo](/content/dam/refresh/uc-news/news-icons/dark/wvxu.png)
WVXU and the Cincinnati Business Courier highlighted a new collaboration between the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, UC Health GE HealthCare, JobsOhio, REDI Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children’s to create an MRI Research and Development Center of Excellence located on UC’s medical campus.
UC opens Blood Cancer Healing Center
June 28, 2024
![WLWT 5 logo](/content/dam/refresh/uc-news/news-icons/dark/wlwt-dark.png)
Media outlets including WLWT, Local 12, Spectrum News, the Cincinnati Enquirer and Cleveland.com highlighted the opening of the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center's Blood Cancer Healing Center.
Financial factors to consider when moving
June 27, 2024
![USA Today logo](/content/dam/refresh/uc-news/news-icons/dark/usa-today.png)
Moving can be a stressful and expensive endeavor. When it comes time to move, there are important financial implications to consider, Gary Painter, PhD, the academic director of the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business real estate program and a professor of real estate, told USA Today.
New project aims to better support teen mothers in Adams County
June 27, 2024
![WCPO logo](/content/dam/refresh/uc-news/news-icons/dark/wcpo-dark.png)
WCPO highlighted a partnership between the University of Cincinnati and the Adams County Health Department that is aiming to provide better support for teen mothers in the county.
Free Wi-Fi, work area coming to Greater Cincinnati
June 27, 2024
![Local 12 logo](/content/dam/refresh/uc-news/news-icons/dark/wkrc-logo-dark.png)
St. Lawrence Park in Price Hill now has free Wi-Fi and a furnished outdoor space for community members to access digital needs. The space is part of The Nodes Project, which stands for “Neighborhoods of Design Engagement": a collaboration between UC DAAP communication designers and community entities.
33rd annual UC Real Estate Center Dinner celebrates vibrant Cincinnati real estate community
June 27, 2024
Nearly 600 real estate professionals, students, alumni and supporters packed Cincinnati Music Hall on June 12 for the University of Cincinnati Real Estate Center’s 33rd annual Real Estate Dinner. Attendees showed out to celebrate Lindner’s real estate students and the night’s top honoree Gregg Fusaro, partner, CIG Communities, recipient of the Distinguished Service Award.
Study aimed at reducing opioid overdose deaths presents results
June 27, 2024
![Spectrum News logo](/content/dam/refresh/uc-news/news-icons/dark/spectrum-news.png)
The University of Cincinnati's John Winhusen and Caroline Freiermuth discussed the evidence-based practices implemented during the HEALing Communities Study to fight the opioid epidemic with Spectrum News.
UC grad’s innovative tech to manage ER wait times
June 25, 2024
When launching Teravus, a health care triage management startup, Jason Murray turned to the University of Cincinnati's Center for Entrepreneurship and the 1819 Venture Lab for guidance and funding.
The health impact of living near a natural gas leak
June 25, 2024
![BBC logo](/content/dam/refresh/uc-news/news-icons/dark/bbc.png)
UC College of Arts and Sciences Professor Amy Townsend-Small talks to the BBC about the health issues faced by neighbors of leaking natural gas wells.
Male birth control gel inches towards FDA approval
June 25, 2024
![Yahoo News logo](/content/dam/refresh/uc-news/news-icons/dark/yahoo.png)
The University of Cincinnati's Wesley Baas spoke with Yahoo News and the Cincinnati Enquirer about a new male birth control gel that could be close to receiving FDA approval.