Content creator Emily Mariko might’ve gained public praise for her infamous salmon bowl recipe (which is incredible, IMO), but that’s not the case for her new collection of bags. Emily Mariko’s tote bags have been teased on TikTok for a few weeks now, and they finally dropped, but not without backlash. So, why exactly are people pissed? Well, she’s selling basic canvas farmers market totes for $120. Yeah, you read that right…like, the totes you can get at Trader Joe’s or Amazon for under $20.
I know what you’re thinking, “In today’s economy?!” Where many people are struggling to pay for groceries and a $120 grocery bag (albeit a good quality tote) is likely just not something they’re adding to cart. So, naturally, people on TikTok and Reddit, along with The New York Times and New York Post have added their two cents. While Mariko says the bags were inspired by her love for going to the farmer’s market (she even named it the Farmer’s Market Tote), the overall consensus is that the influencer is…out of touch. But, quelle surprise, it looks like some people wanted them because both colors are sold out on EmilyMariko.com.
On top of the hefty price tag, she’s also getting called out over the brand’s return policy. As Amber Fehrenbacher details in her own TikTok video about the bags, you only have seven days to return the bag if you don’t like it, and you have to pay on your dime to ship it back. It’s only then that a brand rep gets to decide if you’re eligible for a refund, so you pretty much have to keep your fingers crossed. Oh, and no exchanges are allowed either!
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen an influencer called out for their business, and it certainly won’t be the last. Reddit users have chimed in comparing the bags to ones they can find pretty much anywhere for a quarter of $120 or even less than that. Others have even mentioned that the only tote bags they own were likely scored for free. Brands like Lululemon and Allsaints even have bags cheaper than this available for purchase, alongside grocers like TJ’s and L.A. favorite, Erewhon. Not down to flesh out over 100 bucks for this bag? Keep scrolling to check out some of some affordable alternatives instead.
Advert
Advert
Advert
Betches may receive a portion of revenue if you click a link and purchase a product or service. The links are independently placed and do not influence editorial content.
The iconic Trader Joe’s bag
JSEVEN Trader Joe's Reusable Shopping Bag
$15
Or, the classic one from Erewhon
Advert
Erewhon Tote Bag
$52
The one and only Boat and Tote
L.L. Bean Boat and Tote
$45
And, the Land’s End option
Advert
Extra Large Natural 5 Pocket Open Top Canvas Tote Bag
$55
Even Lululemon has one
Double-Handle Canvas Tote Bag 17L
$24
Everlane’s unsurprisingly chic version
The Organic Canvas Weekender
$55
And a designer pick (still cheaper than Emily’s)
Allsaints Underground Tote
$39