Latest news with #IndianSouvenir
NDTV
22-05-2025
- Business
- NDTV
"Rs 4,228 For Grocery Bag?": Indian Souvenir Bag Sold On US Site Sparks Buzz Online
An everyday cotton bag familiar to most Indian households is now being sold as a high-end "souvenir" on the US luxury retail platform Nordstrom - and it's priced at a whopping Rs 4,228 ($48). Marketed by Japanese brand Puebco, the so-called "Indian Souvenir Bag" is described as a quirky, upcycled accessory designed for travellers and those who "love Indian culture." But for Indians, the bag is instantly recognisable - the same type of cloth bag once routinely handed out at sweet shops or snack counters, usually free with purchase. The cotton tote features brightly printed Hindi phrases like "Ramesh Special Namkeen," "Anita Confectionary Works," and "Chetak Sweets" - mimicking logos seen on packaging from small businesses across India. A screenshot of the Nordstrom listing recently went viral on X, prompting amusement and disbelief. "LOL - This is the take-home bag of a snack shop in my hometown in India. For sale for $48 at Nordstrom," wrote user Sheel Mohnot. LOL - This is the take-home bag of a snack shop in my hometown in India. for sale for $48 at Nordstrom — Sheel Mohnot (@pitdesi) May 21, 2025 Another user joked, "If my mother didn't get it for free after buying groceries, she would give the shopkeeper an earful and threaten never to return. That's the nostalgia I have." The listing sparked conversations about how everyday Indian items are often repackaged as exotic or vintage in Western markets, with steep price tags. While some are amused, others see it as another example of cultural appropriation marketed as global fashion. "Surprised it's only $48 and not $480," a user wrote. Another user commented, "If my mother didn't get it for free after buying groceries monthly from the shop, she would give the shopkeeper an earful and threaten to never step into the shop. That's the nostalgia I have. My mother wouldn't let me enter my own house if I paid Rs 4,500/- for it. Never!" "Arbitrage opportunity! Buy for $0.50 in India, sell for $48 at Nordstrom. Might be your most profitable venture yet," the third user wrote.
NDTV
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Japanese Brand Launches "Indian Souvenir Bag" For More Than Rs 4000. Indians Cannot Believe It
From Balenciaga's chips packet bag to Louis Vuitton's sandwich bag, various types of food-inspired bags have gone viral in the past. Most of the time, these designer bags make headlines for their staggeringly high prices for a product that resembles a ubiquitous, everyday object. Recently, another bag got people talking on social media, and it especially got the attention of Indians. Japanese brand Puebco launched something called "Indian Souvenir Bag" and desis were amused to see what it actually was. Also Read: 'Carbonated Chaas' - X User's Recipe For Special 'Yoghurt Drink' Goes Viral, Indians React Photos online show that the bag looks similar to cotton jholas given by local grocery stores and sweets shops in many parts of India. These humble, structured bags are familiar to several generations of Indians and are often used for a long time. Puebco's bags have Hindi text of establishment's names like "Ramesh Special Namkeen" and "Chetak Sweets" written on them. An X post showing these bags listed on Nordstrom went viral and sparked a discussion among Indian users. As per the screenshot attached in the post, the retail price of these bags is $48 (approx Rs 4100). Here's how it is described on the site: "Take a piece of India with you wherever you go with our Souvenir Bag. This stylish bag, adorned with unique designs, is perfect for carrying your essentials while showing off your love for a beautiful country. A must-have for any traveller or lover of Indian culture." The website also notes, "Since this product is printed by hand, there may be faintness, bleeding, and printing splashing. In addition, the colour will fade due to friction or use in wet conditions, and it may move on to other things, such as clothing. Avoid contact with white or light objects." Also Read: Digital Creator Calls Chikoo 'Exotic Potato', Desis Cannot Stop Laughing X user Sheel Mohnot, who shared the post, captioned the image, "LOL - This is the take-home bag of a snack shop in my hometown in India. For sale for $48 at Nordstrom." Take a look below: LOL - This is the take-home bag of a snack shop in my hometown in India. for sale for $48 at Nordstrom — Sheel Mohnot (@pitdesi) May 21, 2025 Here's how X users reacted to the viral post: What a markup 🤣🤣🤣— Ajay Juneja (@ajayjuneja) May 21, 2025 Honestly kinda slaps, I'm tempted to give Nordstroms my $48— Bobby Goodlatte (@rsg) May 21, 2025 I'm gonna sell used dalda ghee tin box— Adnan Dawood (@adnandawood) May 21, 2025 Why does this make me angry a little bit?— Sparsh Saxena 🇮🇳⚡️ (@simplysparsh) May 21, 2025 Surprised it's only $48 and not $480— Kai | (@kaigradert) May 21, 2025 will pay extra for one with stains on the bottom hmu— goingforbrooke 🦀 (@goingforbrooke) May 21, 2025 Every mom's habit of hoarding shopping bags is going to pay off big! lol— Ankit (@_jainankit) May 21, 2025 If the bag is filled with the namkin it claims to contain, it would very well be worth $48.— Rishi Yadav (@rishiyadav) May 21, 2025 If my mother didn't get it for free after buying groceries monthly from the shop, she would give the shopkeeper an earful and threaten to never step into the shop. That's the nostalgia I have. My mother wouldn't let me enter my own house if I paid Rs 4,500/- for it. Never! It…— ABHI (@aksiiita06) May 21, 2025 Why didn't I thinks of this?! I could give new life to Haldiram's shopping bags.— Mehnaz Hyder, MD (@MehnazHyderMD) May 21, 2025 To explore more examples of food-inspired bags, click here.
