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Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,745
Registered: ‎09-27-2010
This might seem like a stupid question to some but what's the difference between a tote and a shopper?
Valued Contributor
Posts: 3,846
Registered: ‎04-22-2014
I was wondering the same thing! Can't wait to find out Smiley Happy
Valued Contributor
Posts: 822
Registered: ‎04-13-2010

No clue either!

Honored Contributor
Posts: 68,160
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

I suspect it's that some retail merchandiser somewhere along the way decided they might be able to move more merchandise by offering up different labels for what is essentially the same thing... I'd also like to know when a tote came to be associated with the shape of a bag rather than the size of the bag...? Totes, to me, were always just that, a larger bag in which one could 'tote' plenty of stuff. Now, it seems it's actually more about the shape than the size, as I've seen very small bags called a tote, even though you couldn't even fit anything in them!

Wink


In my pantry with my cupcakes...
Honored Contributor
Posts: 13,364
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Even tells which bag makes you look thinner!!

http://www.overstock.com/guides/handbags-buying-guide

"Live frugally, but love extravagantly."
Super Contributor
Posts: 408
Registered: ‎02-07-2012

In my mind, LOL, a tote does not have a zipper but a shopper does. That said, I expected Stevieb to know and if she doesn't then no one does. {#emotions_dlg.biggrin}

Valued Contributor
Posts: 3,846
Registered: ‎04-22-2014
On 9/24/2014 Rottie_mama said:

In my mind, LOL, a tote does not have a zipper but a shopper does. That said, I expected Stevieb to know and if she doesn't then no one does. {#emotions_dlg.biggrin}


LOL, I was thinking the same thing... WHAT??? Stevieb does NOT know?!?!? {#emotions_dlg.blink}

Wink

Valued Contributor
Posts: 3,846
Registered: ‎04-22-2014
On 9/24/2014 beckyb1012 said:

Even tells which bag makes you look thinner!!

http://www.overstock.com/guides/handbags-buying-guide


Well, it looks like they are treated the same, then....

"Tote bags and shoppers: When you need to bring along many of your belongings, tote bags and shoppers are the best bags for you, as they often have a larger capacity than other handbags and a heavy-duty design. Tote bags and shoppers are available in several types of materials, often in canvas twill and leather, and usually have a square or rectangular shape. Some are open, while other totes have handy storage compartments for keys, cell phones, water bottles, and anything else you may need. Totes always have some sort of handle, and occasionally, the handles are long enough to use as a shoulder strap. Tote bags have one other special quality: The bigger the purse you carry, the smaller you look -- instant weight loss from your accessories!

<h3>Where You'll Take a Tote Bag</h3>
  • On an airplane as a carry-on

  • To the beach with all of your gear

  • To work when you need to bring along a full day's supplies, including gym clothes for after work

  • Out shopping so you won't have to use any plastic bags"

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,425
Registered: ‎03-16-2010
On 9/24/2014 Rottie_mama said:

In my mind, LOL, a tote does not have a zipper but a shopper does. That said, I expected Stevieb to know and if she doesn't then no one does. {#emotions_dlg.biggrin}

The difference boils down to marketing words. Coach, Ralph Lauren, Tignanello make totes with zippers, and I know I've seen zippers on other brands as well. I own a Lauren, Sondra Roberts, and Maxx NY totes-- and each has a zip closure. I suppose one could say shoppers don't tend to be quite as square shaped as most totes as they often have a more a-line shape.

Super Contributor
Posts: 758
Registered: ‎08-17-2012
Depends on the vendor, the words shopper and tote can be interchangeable. Usually,BUT not always, a shopper is north/south whereas a shopper is east/west and a shopper normally does not have a closing mechanism. I have shopper/totes that have zippers while others do not.