M&S has teamed up with store alumni and London-based artist, Yinka Ilori to create its “most stylish and durable” carrier bag to date.
The first launch of an ongoing collabroation, the design is inspired by Ilori’s memories of working at the grocery retailer’s Moorgate store for eight years at the start of his artistic career.
The design will appear on a new carrier bag made from 100% recycled plastic, including plastic from M&S stores, which can hold up to 15kg and is fully recyclable.
While this first design will be available in-stores from this week, a second bag with a different design is set to launch later this year.
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“It’s incredibly exciting to be working with Yinka and welcome him back into the M&S family,” M&S food director of marketing, Sharry Cramond said.
She added that since the bags launch across M&S Foodhalls on Monday, the supermarket has sold over 10,000 with customers “loving the new design”.
“We all need to reuse more and although 80% of our customers already bring their own bags when shopping with us, we know how easy it is to forget.”
Cramond sayd that for those who do, the new bag “offers a more durable, long-term option“.
Ilori added: “I have great memories of my time at M&S while trying to set up my own studio. To be starting a new partnership with such a British icon feels a bit like coming home.
“My artworks are all about evoking joy and optimism through bold colours – even a carrier bag can do that.
“With any collaboration, longevity is hugely important to me. I want to create pieces that can be reused again and again and make the most of pre-loved materials so it’s great that this bag is made using plastic from M&S’ own stores.”
