// Marks & Spencer has partnered with artist and former M&S Moorgate employee Yinka Ilori to launch its most “stylish and durable carrier bag to date”
//Since launching across M&S Food Halls on Monday, the supermarket has sold over 10,000 bags
M&S has teamed up with ex-store employee and London-based artist, Yinka Ilori to create its “most stylish and durable” carrier bag to date.
For the first launch of an ongoing collaboration, the design is inspired by Ilori’s memories of working at the retailer’s Moorgate store for eight years at the start of career as an artist.
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.
The first design will be available in-stores from this week, while a second bag with a different design is set to launch later this year.
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M&S food director of marketing Sharry Cramond said: “It’s incredibly exciting to be working with Yinka and welcome him back into the M&S family,”
She added that since the bags launch across M&S Food Halls 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,” said Cramond.
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.”
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