Carry on collecting: why old British shopping bags are suddenly in demand
Vintage classics from WH Smith, M&S and Tesco are being bought online, perhaps as part of a nostalgic return to owning tangible items When it comes to everyday objects, a supermarket carrier bag could be the ultimate one – a thing we’re more accustomed to squeezing into a drawer or using until it falls apart than giving any special treatment. But these most mundane items are now enjoying…
Once considered mere vessels for groceries, British shopping bags are now becoming highly sought-after collectibles. Vintage bags from stores like WH Smith, M&S, and Tesco are being purchased online for around £10 each, despite previously being handed out for free. The trend has even spawned an Instagram account, Carry a Bag Man, boasting over 15,000 followers.
Founder of MagCulture, Jeremy Leslie, attributes the popularity of these bags to a growing appreciation for tangible items in people's lives. He believes that these nostalgic collectibles evoke memories of the past for those who grew up using them.
Tim Sumner, the creator of the Paper Bag Archive, emphasizes the importance of these bags as "great symbols of social history." The archive currently holds over 3,500 old paper bags, including some plastic ones, which he considers important for preserving memories and capturing the essence of each decade.
One particularly popular vintage bag is the M&S St Michael carrier bag, which was distributed from 1928 to 2000. The bag's enduring popularity stems from its association with British culture and family life. M&S itself has recently collaborated with streetwear label Aries to create a limited edition collection, including a leather tote bag that bears a striking resemblance to the old St Michael carrier.
The appeal of these vintage bags lies in their sturdiness and the contrast they provide to the flimsier bags available today. As anti-plastic campaigns have gained momentum in recent years, single-use plastic bags have largely been phased out in supermarkets, with their use reduced by 98% by 2023. This shift is also reflected in the secondhand market, where canvas bags given away for free at other stores, such as APC and Octobre Editions, are selling for over £10.
While some argue that the design in vintage bags was more deliberate, others, like Jeremy Leslie, believe that the appeal lies in the simplicity and basic nature of these items. The M&S St Michael bag, in particular, is a nostalgic piece that transcends generations, representing a cherished part of British history while also making a statement in contemporary fashion.
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