The street has always been and will continue to be, a form of advertising.  From small entrance signs to large display windows and billboards to plastic and paper bags, a broad spectrum of marketing strategies has developed.

Even with the sustainability movement, shopping bags have become an increasingly popular object of advertisement. They are constantly present on the public street, they catch the eye of potential customers, and used by global brands and bakeries alike. Bags are personal. When the merchant hands over the bag (as advertising philosophy suggests), it becomes “my bag.” This contributes to why bags help strengthen brands and help with recognition.

Full bags create positive associations and guide tourists across long distances. With reusable bags shoppers choose more organic and environmentally friendly items, and they also buy more indulgent foods, such as cookies and ice cream, compared to other shoppers. The bag colors may have been strategically placed to influence your spending. For instance black bags, the signature color of sophistication (hello, little black dress), dominates high-end makeup packaging and can even make inexpensive blushes and lipsticks seem more upscale. 

ACTIONS:

• Status of the Seattle Ban on Plastic Bags
• Retailers and residents with questions about implementation of the bag ban in Seattle, should visit the Seattle Public Utilities website.  If you have additional questions, contact Dick Lilly at Seattle Public Utilities: Dick.Lilly@seattle.gov.
• Policymakers and advocates in other jurisdictions who have questions about the development of Seattle’s law should contact Esther Handy in Councilmember Mike O’Brien’s Office: Esther.Handy@seattle.gov, 206-684-8800.

 

RESOURCES:

• links above
• Colors Affect Spending
• Reusable bags influence shopping choices
• Urban Planning 101: Overview