Sainsbury's shopping bags become fashion items

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DOZENS of fashion conscious shoppers scrambled to get their hands on one of 90 limited edition shopping bags.
The bags, designed by international style icon Anya Hindmarch, went on sale today at the Sainsbury's store in Seddlescombe, with desperate shoppers queueing outside from as early as 5.30am.

Each bag bears the slogan "I'm not a plastic bag" and is aimed at encouraging people to reuse bags when they go shopping.
Alexandra Lyons, 30, started the queueing and was among the first to get the much sought-after bag.

She said: "I am so pleased to get my hands on one. I was worried there might be a bit of a stampede when the doors opened but it was organised superbly."
The bags, which have been fetching more than £250 on eBay, were the idea of not-for-profit movement We Are What We Do, which tries to encourage people to use simple everyday actions to change the world.

It was launched at London Fashion Week earlier this year and handed out to a limited number of celebrities and fashion insiders. Stars such as Kiera Knightley and Kate Moss have already been pictured using them, quickly making them must-haves accessories for women everywhere.

Because of the huge demand 20,000 of the £5 reusable bags were distributed to branches of the supermarket throughout the UK but hundreds of shoppers are expected to go home empty handed as stocks sold out almost immediately.
In Hastings all 90 bags were snapped up in just 40 minutes and had to be given out in conventional plastic bags due to fears thieves may target people leaving the store with them.

The final bag was bought by six-year-old Maia Mennell who will no doubt soon be the envy of her classmates.

The stylish youngster said: "I am really happy to get one and I think it is really cool.I am going to use mine to go down the beach with."
Not everyone was as lucky with dozens of shoppers turning up too late, some venting their frustrations on Sainsbury's staff.

Most people though left happy and full or praise for the supermarket's organisation.
Store Manager Allen Edwards said: "We are not surprised by the demand for these bags and the morning has gone well.

"We want to encourage people to re-use their bags and this is a great way to do.
"Shoppers will also be able to get free reusable 'bags for life' this Friday (today) which will be replaced free of charge whenever they wear out."

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