With a growing number of cities and towns banning single-use plastic bags—New York being one of the latest with a state-wide plastic bag that was implemented on March 1st —reusable bags are poised to become even more prevalent as the major method of transporting one’s items from place to place. Reusable totes, sling bags, cinch sacks, and drawstring bags in an array of natural fabrics and colors with unique detailing are in high demand right now.
According to Carrie Lewis of BIC Graphic, natural fabrics such as jute and cotton are hugely popular with retail totes—and this demand is carrying over into the promotional products industry. “A large capacity fabric in a natural fabric is sure way for brands to get noticed with a promo that looks retail—leading to a larger lifespan for both the bag and the brand,” Lewis comments.
Reusable bags such as the cinch sack, drawstring bag, sling bag, or sport pack—in a variety of materials from cotton to polyester with a nylon rope/string closure—are currently trending, according to Gary Mosley at Kati Sportcap & Bag. The company’s favorite brands—Puma, Champion, and Q-Tees—all feature a lightweight style that is easy to imprint, easy to pack/ship, and available at great price points, Mosley maintains. “Users love this hands-free solution, making it popular from concerts to festivals to sport events of all sizes,” he comments.
Isaac Ward at PCNA agrees that cotton and and non-woven tote bags in all shapes and sizes are incredibly popular now thanks to the global messaging around sustainability and reusability.
Over at Sportsman Cap & Bag, Dave Porter also notes that colors and patterns are the current trend. The company has nearly tripled its inventory due to the consistent rise in popularity. “Now that reusable bags have become a must-have, we are always trying to stay one step ahead and offer a wide selection of colors and patterns,” he comments.
In addition to the popularity of natural fabrics, elevated details such as leatherette handles and fabric linings can extend the life of a tote, BIC Graphic’s Lewis adds. “This is because those type of details turn a regular bag into someone’s favorite everyday tote,” she says.
Since demand for reusable totes is so strong and growing daily, BIC Graphic’s Lewis recommends distributors offer a variety of options for their clients at every price point. To that end, suppliers have rolled out an enticing array of reusable totes in a number of styles and colors—with unique detailing—so distributors have the best opportunity to select the best of the best for their clients.
Mosley at Kati Sportcap & Bag says that the new Q-Tees Q4500 is a best seller based on the colors and price point. “We keep adding colors and watch them fly out of here,” he says. “The Champion and Puma styles have pockets and retail brands to back them up for a higher-end finish.”
According to Porter at Sportsman Cap & Bag, some of the company’s best sellers are stylish patterned totes. “They’re reusable, functional, and a popular brand like Brookson Bay has a selection of bold patterned totes with plenty of room to imprint,” he details. “An immediate favorite is the BB300 with its four pattern choices.”
High-performance totes that are suitable for busy lifestyles are generating a great deal of interest, according to BIC Graphic’s Lewis. “Our new #16105 Koozie® Tarpon 48L Tote is made of durable, water-resistant material with a separate sandal compartment and compression straps,” she explains. “The Tarpon Tote also takes a cue from retail to include the capacity printed on the outside and Koozie® brand logo debossed on the padded shoulder strap.” Additionally, the company’s new #16125 Translucent Color Tote is a product that embraces two hot trends—bright/neon colors and clear bags—Lewis adds. “This tote has an open main compartment and shoulder length carry handles, plus the vibrant color options add a little extra to your common clear tote.”
PCNA reports that the company’s recently launched totes made from recycled materials have been the company’s biggest sellers so far this year. “We have also seen success with bags with retro colors and patterns that tap into a feeling of nostalgia,” Ward states.
Fortunately, the 5R’s of sustainability—refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose, and recycle—means that reusable totes are an easy sell. “They are the go-to, hands-free bag solution that are great to imprint,” Mosley maintains. “Buyers always appreciate seeing all three brands to compare and decide what is the best solution.”
Sportsman Cap & Bag’s Porter expands on Mosley’s thoughts, emphasizing the need to showcase a variety of reusable tote styles. “Some might opt for a simple style like Q-Tee’s Q1100 while others are set on a colorful pattern like Brookson Bay’s BB400,” he notes. “By showing variety and versatility, the product is more likely to be used over the long run.”
Variety is also king at BIC Graphic. “The key to finding success selling totes is to offer variety—both in design and price point,” Lewis comments. “Totes are a great promo for any industry and most every occasion, so being knowledgeable about what is available in the market is a great way to become your clients’ go-to source for tote orders.”
Ward at PCNA says that it is critical to emphasize the number of brand impressions that bags deliver. “From a bag you carry every day, to a reusable grocery tote, these bags make a serious impact,” he stresses. “The cultural trend away from plastic bags is also helpful for promoting reusable totes. Even better if they are made from recycled materials.”
Case Studies
Carrie Lewis, BIC Graphic
A city council passed a law banning the distribution of plastic bags by businesses within city limits. In preparation for the upcoming ban, a grocery store wanted to provide a low-cost reusable bag option to offer customers. They liked that the #45624 Grocery Tote was available in many colors to coordinate with their branding and was the right size for use as a general-use grocery tote.
The store displayed the #45624 Grocery Totes near registers in the six months leading up to the new law being enacted asking customers if they were “Reusable Bag Ready.” The initiative proved successful, as the supermarket was able to reduce their projected paper bag order for the remainder of the year.
A hospital system wanted to salute their dedicated nursing staff during Nurses’ Week. Each facility coordinated a recognition luncheon to honor nurses. Attendees were presented with a
#AP8400 Atchison® TranSport It Tote filled with goodies as “swag bag” gifts. The nursing staff was appreciative of the recognition and used the bags to carry items to and from work. The administration was happy to present staff with a quality item that also displayed the logo of the hospital system.