The launch of The Universal Bag, a $20 tote designed by Anya Hindmarch, has ignited criticism in light of rising living costs, despite its eco-friendly appeal.
Woolworths, a prominent Australian supermarket chain, has recently introduced a new shopping bag priced at $20, sparking significant backlash from customers amidst an ongoing rise in living costs. This bag, named The Universal Bag, was created in collaboration with renowned British fashion designer Anya Hindmarch, who is celebrated for her luxury handbags and accessories. Similar products from her brand can cost consumers upwards of $790.
The launch of the tote bag is part of Woolworths’ initiative to encourage customers to abandon single-use plastic bags and transition towards more sustainable options. The Universal Bag, available at 600 Woolworths locations across Australia, is crafted entirely from recycled plastic and has been certified under the Global Recycling Standard. With rigorous durability testing ensuring it can last up to a decade, the bag is positioned as a high-quality and eco-friendly alternative to traditional reusable bags.
Despite its sustainable attributes, the drawing power of The Universal Bag has failed to resonate positively with many shoppers. Criticism has centered largely around its price, particularly during a time when many individuals are experiencing financial strain. One customer expressed their frustration, stating, “So at a time when I can barely afford to buy groceries, Woolies puts out a $20 bag to put barely anything into. Got it.” Another lamented the stark contrast between the bag’s price and the current economic climate, declaring, “$20… in this economy?!” Commenters have conveyed a sense of disbelief that Woolworths would opt to launch a product at this price point during a cost of living crisis.
Some shoppers characterized the bag’s color as “not even an on-trend shade of green” and criticized it as “corporate Woolies green.” A recurring sentiment among the dissenters was that the supermarket chain appears disconnected from its customers’ financial realities, with remarks suggesting the escalation from free bags to a now $20 price tag indicates a lack of awareness of the challenges consumers are facing.
However, opinions regarding the bag are not exclusively negative. Some customers have expressed a willingness to purchase it due to its designer pedigree. “I’ll buy it because it’s the only Anya Hindmarch I’ll ever be able to afford,” one said, reflecting a more positive reception. Another customer mentioned, “It’s an Anya Hindmarch bag… they sell out every time and we are super lucky to have these in Australia.” Supporters of the bag noted its uniqueness and practicality, with one declaring it “amazing.”
The Universal Bag project has reportedly prevented around 230 tonnes of virgin plastic from entering landfills since its inception in 2021, equating to the weight of over 19 London double-decker buses. Anya Hindmarch remarked that “plastic pollution remains a pressing environmental issue, but working together with major global food retailers shows how the solution needs to be collaborative.”
As Woolworths becomes the first Australian supermarket to adopt this initiative, it follows in the footsteps of notable retailers like Selfridges, Whole Foods, and Waitrose in the UK, as well as leading stores in Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore.
Source: Noah Wire Services
