FRONTLINE: Oh, Those Beautiful Bags!

Retailers are upping the ante on shopping bag print quality and durability, eyeing them as marketing opportunities. Now, instead of slinging Louis Vuitton and Coach bags over their shoulders during the holiday season just past, consumers were just as likely to be seen dragging around richly printed and suddenly trendy paper and non-woven fabric shopping bags, using them for days on end—to the marketing benefit of retailers that provide them.

Lord & Taylor launched stunning new shopping bags and boxes in all its 47 Northeast stores, made of high-quality sophisticated bright white and an orange/yellow interior. “The new packaging program is an integral part of our ongoing branding campaign,” says CEO Jane Elfers.