EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Customers of Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market here have selected a design submitted by a graphic artist for the chain's new line of reusable bags that will be available later this year, the company said Monday.
Of nearly 1,300 bag designs submitted in the chain's Design-A-Bag contest and nearly 24,000 votes cast, the winning entry was designed by Josephine Close of Los Angeles, who shops at the Fresh & Easy store in Eagle Rock — one of the first stores the Tesco-owned company opened in 2007. Her prize will include a year's worth of free groceries and seeing her design on the chain's bags.
The design incorporates the Fresh & Easy logo surrounded by an abstract design. Asked about her inspiration, Close told the chain, "I was thinking about what I would want, and I'd want a piece of art on a bag versus just branding. I tried to convey the experience of eating fresh food in an abstract way."
Fresh & Easy said Close's design had won as part of an announcement of a free giveaway of reusable convas bags through the month of September for customers who spend $20 or more and present a special online coupon. The bags are valued at 99 cents, though the company also offers a large organic bag for $2.99 and a bottle bag for $1.99.
According to Roberto Munoz, neighborhood affairs director, "We've always believed the best option is a reusable bag, and we're working to raise awareness and get as many bags in customers' hands as possible through contests, in-store promotions and giveaways."