- Waitrose and Lulu Guinness have launched a new bag following sellout first design in 2023
- Each tote is made from recycled bottles, with the designer’s signature lips motif taking centre stage
- Available in-store and online from Waitrose and John Lewis from 19th June, for just £12
Following the first sellout Lulu Guiness bag last September in Waitrose, the two iconic British brands have collaborated once again for a second statement tote that is stylish, versatile and already in high demand.
Available online and in-store at Waitrose and John Lewis stores from 19th June, the tote is made from recycled plastic bottles and comes adorned with signature monochrome colours. The second bag in the collection, it features a checkerboard design, Lulu Red Lip motif and sturdy woven branded straps.
Last year's bag sold over 75% of the stock on the first day of sale, leading to a two-bag purchase limit per customer with the bag selling out numerous times.
Adorning beaches, woodlands and parks both in the UK and abroad, the bag has fast become shoppers' favourite summer accessory - likely because they fit an amazing amount inside; from swim kits, to picky teas grabbed on the go, to picnicware, ponchos and buckets & spades. Not forgetting an assortment of brollies crucial for this year’s great British Summer!
This year, the two-bag per purchase limit is back, to give customers a fairer chance to secure the next edition of what was dubbed last summer’s ‘ultimate beach bag’. Last year, more than 50% of customers who bought a bag, chose to purchase two.
Tim Shaw, Non Foods Buyer at Waitrose, said: “Working with Lulu, an icon of British fashion, is an honour. I am looking forward to hearing what our customers think of the latest design, crafted again with durability and sustainability in mind.
“We’re delighted that customers loved the first design as much as we did. We’re expecting quite a moment, as the new bag has so much anticipation from everyone!”
Designer Lulu Guinness said: “I'm absolutely delighted to introduce our second Lulu Guinness Tote at Waitrose! I was overwhelmed by the success of the first bag and so pleased everyone loved it.
“Like the first tote, the new bag is made from recycled bottles, and we've stayed true to our signature colour palette of Lulu Red, Chalk, and Black. The slightly smaller size offers another option for avid Lulu tote enthusiasts. Its playful and quintessentially Lulu design features two different chessboard prints, if you look closely, you'll spot the clever L-shaped Pattern. It's the perfect blend of fun and sophistication. Checkmate!”
The 2023 Lulu bag in stats:
- Each bag is made from 13 recycled plastic bottles, retail price is £12
- Designed in collaboration with Lulu Guinness
- Over 11,000 Google searches for the bags since the first launch
- The first bag sold out repeatedly, with customers eagerly waiting for each next drop of stock
- In September 2023, searches on Waitrose.com for ‘Lulu bag’ were up 486%
- More than 50% of customers who purchased the first design, bought more than one
Notes to Editors
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About the John Lewis Partnership
The John Lewis Partnership owns and operates two of Britain's best-loved retail brands - John Lewis and Waitrose. Started as a radical experiment over a century ago, the Partnership is now the largest employee-owned business in the UK, with over 74,000 employees who are all Partners in the business. The Partnership is purpose-driven, existing to create a fairer and more sustainable future for our Partners, customers, suppliers and communities. Our Purpose not only inspires our principles, drives our decisions and acts as our guide to be a force for good, it steers us to do things differently and better - all in service of creating a happier world for everyone and everything we touch.
About Waitrose
Waitrose & Partners has 329 shops in England, Scotland, Wales and the Channel Islands, including 59 convenience branches, 27 shops at Welcome Break locations, and Waitrose.com - its fast-growing online shopping business, consistently rated highly by independent research. The retailer combines the convenience of a supermarket with the expertise and service of a specialist shop - dedicated to offering quality food that has been responsibly sourced, combined with high standards of customer service. As part of an employee-owned business, all Partners have a say in how the business is run.
About Lulu Guinness
Quintessentially British, Lulu Guinness is an iconic handbag brand with a legacy-making heritage - as the originator of witty, playful bags to place proudly on the table, not on the floor. Founded in 1989, when the then 29-year-old Lulu created a forward-thinking briefcase for women, the brand’s intentions have always been to be slightly outré and push boundaries.
