Trending PR Campaigns
Target’s Reusable Bag Switch
Target temporarily replaced plastic checkout and drive-up bags with free reusable ones in selected US markets, including Chicago. The quiet, limited-time switch gave shoppers a tangible surprise to notice and talk about, with the bags carrying the message “use it and reuse it”.
Why it worked: It turned an ordinary checkout moment into a visible policy experiment—free, branded reusables replacing plastic—creating on-site surprise and instant social proof.
The lesson: Consider staging a short, free swap-out of a habitual touchpoint, then seed clear on-object messaging to trigger shopper posts and local news.
Coverage over time
How this story spread across the media
| Publication | Headline | Date |
|---|---|---|
| startribune.com | Target, Walmart, CVS partner to reimagine the retail plastic bag | Wednesday 22nd July, 2020 |
| today.com | What's the deal with Target's new, trendy reusable shopping bag? | Thursday 23rd September, 2021 |
| packagingdive.com | Returnable retail bag trial launches at CVS Health, Target stores | Packaging Dive | Wednesday 19th April, 2023 |
| nbcchicago.com | Target quietly introduces reusable bags in stores – NBC Chicago | Wednesday 16th September, 2026 |