Provigo pushes reusable bags

Canadian retail major Provigo is making some very intelligent moves. They’ve started pushing a 99 cent reusable bag at their 456 stores throughout Quebec. Louis-Paul Allard, president of the Quebec Environment Foundation, said he was pleased to support this environmental initiative by Provigo Inc., a project on which the QEF has been working since summer 2005. "People were very enthusiastic about Provigo's reusable bags, distributed at our annual gala and the Salon des générations in Montreal, and I'm convinced that their launch on the market will be a great success. The public always reacts very positively when offered inexpensive, effective and aesthetically pleasing solutions. As a partner, we would like to congratulate Provigo Inc.'s banners and encourage people to adopt new habits that truly will help the environment." Provigo Inc. will donate 5 cents to the QEF for each reusable bag and Eco-bin sold, up to a maximum of $25,000, which will be used for projects that protect and enhance the environment. Look at the branding implications of this. Provigo isn’t doing any charity. At 99 cents they probably even make a small profit (reusable bags aren’t expensive. Just look at how economical they are at www.badlani.com/bags), and they are going to come out of this smelling like roses; looking like a more responsible corporate citizen than any of their competitors. Each customer walking around with a Provigo bag will be acting as a walking billboard for them. Write to us and we’ll work with you to tailor such a program for your brand.