Showbag

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A distinctive feature of Australian fairs and carnivals (known locally as shows) is the showbag, a themed carry bag of commercial merchandise. The bag is usually made of plastic or heavy paper, and is printed with graphics promoting the theme or manufacturer.

Showbags are also known as sample bags, especially among older people, as they originally contained samples of the range of goods produced by a single vendor or brand group. Such sample bags were originally given free of charge, or carried only a nominal charge, to promote brand awareness; however this is now unusual, with showbag prices as at 2007 commonly in the A$10-20 range. The rising cost of showbags is often identified as a major negative aspect of shows.[1] [2] Despite this, it is generally assumed that the total retail value of the individual contents of a showbag will exceed the price charged for the package.

Common themes for showbags include confectionery brands, trademarked toys such as Barbie, The Simpsons, GI JOE and Batman, broad areas of children's play interest such as "cowboy" or "pirate", and sporting teams. Showbags may also be created for and named after current fads, especially children's movies on current release.

Most showbags are marketed to children, containing toys and/or candy and chocolate. Comic books were frequently included in showbags in the 1970s and 1980s, but this practice has declined.

Showbags may also be marketed to the adult consumer, with themes including cosmetics, fashion, premium confectionery, and adult toys.

[edit] External links

• Sydney Royal Easter Show 2006: Showbag Search

[edit] References

• 1. Dubecki, Larissa et al. "Either way your wallet's a loser", The Age, Melbourne, 2002-09-26. Retrieved on February 1, 2007.

• 2. Swift, Tyronne. "Been there, done that but show's still a hoot", Alice Springs News, 2004-07-07. Retrieved on February 1, 2007.