Town & Country Markets is launching a limited-edition collection of insulated MiiR mugs created in collaboration with Pacific Northwest artists.
Each mug is inspired by the unique character, history and landmarks of the communities surrounding the grocer’s six markets. Town & Country partnered with MiiR, a Seattle-based, certified B Corporation committed to transparency, sustainability and giving back, in alignment with its own investment in award-winning sustainable practices and the communities it serves.
Mug for every market
Available for a limited time, each Town & Country Market location will feature its own custom mug design, allowing guests to collect artwork that reflects the neighborhoods they know and love.
The collection invites locals to celebrate the places they call home with a piece of the community they can hold in their hands. Each design is unique to Bainbridge, Ballard, Lakemont, Mill Creek, Poulsbo and Shoreline, and is sold exclusively at its corresponding market while supplies last.
Larry Liang, senior director of marketing, said the collection was designed to draw a connection between the company and the communities it serves.
“These mugs celebrate some of the things that make each of our markets and the communities they serve special,” Liang said. “We wanted to create something fun, local and lasting that draws a connection to the places where our guests live.”
Five artists, six stories
The collection features work from five local artists, each bringing their own style and perspective to the project.
- For the Bainbridge market, artist Shogo Ota created a design inspired by Bainbridge Island history, the Nakata family and the original Town & Country Market. Full of retro charm, the mug reflects both the roots of the company and the spirit of the island community. Ota also designed the official FIFA World Cup Poster for Seattle.
- Ballard’s mug, designed by muralist and illustrator Jen Vickers, pays tribute to the original Ballard Market sign that once towered over the neighborhood and became an iconic local landmark.
- At Lakemont, Marisol Ortega’s design celebrates the area’s connection to nature, featuring the flora, fauna and outdoor spirit of Cougar Mountain and the surrounding trails. She also designed the murals inside the company’s Mill Creek, Lakemont and Poulsbo Field House locations.
- Seattle illustrator and muralist Stevie Shao created the Mill Creek mug, drawing inspiration from the natural beauty of Western Washington in early spring.
- Ortega also designed the mug for Poulsbo, taking a playful approach inspired by the town’s Nordic heritage and Liberty Bay. The design features a crab wearing a Viking helmet, reflecting the personality and humor of the waterfront community.
- For Shoreline, Victor Meléndez looked to one of the market’s most recognizable features: the fresh seafood tanks that greet shoppers as they walk through the door.
The artists behind the collection have worked with brands including Starbucks, REI, Fjallraven, KEXP, Shake Shack, Smith Optics, The Stranger, T-Mobile and Sub Pop.
Ryan Ritter, CEO of Town & Country Markets, said the project highlighted the connection between local artists and the communities they represent.
“This project gave us the chance to celebrate local artists alongside the communities that inspire our markets,” Ritter said. “Each mug tells a different story and gives guests something truly unique to take home.”
The limited-edition mugs are available at corresponding Town & Country Markets while supplies last, priced at $27.99. The mugs are sold in-store only.
About the company
Founded in 1957 by two brothers, John and Mo Nakata, and good friend Ed Loverich, Town & Country Markets run stores across the Puget Sound area. The grocer is committed to living from its core values, which include minimizing its ecological footprint and eradicating systemic and individual bigotry, prejudices and discrimination within the company.
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