Town & Country Markets is launching a limited-edition collection of insulated mugs created in collaboration with Pacific Northwest artists and inspired by the character, history and landmarks of the communities surrounding the grocer’s six locations.
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.
Mug for every market
The mugs are unique to the communities of Bainbridge, Ballard, Lakemont, Mill Creek, Poulsbo and Shoreline, and sold exclusively at their corresponding Town & Country Market while supplies last. Priced at $27.99, they are sold only in-store.
“These mugs celebrate some of the things that make each of our markets and the communities they serve special,” said Larry Liang, senior director of marketing. “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.
- For the Bainbridge market, artist Shogo Ota created a design inspired by Bainbridge Island history, the Nakata family and the original Town & Country Market. The mug reflects the company’s roots and the island community’s spirit. 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 a 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 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 beauty of western Washington in early spring.
- Ortega also designed the mug for Poulsbo, which reflects the town’s Nordic heritage and Liberty Bay. The design features a crab wearing a Viking helmet
- For Shoreline, Victor Meléndez looked to one of the market’s most recognizable features – the fresh seafood tanks that greet shoppers as they walk in.
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.
“This project gave us the chance to celebrate local artists alongside the communities that inspire our markets,” said Ryan Ritter, CEO of Town & Country Markets. “Each mug tells a different story and gives guests something truly unique to take home.”
About the company
Founded in 1957 by two brothers, John and Mo Nakata, and friend Ed Loverich, Town & Country Markets operates stores across the Puget Sound area. The grocer’s core values include minimizing its ecological footprint and eradicating systemic and individual bigotry, prejudices and discrimination.
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