WITH Easter over for another year, most shops are slowly packing away their cute spring critters.
However, M&S has just released an adorable Colin the Caterpillar item and fans say it is a ‘need’ for this summer.
It’s hardly surprising as the creepy crawly has been a mascot of Marks and Spencer for over 30 years, first appearing as the delicious birthday cake in 1990.
Since then, he has become a firm favourite of the high street with over 5 million Colin and Connie cakes sold every year.
According to the M&S website, David Beckham, Dame Judi Dench and Dua Lipa are all fans of this adorable critter.
He’s so popular that the department store mascot even has his own line of merch, with gummy sweets, mini cakes and themed treats to celebrate Christmas and Valentine’s Day.
There is even a Colin the Caterpillar-shaped bum bag, which flew off shelves earlier this year.
If you did miss out on the cute caterpillar merch, don’t despair as M&S has released a special backpack featuring their beloved mascot.
The ‘must-have’ accessory is made from super soft luminous green fabric and is a 3D version of the kids’ character, complete with antennae and little legs.
For anyone who wasn’t already sold, the backpack is zipped full of delicious treats including a pack of Colin fruit gums as well as milk and white chocolate coins.
There is also ‘munch mix’, which includes chocolate-covered malt balls, salted pretzels and candy-coated chocolate beans – just in case you get peckish.
However, there is an extra surprise in store for fans as the mascot has also joined forces with the National Trust to offer 50 per cent off tickets.
Simply scan your Sparks Card when purchasing the caterpillar and you can later redeem the offer on the M&S app (yes, really).
Currently in stores for £12, we don’t expect this little critter to stay on shelves for long – especially after seeing the response he is already getting online.
Last week, M&S Menai shared a TikTok of the backpack and said that it was ‘this year’s must-have festival accessory’ – with over 17,000 fans seeing the footage.
One even commented: “It’s not a want…its a need.”
Another joked: “My daughter loves her Percy Pig bag so looks like I’m going for this now..”
“OMG my son is bug mad…I have to get him one,” said a third.
Others were already planning where to take Colin the summer, with a fourth admitting: “I’ve genuinely taken my Percy one out to the club.”
A superfan also begged a friend to wear it later this year, tagging them and commenting: “Please style this for one of your festival trips this year!”
If you do want to get your hands on the adorable critter, you’ll have to be quick though as these backpacks will only be available in stores whilst stocks last.
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