Wrap-around carrier sleeve with improved article retaining feature

A blank for forming a wrap-around article carrier sleeve comprising a plurality of panels connected end-to-end including first and second end panels at opposite ends of the blank that cooperate to form a bottom of the carrier sleeve, wherein the first end panel includes at least one retainer flap struck from the panel thereby defining an opening in the panel, the retainer flap being joined to the first end panel at a fold line, and wherein the second end panel is configured to underlie the first end panel outside the bottom of the carrier sleeve and includes at least one male supporting tab joined to the second end panel;

• and wherein the male supporting tab is configured to extend through the opening in the first panel from which the retainer flap is struck, the male supporting tab having a notch formed on one side, the notch being offset from the point at which the male supporting tab is joined to the second end panel and configured to lockingly engage a raised part of the retainer flap within the carrier sleeve when inserted into the opening during formation of the carrier sleeve.