Abstract: A carton for cans in two rows is provided wherein a base wall of the carton is formed from a pair of overlapping panels (12, 20) of the carton secured together so that the carton walls are tensioned around articles contained in the carton wherein the carton is adapted to be utilized such that a lower most row of cans (C) is in rolling contact with one (14) of the carton side walls (14, 18) disposed to act as the base of the carton and wherein article retaining means (74a, 51a, 51b) are provided at least partially to close one end of the carton to discourage dislodgement of the articles from that end of the carton and access means (30) is provided at the one end of the carton, the removal of which releases the upper row of cartons from restraint by the article retaining means but maintains the article retaining means effective for the lower row of articles, and wherein removal of the access means further relieves tension of the carton walls about the articles to facilitate their removal from that end of the ca