Shape retaining flexible package with easy access opening feature

The present invention provides a shape retaining flexible package having a top surface, a bottom surface and at least one side wall. The top surface and the bottom surface each being directly or indirectly connected to the at least one side wall and form an interior compartment capable of containing a plurality of articles. The top surface of the package has a width and a length. The package also has an opening device located on the top surface. The opening device has at least one line of weakness and the opening device is confined to the top surface such that there is a portion of the top surface located between the opening device and an edge created by the direct or indirect connection of the top surface to the at least one side wall. The opening device has a width at some point along the length of the opening device which is between about 40% and about 99% of the width of the top surface and a length at some point along the width of the opening device which is between about 40% and about 99% of the length of the top surface. The opening device provides for easy opening of the flexible package and provides for easy access to articles within the interior compartment of the flexible package. In addition, the flexible package retains its shape even as the articles are removed from the flexible package.