Can you explain why a big box grocery store would not let me bring my own bags?

I think they think you are going to steal something. RDG, you’d make about three of me so you may also look imitating, but I know you’re just a big softy! ;)

I’ve NEVER had it happen to me, but I ONLY use the store branded bags when using my own bags. There’s a LOT of shoplifting going on now days, so I’m going to GUESS that they felt uncomfortable with it being an unmarked backpack & duffle bag. IF they allow you to use them, then every thief in the area will be clearing out the store!!!

I grocery shop with my backpack on all the time and have never been called on it.

I can think of two stores that restrict it, however. One is a used book store and one is a used record store. Both have signs in the window that say bags must be left up front. I can understand that, for a small business like that. A big box grocery store surprises me a bit.

I’m with others – it looked like you were trying to get a five-finger discount. A duffle bag??

Too much to unpack to see if you’re stealing stuff.

I was at a drug store the other night, and the cashier was talking about “vagabonds” coming in with duffel bags, shoving a shelf-full of stuff into the bag, and then walking out the door. I expect that’s the idea.

If you really want to use a duffel bag, figure out how many smaller normal shopping bags full of stuff will fit in the duffel bag, then bring that many, and check the duffel bag at the door.

I notice though, that I have a large duffel-bag-sized freezer bag, that I fill full of shopping bags, and bring to Trader Joe, and no one there complains. In fact, they compliment me on my cool bag.

Somebody was power hungry. I have experienced weird s*&t like this before. I doubt it is a policy. No need to get angry over it either. Just go elsewhere next time.

I mean…a backpack and duffel are a little strange, you have to admit. In my county, disposable bags are now taxed so everyone is bringing reusable bags. Pretty sure the backpack and duffel wouldn’t get a 2nd look here despite the fact that most people are bringing regular reusable shopping bags.

They probably have shoplifting probs, so have a general policy to have people check in their bags and backpacks. If it bothers you, don’t go there anymore.

They thought you suspicious; so would I.

Before I opened this, I thought you were talking about the reusable cloth shopping bags and such. I can understand this though. Most stores don’t want people carrying around a large backpack and dufflebag, due to theft and they are big to have walking around. They aren’t calling you a thief, but they have so much theft in general it’s usually a store policy for all customers. Usually store staff does ask those to be left at the front counter. The regular reusable open shopping bags are usually okay.

^^ Reading this, it reminded me that someone might look like a terrorist with a bomb.

^^^^ yes.