how do i grocery shop w/cloth bags w/o looking like i'm shoplifting?

Answer 1

I actually bring my canvas bags every time I shop...Just lay them in the bottom of the cart until you get to the register. It's getting so common now...I see people do this all the time. Thanks for making the effort! =)

Answer 2

Here in Australia pretty much everyone shops with cloth bags!

They sell them at the counters. Most of them are green, but you can even get ones that are different colours or have pictures on them, like from the Simpsons or The Da Vinci Code. When new kids movies come out they make shopping bags of them. It's really pretty cool, Aussies are very big on the whole "Say NO to plastic bags" thing.

That's not really an answer to your question, but it's interesting. I thought they would have the same in America.

Now: For the answer to your question. Here everyone shops normally with the bags sitting in the front of the trolley. Then you just give them to the cashier when you go to the counter. :)

Answer 3

I keep them folded at the bottom of my messenger bag until I hit the check out lane for groceries. Usually, I'm reaching for my wallet at this point, so I grab that and the canvas bags at the same time.

Now, when I'm running errands... well, I just keep the bag over my shoulder, and I don't open it until I'm at the checkout counter. Just be friendly, make polite small talk if they say hello, and just go about your business. I live in a college town, so I think the merchants are pretty acclaimated to seeing students with backpacks... and there's a pretty *crunchy* population, so I'm not the only one bringing my own bag. I do find that I am more comfortable shopping this way at small stores vs. the national chains.

Answer 4

I work at a market and a lot of people come in with cloth bags for there grocerys and they always have there bags folded up in there hands and when I ask paper or plastic they just say here and give me there bags,and I think that cool

Answer 5

Hi, I work for Super Target as a cashier and I was so tired of having to use so many plastic bags, that I made a promise to myself that I would not personely use anymore so I bought my own cloth bags, and now when I go in there to shop I take my 3 onside and open the larger of the 3 put the other 2 in it with my purse...as I start to shop I take my purse out and start filling up the larger one, when it is full I get the next one out and fill it up then the third...most of the time I can get a weeks worth into 2 cloth bags, and my grocery's fit better in the cloth ones than they ever did in plastic when I take them up to the counter I put my bags of grocery's up there and tell the cashier I will bag them myself, as she starts to pull from the smaller bag I start to load it up with my 3rd bag...which saves her time as I bag the way I feel I need to....this is my way of protesting the use of plastic bags and helps me to get my younger team members to think about doing the same...I know I have made a difference, Have You???....................Rain

Answer 6

Some grocery stores provide tote-bags for the customers to use or sell them there in the store with their store logo on the bag. Another solution to your question is to use a bag that has a "green" logo on it such as "save the trees", etc. You can also use a bag that you have customized yourself with some embellishments and possibly your name. If you have the right kind of printer you can create iron-on transfers to put on your canvas or cotton bag. These things will make it obvious that you are using your own bag for shopping and not stealing it. While you are shopping, place the bag in your grocery cart where you keep your purse and simply ask the bagger or checker to use the canvas bags instead of the disposable bags.

Answer 7

I just put all my folded bags into one bag and just lay it in the cart like I do my purse. When I get to the register, I hand my bags over to the bagging person. Unfortunately there are never any questions asked. If I want anyone to know what I am doing with my own bags I have to speak up to tell them.

Answer 8

Many grocery stores cell there own canvas/cloth bags to use instead of plastic. For instance Bloom sells them for $1.00 and they are the size of 1 plastic bag. Even though you have to buy it to start with they will last and defiantly do not look like you are stealing. SAVE YOUR RECITE and write it off on taxes the same way you would write off an energy star appliance or CFL light bulb.

Answer 9

Keep the bags in the cart or basket, then use at check out. Just don't put any items in the bag, let the checker do it after the purchase.

My local Safeway is selling nice bags for 99c, and you get 3c off every time you use it. When I bough them I had the store bag into them. The bags started to pay off at that moment.

Answer 10

I load up my bag with products, then I empty my bag on the conveyer belt and put my bag in front of my products so the cashier can open it up, take a peek, and attach it so she can load my stuff into it.

A couple days ago I had bought an item from another store and left that product in the bag. She asked me if I paid for it. I said "yes, I bought it from another store". My receipt was in the bag for proof.

Answer 11

well u dont have anything to worry about really just put them on the cart or basket empty. the grocery stores wouldnt really mind or look at u funny because its really common anyways. the only time they would think ur alittle sketchy is when u put your bgroceries IN your bag walking around the store instead of a basket so other than that dont worry. Thanks for your efforts in making the environment alot better.