ASDA Carrier Bags - No more freebies

http://www.asda-press.co.uk/pressrelease/177

From 1st June nationwide, the bags will be placed under the direct
control of each checkout operator, forcing customers to ask for a bag
if they need one to pack their groceries.

The launch of the 'bag on request' initiative will coincide with the
introduction of a new range of 'Must Have' bags for life and reusable
bags - all of which will be available in prominent positions at store
entrances and checkouts.

(More info on the link above).

philatio wrote: »

Once again Asda Press Office are saying one thing (free bags WILL still be available on request) yet instore staff are saying another (no more free bags).

I can see lots of complaints and free gift cards approaching for people refused free bags.

I dropped into Asda a few days ago but forgot the bags I have in the car (car was in for repair). I asked for a free one as there weren't any out and the lady on the till said they didn't have them. I didn't want to purchase another one as I already have a load (which I have previously forked out for). I had to purchase another one. On my way out, I noticed that tills nearer to the door had the free ones out so I visited customer services who told me that she shouldn't have refused a free bag. They went up to the till she was on and promptly pulled a load out from under it. The customer services assistant said that 'she was up to old tricks and had a lot of complaints from customers'. I got a giftcard as she lied to me.

On a funnier note, I also visited Wilkinson's and bought a lump hammer amongst other items. Same reason as before, I didn't have a bag on me and was asked if I needed a bag....I commented that I might get a few funny looks carrying a hammer around town (or even a caution for carrying an 'offensive weapon'- stranger things have happened!). I know they have to ask but a bit of common sense is called for.

I'm all for reusing bags but don't like to be made out as a criminal if I forget them. All of my bags brandish the names of different supermarkets on them...shows them i'm not loyal!

aimee21j wrote: »

On a funnier note, I also visited Wilkinson's and bought a lump hammer amongst other items. Same reason as before, I didn't have a bag on me and was asked if I needed a bag....I commented that I might get a few funny looks carrying a hammer around town (or even a caution for carrying an 'offensive weapon'- stranger things have happened!). I know they have to ask but a bit of common sense is called for.

This happened to my dad too, in a kitchen store at meadowhall, when he bought a meat cleaver. S/a didn't see the problem when he said he didn't want to walk round with it not in a bag!!!

Many of us knew that all those carrier bags were a bad thing, especially when we built up dozens in our cupboard/ under the sink, but because they were always free we never gave it too much thought.

Now there is an immediate cost at the checkout we are having to place a value on not bringing old carriers, against paying a few pence for new ones. We tend to get in to habits a need a gentle prod to get out of the bad ones, at least I do. I understand why this happening and that for us to change there has to be something that hits us personally.

In a year's time we will wonder what all the fuss is about and be used to the idea of keeping a bag or two in the boot, handbag etc.

In fact the more I think about it the more rsykes2000 is talking common sense:
"To me, actively throwing them away seems supremely wasteful and more than a little selfish."

I popped into Asda yesterday for a few bits and the girl was guarding the carrier bags like it was her baby.

Now I know why.
I don't have a problem with supermarkets charging. Just bring your own bags and it's less advertising for them