What are the most effective ways to encourage the use of reusable bags in a grocery store?

What do I have to say about reusable bags? Honestly, the biggest selling point for me are the handles and the durability of the bags. This morning, one large reusable bag fit all of my groceries. The bag was full up, and it was heavy. The alternative would have been about four paper bags, not with handles. The baggers either fill those paper bags half full, or double bag, so as not to rip the bags. With paper bags, I would also have to lug the entire cart to my car, fill up my trunk with the bags, and take at least two trips from my car to my kitchen. Many stores offer discounts if you bring in your own bags. These discounts must be more of an incentive; 10 cents per bag isn't enough.

Pode-se disponibilizar a venda de sacolas reutilizáveis a preço acessível. Também seria interessante um programa de fidelidade, onde o cliente que retornasse x vezes com a sacola ecológica ganhasse algum prêmio.

Bajo mi propia percepción, además de incentivar el uso de bolsas reutilizables, mediante la no gratuidad de bolsas de plástico, deberá premiarse aquellas conductas que apuesten por el uso de ellas, como por ejemplo favoreciendo el consumo a granel y no envasado, ofreciendo facilidades de consumo en el propio comercio, un precio mas competitivo y manteniendo unos criterios óptimos de calidad y proximidad del producto.

In addition to the listed incentives and rewards, it is worth highlighting that incentivisation may also be punitive in its nature. Many governments have implemented carrier bag bans or carrier bag taxes that have to a significant degree changed customer behaviour.

A clear, compelling, and always-on customer communication plan, delivered across multiple channels is vital to change customer behaviour. Explaining the benefits of making a choice to switch to reusable bags will articulate the case for change. The call to arms. However, the retailer must also clearly communicate the mechanic for that change. What alternatives are available to customers, and what environmental benefit do those alternatives deliver? Informed customers are more likely to change their habits.

Switching the retailer bag proposition to a reusable range presents a great opportunity to better define the range offered to customers. What is the specific purpose of each bag, and which shopper mission is it best suited to? How will customers use the bags? Retailers may consider the need for a loose produce bag, a freezer bag, a heavy-duty option, a low-cost value option for 'forgetters', as well as general purpose choice that is likely to see the majority of sales volume. The structural design and functionality of each bag in the range should be tailored to its purpose. The new bag range should merchandised in an area that can be easily accessed, usually close to checkouts with supporting POS.

The examples listed in the article are extremely useful, from a customer perspective hoping to influence other customers. However, retailers can and should tell the positive story of their customers making the switch to reusable. In-store magazines, customer-facing websites, and communication can be engaging channels for positive communication, Customers who see others making the switch will be more likely to adjust their own behaviours.

Ocado give you money back when you return them upon the next delivery or otherwise. However they are so thin it is unlikely you can use them for anything else 😆

It is likely that a retailer would need to externally report their single-use plastic carrier bag sales, if not already banned. A retailer should consider reporting successful customer switching within their broader ESG reporting, customer communication messaging, and in-store POS. Having launched their refreshed range, a retailer should seek regular feedback from customers on design, performance, and value. Regular refreshes of the range, value proposition, and potentially limited edition bags will ensure the range delivers for customers and promotes longer-term sustainable choices.