PRIMARK’S brown paper shopping bags are instantly recognisable on the high street.
But as of last month, the retailer starting charging customers for them for the first time – and shoppers have been sharing their frustrations online.
From May 12, Primark said it would require customers to pay 15p for their paper bags, regardless of whether they were small, medium, or large.
Up until that point, they had been completely free and aimed to be an environmentally-friendly alternative to plastic bags.
However, they haven’t gone down well with all customers.
TikTok user Aamina – who posts under @aamina___ – uploaded a video saying: “Why is Primark now charging for paper bags?
“The bag charge was originally introduced to reduce plastic bag waste and shoppers were given bags for life.
“Now they are charging for one use paper bags that break by the time you get home. “Is this just a money making scheme?”
When it brought in the change, Primark said: “Got a reuseable bag? Bring it along next time you visit our stores.
“Why the change? Research shows that introducing bag charges reduces the number of new bags customers use.
“It’s a simple step that encourages all of us to think twice about our use.”
They explained that they use “use thousands of paper bags every day” and while the paper bags are made from “100% recycled and recyclable materials”, they are “always looking for ways to cut down on single-use waste.”
While they advised customers to bring their own reusable bags, they added: “If you forget to bring a bag, we’ve got you covered in-store with reusable shopping bags in a variety of sizes, starting from just 80p.
“You’ll spot them at the tills in white or our signature brown style, both made from sturdy materials designed to withstand your shopping trips.
“If you’re after a more stylish option, we stock canvas tote bags all year round.”
‘WALKING ADVERT’
Responding the TikTok video, people were quick to share their thoughts on Primark charging for bags.
One said: “You’re paying for a walking advert for their shop.”
A second added: “They wanna charge for a bag that’ll break before I turn around.”
However, one person defended Primark for the new charge.
They said: “Pretty obvious isn’t it?? Sure a paper bag is miles better than a plastic bag, but it’s still pretty much single use. We should all be bringing our own bags when we go shopping!”
Another shared: “People realise shops have to buy the bags in, it’s still a product at the end of the day.”
Why Primark is great for looking expensive on a budget
By Clemmie Feildsend, Fabulous Fashion Editor
AS someone who’s no stranger to grabbing a last-minute outfit from Primark for a night out, it’s about time that celebrities started catching on too.
For as long as I’ve been heading out, Primark has been my go-to for those “I have nothing to wear” moments, rushing in at the last minute to find something perfect.
And I’m definitely not alone – on any Friday or Saturday night, you’ll find plenty of shoppers doing the same thing, right before closing time.
But no matter what, Primark always delivers.
Now, Rita Ora is leading the charge, showing that you can snag a designer-worthy look without spending a fortune at high-end stores.
While Rita’s not rushing in last minute for a red carpet outfit, she’s proving you can achieve the same high-impact style for much less.
Looking stunning in her tailored suit alongside her mum Vera, Rita fit right in among the other A-listers dripping in Prada, Dior, and Victoria Beckham – if anything, she looked even better than some of the guests at The Fashion Awards.
With Myleene Klass and Roxy Horner already jumping on the Primark bandwagon, I’m sure more stars will be following suit soon enough.
