Plastic Shopping Bags

Choosing Plastic Shopping Bags for Your Business

The right plastic shopping bag should fit the purchase and work well at the point of sale. Start with the merchandise you regularly package, then compare dimensions, material, construction, and presentation. Bags for a small accessory, a boxed gift, and a collection of event materials may need different features.

Choose a Format That Fits the Purchase

Plastic merchandise bags and shopping bags serve overlapping retail needs, but individual styles differ. Compare designs with or without handles, available gussets, and the space needed to load and remove the contents comfortably.

• Small or flat merchandise: Check the usable opening and dimensions against the complete product.
• Boxed items: Allow for the box’s depth and corners, including any added wrapping.
• Multiple purchases: Evaluate the combined size and weight of the items as they will be packed.
• Events and promotions: Choose a format suited to the materials being distributed and how recipients will carry them.

Compare Material, Thickness, and Finish

Material and construction affect how a bag feels, flexes, and handles the contents. Review thickness alongside seams, shape, and any handle reinforcement. Thickness alone does not establish a carrying capacity.

Color and finish also influence the presentation. Choose an appearance that complements your merchandise or event, and check the available size and color combinations within the selected product line.

Check the Packed Fit

Measure the full purchase, including boxes, tissue, or protective wrapping. Account for width, height, and product depth rather than comparing only the front face of the item with the bag.

For handled styles, leave enough room to use the handles comfortably. For styles without handles, consider how staff will close or hand over the package. Evaluate the finished combination with your actual merchandise before making it a standard checkout option.

Plan Wholesale Retail Bag Purchases

When ordering plastic shopping bags in bulk, select a practical group of sizes around your most common purchases. Keep the approved item numbers and specifications together for repeat ordering, and consider storage space and expected usage when planning replenishment.

For prepared meals and restaurant orders, browse Take-Out and foodservice bags. If you are comparing materials across your retail packaging, explore paper shopping bags and Eurototes.