QUOTED: Toronto retailer slams businesses (like Metro and Shoppers) that still charge for plastic bags
It makes me sick that other stores are still charging [the plastic bag fee]. I think that it should be up to the consumer to choose if they want to come in and bring their own bags or not.
—Christy McMullen, manager of Summerhill Market in Rosedale, on why her store stopped charging for plastic bags when the city-mandated fee expired on July 1—and her disgust for businesses that continue to do so. Rob Ford’s bittersweet victory over the bag fee didn’t change a whole lot for shoppers at Loblaws, Shoppers Drug Mart, Metro, Rexall PharmaPlus, Highland Farms and Fiesta Farms, all of which kept the fee and are raking in some serious coin—mostly for charities and other sustainable ventures, of course. For his part, Ford said last week, “I’m not the one to tell them what they should charge for their milk or their lettuce, but I don’t believe they should be charging for bags.” [National Post]
If Ms, McMullen thinks that this is such a big deal she should make a point of heavily advertising that plastic bags at her store are free, and watch the wave of customers from all over the city just roll in, eager to save 5 cents a bag. Of course, I suspect their glee at getting free bags will be temepered by the size of their grocery bill after shopping at her way overpriced gourmet grocery store. Methinks the folks that shop there normally are not too fussed about paying a nickel for a bag (or, just bringing their own).
A merchant has a right to charge for bags if he desires.
The retailers who still charge for bags are just trying to extend the cash grab that the previous bylaw provided them. Most the places I go to now do not charge for bags. Rexall – asked me if I want a bag – I said yes – and then charged me for it. They should at announce to the customer that Rexall has made the decision to continue to charge for bags, even though the bylaw was reminded. It comes across a tad slimy – they should at least have the balls to tell the customer.
“Mostly for charities and other sustainable ventures, of course.”
Really? What are some of those ventures and charities that are benefiting from 5 cents per bag? And which stores are giving away that money. I thought many of these places were pocketing the profits
Summerhill Market never charged for bags at any time while the by-law existed either, in my experience.
I agree with McMullen…. I think I have a right to decide were my hard earned money goes….If I want to give to charity it’s my right to decide which one. I thought the money was supposed to help the environment…. I ask cashiers at these store where the money is going…most don’t know and one actually said to keep food costs down I feel that these large companies continuing to charge are violating my human rights
Period.
Any store that charges the 5 cents bag tax, I pay by credit card. Credit card companies hold back 2% – 5% as their processing fee.
Most, if not all, “Mom & Pop” stores do not charge the 5 cent bag tax. To those stores, I pay by cash.
I asked Subway why they still had the bylaw sign up at their cash when it was no longer applicable so the kid took it down…..but the manager put it back up after I left. What a joke!!!