Giant Food Stores in D.C. Ban Big Bags as a Way To Reduce Theft in Stores

Giant Food is rolling out a new initiative to ban large bags in an attempt to reduce theft in its D.C. area stores.

The grocer’s new policy prohibits customers from bringing duffel bags, suitcases, or bags larger than 14 inches by 14 inches by 6 inches, the average size of a backpack, into the store. While security guards and store employees cannot take a person’s bag from them, customers will reportedly be denied entry into the store if they do not comply with the new mandate. NBC4 Washington reports that the new bag policy just went into effect at all stores in the district due to unprecedented theft levels in that area. 

The outlet shared a statement from Giant Food, which said, “The retail theft we are experiencing across our market area is a problem that affects everyone.”

It continued, “It limits product availability, creates a less convenient shopping experience, and, most critically, puts our associates and customers in harm’s way. We need to be able to run our stores safely and profitably, and we take these responsibilities seriously. The tactics we deploy are only one of the solutions to our problem.”

Giant Food said it put restrictions into place at stores in the area that experienced an "unprecedented" amount of theft. https://t.co/JfpILh8TxH

— DC News Now (@DCNewsNow) May 27, 2024

According to WBAL TV, a Giant Food spokesperson said that certain stores were selected for the bag policy because they recorded high levels of “shrink and unsustainable product loss.” They added, “We have implemented this at select stores throughout our region. We realize this approach is extremely disruptive and goes against the shopping experience we want to provide for our customers.”

The policy was enacted on May 23 at all D.C. stores and selected regional branches. Other anti-theft measures include hiring more guards and reducing store hours. There are an estimated 112 Giant grocery stores in the greater metro D.C. area, per Axios, making it D.C.’s biggest grocery chain.

Less than a month ago, Giant partnered with four artists from D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware, to create reusable bags that represent each artist’s local community, according to a press release. For every reusable bag purchased, Giant donates $1 donated to a local nonprofit. Throughout the month of May, each of the artists chose a local nonprofit to receive the donations. These reusable bags do meet the requirements installed by the company at select stores that prohibit oversized bags.