[dennisw]

“Aldi, like Sam’s Club, never had shopping bags.”

They usually have empty carboard boxes. I grab one and put my items in it. Or I have shopping bags in my car anyway.

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

Yep and since that means you are disposing of their trash for them it cuts costs in another small but sure way.

But saying they are now eliminating plastic shopping bags is like saying "Sprite is now caffeine free!" You mean, the same as it always has been?

[chrisinoc]

Trader Joes doesn’t offer plastic bags or self checkout. They still use the paper bags to packing.

Costco has cardboard boxes and self-checkout available. Having self checkout has made going to Costco much more tolerable.