In the US and other countries, when someone shops, they are given an option to choose whether they want their newly purchased merchandise to be placed in a plastic bag or a paper bag. Many stores actually stock both and it is not hard for some customers to actually carry out both depending on what they have bought. Plastic bags are easily stealing the limelight because they are attractive and shopping outlets are able to embroid them with different designs and use them for advertising. They are also water-proof which comes in handy when doing grocery shopping because some foods are stored in or around water, eg fruits. But paper bags have been able to hold their forte too and have also retained their popularity over the years.
Paper bags first hit the scene in the 1800s. This was when the modern retail revolution as we know it today was spreading around the West and most of the major retailers that we know today were being born. It was a time when the world was rapidly modernizing and people were shopping in the newly created department and grocery stores. This was a stark contrast to earlier times when most stores were full-service, with someone behind the counter to get you whatever you wanted. The new stores were self-service and customers could walk inside the store from one isle to another and choose from the different rows that were filled with an assortment of goods and foods. Customers usually had access to a shopping basket which could either be carried or pushed. After the customer made their way to the cash register, there the dilemma began. An ordained clergyman, Francis Wolle, who was at the time working in a family-owned store, saw the need to develop a bag where shoppers could bag their purchases. He was later contracted by the Union Paper company to produce a version of the bag for them and there was no looking back. The paper bags that we know today were in existence.
Paper bags have their own inherent advantages. One of the advantages is cost. Almost all indications show that the world is in a global recession and companies are trying everything they can to compete. They are doing this by cutting costs and one of the ways companies can cut costs is in buying paper bags instead of plastic bags.
Another advantage accrued from paper bags is safety. Shoppers who have chilldren are weary of plastic bags because when children get a hold of them and play with them, there is a risk of asphyxiation. This has caused many deaths in the past. With paper bags this risk is greatly minimized because if one plays with a paper bag, the worst that can happen is that it is shredded and contributes to litter.
Paper bags are also stronger now than they used to be. This was as a result of numerous complaints that they were brittle and hence could not contain a reasonable weight of groceries.
Paper bags first hit the scene in the 1800s. This was when the modern retail revolution as we know it today was spreading around the West and most of the major retailers that we know today were being born. It was a time when the world was rapidly modernizing and people were shopping in the newly created department and grocery stores. This was a stark contrast to earlier times when most stores were full-service, with someone behind the counter to get you whatever you wanted. The new stores were self-service and customers could walk inside the store from one isle to another and choose from the different rows that were filled with an assortment of goods and foods. Customers usually had access to a shopping basket which could either be carried or pushed. After the customer made their way to the cash register, there the dilemma began. An ordained clergyman, Francis Wolle, who was at the time working in a family-owned store, saw the need to develop a bag where shoppers could bag their purchases. He was later contracted by the Union Paper company to produce a version of the bag for them and there was no looking back. The paper bags that we know today were in existence.
Paper bags have their own inherent advantages. One of the advantages is cost. Almost all indications show that the world is in a global recession and companies are trying everything they can to compete. They are doing this by cutting costs and one of the ways companies can cut costs is in buying paper bags instead of plastic bags.
Another advantage accrued from paper bags is safety. Shoppers who have chilldren are weary of plastic bags because when children get a hold of them and play with them, there is a risk of asphyxiation. This has caused many deaths in the past. With paper bags this risk is greatly minimized because if one plays with a paper bag, the worst that can happen is that it is shredded and contributes to litter.
Paper bags are also stronger now than they used to be. This was as a result of numerous complaints that they were brittle and hence could not contain a reasonable weight of groceries.
About the Author:
Author is writer and regular contributor to Brown Paper Bags, a website with resources and information to help you find the right Brown Paper Bag and accessories for your specific needs.
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