WASHINGTON – Shoppers in the District will need to pack lighter on their next grocery run. Giant Food has implemented a new policy banning suitcases, duffel bags, and any bags larger than 14″ x 14″ x 6″ at select stores in Washington, D.C. This policy, which took effect late last week, is a response to increasing retail theft.
“The retail theft we are experiencing across our market area is a problem that affects everyone,” Giant Food officials said in a statement. “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 is not alone in taking such measures. Harris Teeter locations in D.C. have also banned large bags and begun asking customers to show their receipts. Similarly, some Safeway stores in the District now require shoppers to scan their receipts before exiting the store.
In front of a Giant store in Northwest on Monday, reactions to the new policy were mixed.
“I could see it go both ways,” said shopper Kevin Hutt. “I don’t have a strict opinion on it.”
However, not everyone was in favor. “I don’t know, I feel like all these policies,” commented Tom McVey before entering the store, “they generally just hurt normal people, like, who are not going to steal anyway.”
The new policy is part of a broader effort by grocery stores in the area to mitigate theft and ensure a safer, more efficient shopping environment.
