If you’ve shopped at ALDI recently, you might have noticed a new trend at the checkout that’s got some shoppers grumbling—and it’s not just the famously speedy scanning.
Something subtle is happening at the tills, and it’s leaving more than a few customers with raised eyebrows.
Increasingly, shoppers are reporting that staff are asking to check their reusable bags, even when they’re clearly empty.
Is this a new policy, or just a sign of the times? Let’s unpack what’s really going on, why it’s happening, and what your rights are as a shopper.
The rise of the bag check: What’s changed?
A recent flurry of online chatter, especially on social media forums, has seen ALDI shoppers sharing their experiences of being asked to show their empty bags at the checkout.
One shopper described being asked, ‘Are your bags empty?’ even after opening them up to show they were flat and unused.
While some found it a bit surprising, others were more frustrated, calling the practice ‘annoying’ and ‘aggressive’.
But is this really something new? According to long-time ALDI customers and staff, bag checks have been around for years.
‘Used to have to show my empty bags before packing,’ one shopper commented.
Another added, ‘Been shopping at ALDI for nearly two decades and they’re always peeking.’ Some stores even have dedicated security guards for the task.
Why the sudden increase?
So why does it feel like bag checks are on the rise? The answer, it seems, is shoplifting.
An ALDI worker chimed in online to explain that while bag checks have always been part of the company’s policy, enforcement stepped up when there’s a spike in stock losses.
‘The company ebbs and flows on how militant they feel like enforcing staff to do them,’ they said.
‘Stock losses are one of the major focuses of the company, the most it’s ever been in my time at ALDI, and they’ve never enforced stock loss measures (like bag checks) as hard as they are now.’
It’s not just ALDI, either. Retailers across Australia are tightening up on security as shoplifting rates rise, especially with the cost of living putting pressure on everyone.
But ALDI’s approach can feel more ‘aggressive’ than other supermarkets, according to some shoppers.
How do bag checks work—and are they legal?
If you’re wondering whether you have to comply with a bag check, here’s what you need to know.
ALDI’s bag check policy is a condition of entry, which means that by entering the store, you’re agreeing to have your bags, parcels, prams and containers inspected if asked.
This is perfectly legal in Australia, as long as the policy is clearly communicated—usually via signs at the entrance.
According to the National Retail Association, staff won’t check personal handbags unless they’re larger than an A4 piece of paper.
And while you always have the right to refuse a bag check, the store can then ask you to leave or refuse to serve you.
Importantly, staff cannot physically force you to show your bag—bag checks are voluntary, and any attempt to forcibly search a customer could be considered assault.
The staff perspective: Not fun for anyone
It’s worth remembering that ALDI staff don’t particularly enjoy asking customers to show their bags.
As one worker put it, ‘We don’t want others to be made to feel like they are thieves, but it’s a requirement of the job.’
With increased pressure from management and constant monitoring via cameras, staff are often just following orders—not making a personal judgment.
What can you do as a shopper?
If you’re feeling frustrated by bag checks, you’re not alone. But there are a few things you can do to make the process smoother:
- Be prepared: If you’re using reusable bags, keep them open and ready for inspection as you approach the checkout.
- Stay calm: Remember, staff are just doing their job. A friendly attitude can go a long way.
- Know your rights: You can refuse a bag check, but be aware that the store can then refuse service or ask you to leave.
- Give feedback: If you feel the policy is being enforced too aggressively, let ALDI know via their customer service channels.
A sign of the times?
Ultimately, the rise in bag checks at ALDI is a reflection of broader trends in retail security and the challenges facing supermarkets today.
With shoplifting on the rise and pressure to keep prices low, retailers are looking for ways to protect their bottom line—even if it means a few awkward moments at the checkout.
Have your say!
As retailers continue to navigate changing customer behaviours and tighten loss prevention measures, the conversation around checkout practices remains ongoing.
While policies such as bag checks are not new, the way they are implemented—and how shoppers experience them—can spark strong opinions on both sides.
Have you encountered a similar experience at your local ALDI or other supermarkets? Do you think these checks are fair, or do they make shoppers feel unnecessarily scrutinised? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Also read: Hurry! ALDI’s award-winning $11.99 wine is back—don’t miss it!
If Aldi packed the bags at the checkout like other stores do there would not be a problem.
Having worked in retail management for many years I know the reason why they don’t do as you suggest.
If Aldi did that they would have to hire more staff as it would slow down the transaction process at the counter. As it is, Aldi is cheaper than Coles or Woollies because it operates with a reduced staff model, where they do ALL of the tasks associated with running the store themselves.
Just show your bags when you approach checkout person takes 10 seconds
If all supermarkets sold their goods at reasonable prices it wouldn’t be a problem either
I don’t know what supermarket you go to, ronloby, because I haven’t been to one in years that packs your bags anymore.
My local Foodland here in SA does, and also there are NO Self Serve Checkouts !!!
One of the reasons they check bags is “shrinkage”. My local store loses a LOT of products to theft.
I was buying eggs on day and the large size was down to two packs. However, both packs has one or two broken eggs inside. So, I swapped over the broken ones to make one complete, saleable unit. One of the staff came up to me and asked me what I was doing, so I told her. She said to me that some customers swap larger eggs over into smaller egg containers so that they pay less. I was gobsmacked that this would happen.
THEN, I recalled a situation from my teenage years in supermarkets sales.
A known, well-off local lady was caught by the manager stealing a fresh chicken. She had put it under her skirt. Theft has always been a problem in retail but it appears to be at an all-time high. For those who don’t know, the sum of those losses are built into the cost of the other products on sale. Unfortunately, the honest customers suffer the penalty for the criminally minded who aren’t caught.