It Ain't Easy Being Green In Trade Fair

"Attention Customers, No Green Reusable Shopping Bags Allowed In The Store" (Jaya Saxena/Gothamist)

A few years ago, the reusable grocery bag "trend" hit the city. People were lining up for designer bags at Whole Foods (even though they probably soon filled with bacteria). Stores like Ikea began charging for plastic bags, and Whole Foods banned plastic altogether. But one location of Queens grocery chain Trade Fair is fighting back, and posted this sign banning all reusable bags from the premises. What gives?

One employee speculated it was to "keep people from stealing things," and over the phone another employee told us, "some people, they bring the bags inside and they steal the stuff and they go out." However, the policy doesn't seem to be terribly enforced; we spotted the sign after carrying our groceries out in two tote bags yesterday. But why just reusable bags? The employee told us carts, purses and other bags are still allowed, and it's just the "green, reusable bags" that seem to be banned, even if customers only use them to carry their purchased groceries out of the store. But she assured us, "People still use them. They don't pay attention to the sign. You can bring your bag, don't worry."

Still, it seems a little harsh to punish the environmentally conscious customers (or customers who have way too many plastic bags at home) for the crooks' misdeeds. They should really be going after the shoppers with baggy pants.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jaya Saxena in Food on November 6, 2010 11:25 AM

Comments [rss]

mydollar

I was thinking ,perhaps I was paranoid.But my wife
told me that she is also always followed ,while shopping,by the creeper - the
morning shift manager or the owner of the store.

We stopped to shop there.So did all of the people
that we know.There is something very, very wrong and sick with that
store.

mydollar

The shame of the City !
Trade Fair Supermarket

The store prices seem on the surface to be the best in the city.But be aware.On the average you will get overcharged at least 20 % of the posted or advertised price on 80 % of your shopping time there.If you bring the overcharge to the attention of the person at the register or the manager on duty,you will get nowhere.They just will insist that you are wrong and that the advertised price is for different product,brand or size.If you want to take the "wrong"purchase of your bill they make you wait as many as 20 minutes.
On one occasion I questioned the cashier why did she ring up the same package of meat 7 times,she just gave me a dirty look and said : " So what? I have other things on my mind today then your steak ! ".
Stay away from the large spice containers since they often contain mice or rats droppings.
In general the store is filthy,crowded with very little space in between the isles.It seems to be frequented mostly by rather rude welfare recipients.
The employees including the management are totally the most nasty people in NYC.

May 05, 2011

harrisgraber

I thought this looked familiar. It's the Trade Fair on 30th Avenue and 30th Street in Astoria. That's my local Trade Fair.

I've shopped there with a tote bag. I use a basket for what I want to buy and then put everything in the tote bag after it's been rung up on the register. My tote bag is blue, not green. Maybe that's why I've never had a problem.

ganghiscon

They're point is you need to use a basket, not the reusable bag, while in the store. You can use the bag instead of plastic bags after paying.

harrisgraber

I'm going to check the Trade Fair in my neighborhood to see if they have a sign like that. I don't often shop there because the aisles are ridiculously narrow. They are also frequently blocked with cartons of goods destined for the shelves.

They do have items that the other supermarkets in the area don't stock, foods from many countries. Also, they have ripe jalapeño peppers. I have not seen those in any other supermarket or greengrocer in my neighborhood.

wilsonbilson

This is my grocery store, and I noticed this a few weeks ago. They sell their own red reusable bags. I'm not sure why this would be different then the green ones. There are also signs inside asking customers not to place groceries in their reusable bags before checkout.

The Sick Animal

You're a dumb b**ch who never understands the nuances or practicality of anything.

The reason bringing in re-usable shopping bags is different than bringing purses is, for one - size, but more importantly it's the fact that the bags are made for groceries and it's not suspect if you are putting items in it . All I hear is a whiny, suburban know-it-all instead of a story. As usual.

Cannibal

Yes, it is suspect. People who think its ok to walk around supermarkets filling their little canvas sacks are WRONG, this is technically shoplifting if you are not using the stores basket.

Grocery stores have little baskets and carts (that you can see through, for a reason!!!) for you to put your items in while you are shopping. When you check out, hand the clerk your little reusable sack instead of having the store bag your things with plastic.

This grocery store had to put this sign up because people are FUCKING MORONS and think looking like your shoplifting is being 'green'.

Youre not supposed to walk around stores putting things you havent purchased yet into your own bag, period.

Dumb bitch.

mdow

It's not shoplifting until you actually leave the store without paying. While you're in the store, it's impossible to shoplift. It's great that you didn't already know this.