Customers of the German supermarket chain Aldi have hit out at a bag search policy, claiming it is ‘annoying’ and ‘humiliating’ – but the company claims participation is ‘optional’ and explained why they do it
Aldi shoppers appear to be up in arms about a bag search policy they claim is leaving them ‘humiliated’. To help combat excessive shoplifting, the German retailer occasionally checks customer’s bags as part of routine security procedures order to ensure fewer goods are stolen by thieves and make sure no items are missing from customers’ shopping.
While people have vented their frustrations on social media after being searched at the checkout, Aldi claims agreeing to the process is not mandatory. Shopper Hannah Forest took to X to say of her shopping experience: “Just been shopping in Aldi and they ask to check your bag to see if you’ve stolen anything.
“Makes you feel very uncomfortable and puts you off wanting to shop here again. It’s humiliating.”
A second X user added: “I was a big fan of Aldi, but now I’m not. I haven’t set foot in any of their stores for months.
“This has been since being asked to have my bags searched even though I had large amount of shopping on checkout counter. In addition, the lady had served me on many occasions previously.”
They added: “As a regular customer and just about to pay for shopping I had on the checkout counter I don’t expect to have my bags inspected to be honest. Had never been asked before. They lost a good customer.”
On Facebook, meanwhile, shopper Jessica Rabicano Sweet lashed out in the Aldi UK Shopping Experience group over her experience. She said: “I shop in the same Aldi about four times a week and get treated like this every time. When I questioned it with a manager in the Kidbrook store today he said and I quote, ‘If you don’t like it you can always shop somewhere else’. Angry is an understatement!”
Jessica also revealed she had received an apologetic response from Aldi, which she shared in her post. It read: “We’re really sorry about this! These checks are carried out to make sure no items have been missed or forgotten. This is no way an accusation of theft.”
Aldi continued: “The checks are optional, and should only be carried out with our customers’ permission. We appreciate your feedback, and apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
The post was met with conflicting points of view. One person said: “I am not shopping in there anymore due to this treatment and hopefully others will follow suit. I have nothing to hide but it doesn’t mean to say I want to be bag checked and looked at as a possible thief every time I get to the check out!”
However, others sided with the supermarket, pointing out that such checks are in everyone’s best interests. “I don’t see a problem, if you have nothing to hide it shouldn’t matter,” one individual responded. “And in the end if it stops the thieves it keeps prices down and that benefits us all.”
Whilst a second added: “Let’s face it, there’s thievery going on all around us, can’t blame the staff for being vigilant.” And a third person said: “Shopped at Aldi for 29 years and all I’ve had is recently been asked a couple of times to look in my folded bags I’m going to put my purchases in. No problem and only a couple of times.”
Aldi, like other retailers, carries out bag checks as part of routine security procedures.
An Aldi spokesperson said: “In line with other retailers, bag checks are being carried out in stores by our colleagues where needed and only with the consent of customers. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
