The first time I shopped at an IKEA, I was surprised to find the bags cost a nickel each. Being the cheapskate I was at the time, I decided to go bagless and cart everything out to my car.
Apparently, the vast majority of IKEA shoppers are in the same boat as yours truly. Since initiating the 5 cent disposable bag surcharge in March 2007, disposable bag use at IKEA has dropped 92%. IKEA will now charge 59 cents for reusable bags, or give you no bag at all. Is this good for business? In my opinion, definitely. IKEA will (1) cut their costs on bags and (2) make their customers feel like they’re doing something for the environment. And since green is in for business, little things like this will help give IKEA the edge.
