The type of bag you offer at checkout can shape how much your customers buy. These five shopping bag styles are proven to increase retail basket size by making shopping easier, more appealing, and more functional.
5 Bag Types That Increase Retail Basket Size
Strategically chosen shopping bags can drive higher in-store spending by improving convenience, reinforcing brand perception, and encouraging bulk purchasing behavior.
Explore how these five bag types can elevate your customer experience and boost your store’s average transaction value.
Large Reusable Tote Bags
Reusable tote bags offer high capacity, durability, and sustainability—making them one of the most effective tools for increasing basket size. Their roomy design supports impulse and bulk buying in one trip.
Why Reusable Totes Increase Purchases
| Feature | Customer Impact |
|---|---|
| Large capacity | Shoppers buy more in one visit |
| Durable and multi-use | Promotes repeated shopping trips |
| Eco-friendly material | Appeals to conscious consumers |
These bags also act as mobile billboards. Every reuse boosts your brand visibility. Retailers offering custom non-woven tote bags often find shoppers return more often and buy more each time.
Oversized Paper Shopping Bags
Oversized paper bags give the impression that more shopping is expected. Their sturdiness and ample space support heavier or bulkier purchases like apparel, gifts, and boxed goods.
Paper Bag Features That Drive Basket Size
| Design Element | Influence on Shopping Behavior |
|---|---|
| Large, open format | Visually signals capacity for more items |
| Reinforced handles | Comfortably holds multiple or heavy goods |
| Brandable surface | Extends marketing beyond the store |
Retailers use these bags to enhance the shopping experience while improving perceived value. Paper bags with elegant finishes also elevate the store's image.
Vest Handle (T-shirt Style) Plastic Bags
These are the go-to choice for supermarkets and convenience stores. Their stretchy handles and gusseted sides accommodate heavy and bulky items, making them ideal for high-volume purchasing.
Plastic Bag Utility for High Basket Value
| Bag Type | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Gusseted sides | Expand to fit more products |
| Flexible material | Conforms to odd shapes |
| Lightweight & affordable | Efficient for large-scale retail use |
The practical design encourages shoppers to load up on groceries or household goods without worry about tearing or discomfort.
Loop or Shopper Handle Bags
Common in luxury or boutique stores, loop-handle bags offer a sense of sophistication and convenience. Their structured form supports item stacking and bundling, which promotes higher spending.
Premium Bag Benefits
| Feature | Customer Perception |
|---|---|
| Sleek design | Suggests quality and value |
| Comfortable handles | Encourages longer browsing and more buys |
| Thick material | Supports heavy or premium goods |
These bags subtly signal to customers that they’re making a “special” purchase, which often translates into added gifts, accessories, or impulse buys.
Bags with Pockets or Sections
Bags with internal compartments make shopping more organized. These added features give shoppers confidence to pick up fragile or high-value items they might otherwise leave behind.
Structured Bag Advantages
| Built-in Feature | Shopper Motivation |
|---|---|
| Pockets and dividers | Secure and separate items by type |
| Custom inserts | Prevents damage, reduces hesitation |
| Stylish layout | Increases perceived value of purchases |
Compartmentalized bags are especially useful in retail sectors selling cosmetics, gourmet foods, or electronics accessories—categories prone to small add-on sales. Many brands choose compartment designs for their non-woven bags to add value and function.
Conclusion
The right shopping bag does more than hold products—it shapes buying behavior. From durable totes to elegant loop-handle bags, each type can influence how much your customers spend. At JiaRong Packing, we help retailers choose functional, stylish, and high-impact non-woven bags that support bigger baskets and better branding. Have you tested different bag styles in your store? Share your experience in the comments!
