M&S is making a major change at 251 stores – and shoppers will be divided

MARKS and Spencer is making a major change at 251 stores and it’s bound to leave shoppers divided.

Shoppers will now need to bring their own bags when they come to collect certain orders.

1

The change affects people who make click and collect fashion or homeware orders.

Orders are usually packaged up in sealed plastic bags for when the shopper comes to pick it up.

It comes as the retailer is attempting to battle plastic waste.

M&S says the “bring your own bag” – or BYOB – initiative will save a huge 10million units of plastic every year.

Stephen Langford, Director of M&S.com, said: “Using our stores to fulfil Click & Collect orders continues to grow and we want to use this as a channel to encourage a behaviour change that helps to reduce single use plastic consumption.”

The change, which is hitting 251 stores across the country, comes following a trial last year at 16 shops.

Shoppers will be reminded at the online checkout that they’ll need to bring their own bag when they pick up the order.

A second reminder will be sent out when the customer is told their order is ready to collect.

We have asked M&S for the full list of shops rolling out the change and what will happen if forgetful shoppers leave their bags at home.

The clothing or homeware item will be stored in a bag made out of reusable materials until the shoppers comes to grab it.

M&S has 1,487 stores nationally, and hopes to expand the change to click and collect orders at these shops in the future.

Last year the British retail giant began trialling paper bags at 10 select stores too.

Customers can get them at stores in Maidstone, Hedge End, Bluewater, Kings Road, Hackney, Nottingham, Newcastle, Vanguard, Rochdale and Falkirk.

It is not the only chain to make changes to shops in a bid to avoid plastic waste.

Morrisons replaced all its plastic bags with 30p paper ones in 2021.

Tesco doubled the price of its plastic bags to 20p in 2020 to deter customers away from using them.

Last week, Sainsbury’s announced that it will be vacuum packing all of its beef mince products.

The amount of meat in each packet will still stay the same so shoppers won’t be missing out.

The move will see Sainsbury’s using a minimum of 55% less plastic as it moves to becoming more sustainable.

Posh shop Waitrose ditched its red, blue and green milk caps over the summer.

While Aldi has been trialling the switch since August, ditching its coloured caps.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected]

This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk