Irish customers warned as Penneys set to introduce a new fee at checkout

Penneys has announced they will be rolling out a major change from next week as they aim to "cut down on single use waste" across their 38 stores in Ireland.

The major retailer has said they will introduce a 15c charge on their previously free brown paper bags at the checkout from Monday May 12.

In a statement, Penneys bosses said,

"Across our business we use thousands of paper bags every day.

"While our own paper bags are made from 100% recycled and recyclable materials, we're always looking for ways to cut down on single-use waste.

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"That's why from May 12, 2025, we'll be introducing a 15c charge on all paper bags, whether small, medium, or large.

"Why the change? Research shows that introducing bag charges reduces the number of new bags customers use. It's a simple step that encourages all of us to think twice about our use.

"We're committed to being part of the solution when it comes to clothing and non-clothing waste, and this changes is just one of the small steps we're taking. We hope it inspires more customers to make the switch to reusable bags."

Irish customers will now face the option of taking their own reusable bag or paying the extra 15c at the checkout, and the retailer is also selling their own reusable bags in a variety of colours and sizes starting from €1.