Overview

• Some regular shoppers say the bag inspections feel humiliating and have deterred them from returning to Aldi stores.
• Aldi emphasizes that checks mirror other retailers’ routines, require explicit customer permission, and aim to prevent unpaid items.
• Aldi issued apologies after managers were accused of dismissing complaints by suggesting dissatisfied customers could shop elsewhere.
• Online responses remain divided, with supporters arguing that voluntary bag checks help deter shoplifters and keep prices down.
• The security measure is longstanding, but recent social media posts have brought widespread attention to customers’ frustrations.