Trader Joe’s rival adds surcharge making customers spend more – see which stores are affected

COMPANIES are trying to become more environmentally friendly, but in some cases this comes at the expense of consumers.

Sprouts Farmers Market has announced that it will phase out single-use plastic bags by the end of this year.

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Instead, customers are encouraged to bring their own bags or pay 10 cents per reusable plastic bag at checkout.

The bags are designed to be reused at least 125 times.

The changes will be rolled out in phases starting next month with stores in Nevada, Utah, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

Sprouts has already phased out single-use bags at 132 of its California stores.

“Our customers tell us how much they appreciate Sprouts’ concern for the planet and our commitment to doing what is right for our common future,” said Nick Konat, Sprouts’ President and Chief Operating Officer, in a press release.

“The decision to switch to reusable bags is one of many ways Sprouts will have an even greater impact on the environment. We understand this will be an adjustment for our customers and we will be here to help them make the transition.”

This decision will take over 200 million single-use bags out of circulation every year.

BIG CHANGES AT SPROTS

Sprouts currently has about 350 stores in 23 states, but locations are changing rapidly.

The grocer plans to close 11 stores due to financial underperformance.

Jack Sinclair, Sprouts chief executive officer, admitted the stores were built in the wrong areas, which impacted sales.

He said: “Going forward you won’t see direct replacements in those regions because they’re probably in the wrong place.”

The majority of closures are of a larger format that business is moving away from.

Rather, the company will open 30 new stores as it moves towards a smaller model.

The closures will take place in Texas, California, Georgia, Florida and Washington.

Two of the cleared specific locations scheduled to close on April 30 are stores in West Hollywood, California and Wellington, Florida.

Sprouts is just one of many companies facing store closures due to low sales.

Shoppers should take advantage of sales and offer discounts on all items in the store.

Also see which stores are closing this month.