07/09/2026
First of all, we apologise for the flimsy bin bags this weekend! Our usual clear bags didn’t arrive so we had to improvise and bought every bin liner we could find in Northampton! 🙈
But sadly we’re also seeing more people trying to shoplift. Yesterday we stopped someone walking out without paying for 3.45kg of clothing, which is worth £69.
It may not sound like a huge loss but we’re a small family business and it all adds up. £69 is a hotel room for one of our staff, or fuel for one of our vans for the weekend.
As we’re (mostly) all related, it also feels personal. You’re stealing from family members who have each worked hard to bring these events together. It’s also not fair on all of our other honest customers who do weigh then pay.
The reason we insist on using clear bags sealed with cable ties is to help prevent the above. It’s a simple way for us to see that each person has paid for their haul as they leave.
We also know that some don’t like the clear bags which is reasonable, these are sustainable shopping events, however we specifically choose strong, durable bags that are designed to last and be reused over and over again rather than single use bags that are thrown away after one use.
They can be reused in so many ways, such as for storing bedding and blankets, protecting clothes in your wardrobe, carrying laundry, moving house, or simply bringing back to your next event! ♻️
We massively appreciate those who do bring their own bags but for the avoidance of any doubt, it’s best to seal your haul in one of ours until you’ve left the venue. (You can transfer items into your own bags at the door as you leave and we can then reuse the clear bag)
Of course some unscrupulous people will always find other ways to take things, we’ve got a long list of tactics we’ve caught people trying over the years! But the clear bags work for us and help us keep the events running fairly for everyone.
We know the bag and cable tie system can sometimes seem odd but we hope you all understand why we have these measures in place. Thank you to the thousands of honest customers who support our small family business every weekend. ☺️✌
