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EVF93002

Retail Paper Shopping Bag with Gusset Sides

Available in a wide range of custom configurations & material selection.
Order 1 sample. Or order 100K+ units. Or anything in between.
Affordable delivery across North America.
Design support, warehousing, testing, assembly available.
Widest machinery capability in America via 30+ specialist partner plants.

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Product details

Top highlights

Freestanding block bottom for easy retail loading
Reinforced double-thick top hem prevents handle tear-out
Delivered flat and opens easily for retail packing

About this product

This premium retail shopping bag features expanding side gussets and a glued block bottom, allowing it to stand freestanding on a store counter for easy loading. Designed for boutique carry-out and high-end retail, it includes a reinforced top hem with punched holes to accommodate custom rope, ribbon, or twisted paper handles.

Because the bag is glued during production and delivered flat, retail staff can simply open it as needed, saving space behind the counter while providing a high-quality presentation for the customer.

Common uses

Boutique retail carry-out
Event and trade show swag bags
High-end apparel packaging

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Size and quantity

Detailed dimensions

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Front width

Side gusset depth

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Materials and print

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Retail and Carry-Out Applications

Boutique and Apparel Carry-Out

The flat block bottom and side gussets create a structured cavity that protects folded apparel, boxed cosmetics, or premium goods from being crushed during transit. The reinforced handles allow customers to carry heavier purchases comfortably.

Event and Trade Show Bags

For events requiring branded giveaways, this bag offers large, uninterrupted print panels on the front and back. The flat delivery makes it easy to stage at event venues before opening for rapid loading.

Cosmetic and Beauty Purchases

Small, dense items like glass cosmetic bottles benefit from the flat block bottom, which keeps the bag upright on the counter and prevents products from tipping over while being carried.

Gourmet Food and Bakery Carry-Out

When packing flat pastry boxes or gourmet food containers, the expanding side gussets and square base keep the boxes level, reducing the risk of spills during the trip home.

Store Environments and Brand Presentation

High-End Retailers

Brands using folding box board can achieve sharp graphics that match their primary packaging. The inward-folded top hem ensures that the top edge feels substantial and looks finished, even when the customer looks inside the bag.

Natural and Organic Brands

When produced in heavyweight Kraft paper, the bag provides a rustic aesthetic while maintaining high tear resistance. This setup pairs well with twisted paper or cotton rope handles.

Corporate Gifting and PR

For media kits or corporate gifts, the bag acts as a premium presentation vehicle. The reinforced top hem supports custom ribbon or branded rope handles, elevating the unboxing experience.

When to Consider Different Bag Styles

Pinch-Bottom Bags

If the product is lightweight or does not require the bag to stand upright on its own during loading, a simpler pinch-bottom bag may be a practical alternative.

Corrugated Carriers

For extremely heavy items like multiple glass beverage bottles or heavy hardware, a corrugated carry-pack or a rigid folding carton with an integrated handle will offer more structural security than a paper bag.

Material, Handle, and Print Choices

Handle Hardware and Hole Sizing

The template provides the mounting holes, but the physical handles are sourced and inserted separately. The hole diameter and the distance between the holes must be specified to match your chosen handle hardware and knot size.

Base Reinforcement

While the glued block bottom is strong, exceptionally heavy products may benefit from a separate rigid base card dropped into the bottom of the bag to distribute the weight evenly.

Print Layout on the Top Hem

Because the top edge of the bag folds 180 degrees inward to reinforce the handles, the inside rim of the bag will display the artwork printed on the extreme top edge of the flat blank. This area can be used for hidden branding or contrasting colors.

Material Choice and Tear Resistance

The weight of the packed goods influences the board choice. Heavyweight Kraft paper offers excellent tear resistance for the handle anchors, while folding box board provides a smoother surface for detailed graphics.

Adjusting Gussets and Handle Placement

Gusset Depth Expansion

The side gussets can be widened to accommodate bulkier items like shoe boxes or large coats. Expanding the gusset changes the flat-folded width of the bag, which should be checked against production equipment limits.

Handle Hole Placement

The vertical offset of the holes from the top edge, as well as the distance between them, can be adjusted. Holes should remain centered within the reinforced double-wall hem to prevent the board from tearing under load.

Top Hem Depth

The depth of the inward-folding top hem can be extended. A deeper hem provides more area for interior printing and allows the handle holes to be placed further down from the top edge.

Packing details

Production Routing for Block Bottoms

This style involves complex folding and gluing for the bottom panels. This automated assembly is efficient for large retail programs, while shorter runs may involve different assembly methods or simpler bag styles.

Additional notes

Volume considerations for block-bottom bags

The block bottom involves complex folding and gluing during production. The volume of the order often influences whether this style is the most practical choice compared to simpler pinch-bottom bags.

FAQs

Does the bag come with the handles already attached?

This template defines the paperboard structure and the reinforced mounting holes. The physical handles, such as rope, ribbon, or twisted paper, are sourced separately and inserted after the bag is formed.

How do I ensure the handles will not tear through the paper?

The top edge of the bag is designed to fold 180 degrees inward, creating a double-thick hem. The handle holes are punched through this reinforced area, improving the tear resistance when the bag is carried.

Can I use flat ribbon instead of round rope for the handles?

Yes. The hole diameter and spacing can be adjusted to accommodate flat ribbons, twisted paper, or cotton rope. You should confirm the exact dimensions of your chosen handle hardware before finalizing the hole size.

Will this bag stand up on its own while being loaded?

Yes. When opened, the side gussets expand and the glued bottom panels hinge downward to form a flat, rigid block base, allowing the bag to stand freestanding on a retail counter.

How much weight can the bottom hold?

Weight capacity depends on the chosen paper material and the adhesive used on the bottom seams. For heavy items, a rigid base card can be dropped inside to help distribute the load.

Can I print on the inside of the bag?

Standard printing covers the outside of the bag. However, because the top hem folds inward, the top few inches of the interior will display whatever is printed on that section of the flat blank, offering a space for interior branding.

How are these bags delivered to the store?

The side seam and the bottom block are glued during production, and the bag is folded completely flat along the side gussets. They are delivered knocked-down, which maximizes pallet density and minimizes storage space behind the retail counter.

Do retail staff need to fold or glue anything?

No. The bag arrives fully glued. Retail staff simply pull the top edges apart to expand the side gussets and square the bottom, making it ready for immediate packing.