Hardware bags are heavier duty than grocery bags and are used to hold metal parts without puncturing or breaking.

Grocery bags have a flat bottom and are used for carrying items such as produce, canned goods, and milk cartons.

Merchandise bags, also known as shopping bags, have a paper twist handle and can be used for restaurant takeout containers. These bags are recyclable.

Merchandise bags without handle, also known as flat merchandise bags, are commonly used for holding greeting cards, magazines, and other narrow or lightweight items.

Liquor bags are flat paper bags with pinched bottoms that are specifically sized to hold bottles.