If your store mgmt says to, then yes, it is your store policy. It's part of the job description, so whether you like it or not, if they make it mandatory, you have no recourse.
You don't have to carry out EVERY. SINGLE. ONE. of every customer's bags (unless they request to). What happens with us at my store is that either the bagger or cashier would ask if they would like their items carried out. Normally we only ask either the elderly or those who bought very large items.
Often times, unless they've bought something BIG, they'd turn it down.
Now, if they DO require your services, you have to carry them out. It's not like the company will penalize you. Hell, many of those customers end up tipping you, and you may accept it depending on your division's policy.
Personally I like carry outs. I've gotten tips for all of them. You can even take your sweet time going back in the store, so you're basically getting a free stroll on the company's dime.
Pardon the injection of common sense here, but if all baggers had to carry every single cart outside, wouldn't there be no baggers actually BAGGING for the next customers?
