Supermarket giant Coles has reversed its stance on giving out reusable shopping bags for free days after competitor Woolworths took the same action.

Coles confirmed on Thursday afternoon that it will also hand out its 15-cent reusable shopping bags for free until Sunday.

Coles has become the second Australian supermarket giant to backflip on its plastic bag ban. Credit:Bloomberg

Woolworths also started giving out reusable bags for free as scores of irate customers refused to pay for plastic bags at the checkout.

"For some, it can be difficult to get into the routine of bringing your own bags to the supermarket or know exactly how many you may need for your entire shop,” Coles chief operating officer Greg Davis said.