A holding device(20) for thermoplastic bags(50) utilizes bags having side panels(52) and a reclosable seal at one end thereof, the reclosable seal comprising a pair of opposed interlocking closure strips(56) and a slider(58) for opening and closing the closure strips(56). The holding device(20) comprises a support surface and a pair of elongate holding members (23,24) each having a proximal portion(33) adjacent the support surface and a distal portion(34) wherein the holding members define a channel(36) therebetween. The channel(36) has a first section(25) for receiving and enclosing a portion of the slider and a second section(26) for receiving only the closure strips(56) but not the slider(58). The channel(36) further has a slot(30) formed by the distal portions(34) of the holding members (23,24) wherein the slot(30) has a width sufficient to allow the side panels(52) of the thermoplastic bag(50) to enter the slot(30) but prevent passage of the closure strips(56) through the slot (30) .