Al, your bread will stale fastest in the refrigerator because of the
temperature (an average of 41F) and that means dryer air. This makes
no difference whether it is store-bought bread or home-made. If you
plan to eat it in the next few days, store it at room temperature.
The crust of the bread is a natural protective cover that seals in
freshness. Use paper bags for storing to help a crispy crust. Use
plastic if you prefer a softer crust or if your bread has been
sliced. Keep in mind that sliced bread will stale faster than
unsliced bread because you are exposing more of the crumb to the air.
Bob the Tarheel Baker