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'Treated as a criminal': Walmart

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'No thanks' seems to be the way out of their invasive new policy.  Much like not giving a cop ID if they have no reason to ask for it.  [Carr is the exception: they know him by sight].  

This kind of 'checking' on the way OUT of a store is just one reason why I let my membership lapse at Costco; that, and paying for the 'privilege' of buying goods in their store.
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CBC News · Posted: Nov 12, 2019

'Treated as a criminal': Walmart receipt and bag checks anger customers. Your rights explained

Customers don't have to comply with routine receipt checks, civil rights expert says


An apparent step-up of receipt and shopping bag checks at Walmart has sparked customer complaints, raising concerns about shoppers' rights.

"It was not a request, it was a demand," said Penny Rintoul of Vaughan, Ont., about a recent receipt check just before she exited Walmart with her purchases. She said her local Walmart increased its checks in the spring.

"It's very angering and demeaning."

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) said it's investigating the practice of retailers doing routine security checks at the exit, concerned that the way they're conducted may jeopardize customers' rights.

Michael Bryant, CCLA's executive director and general counsel, said retailers should get consent before checking receipts or bags. And if no consent is provided, he said, customers are under no obligation to comply.

"Their right is to say, 'Thanks, but no thanks,' and walk away," said Bryant.

"Some people feel strongly about their privacy and, in fact, the way our laws work, that privacy and liberty is protected."

In a 2016 ruling on a case involving a suspected shoplifter, an Ontario Superior Court judge wrote that a retailer can detain a suspect if there are reasonable grounds, but — even then — it would have to get consent to do a search.

Walmart didn't directly address questions from CBC News about customers' rights including what happens if shoppers refuse receipt checks. The retail giant also didn't say if it has stepped up its security checks.

"To assist in our efforts to manage costs and offer everyday low prices, customers may be asked to show their receipts as they exit our store to ensure the checkout process went smoothly," said Walmart Canada spokesperson Adam Grachnik in an email.

CBC News interviewed several customers who said they weren't "asked," and instead felt pressured to comply.

Paula Fletcher of Renfrew County, Ont., said that in August, a Walmart employee watched as she scanned her groceries at self-checkout, and then insisted on inspecting her receipt and shopping bag.

"She did not make it an option," said Fletcher.

"I don't like being treated as a criminal," she said. "If they don't trust us, they shouldn't have self-checkout."

Walmart's recent addition of self-checkout machines appears to be a driving force behind receipt checks. In response to customer complaints on social media, the retailer has replied repeatedly that it's doing the checks to ensure the self-checkout process "went smoothly" and that all items have been scanned.

Studies suggest that stores adding self-checkouts can experience more theft because thieves believe the risk of getting caught not scanning items is low.

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