momgoingbroke said:MarilynKay said:If YOU know (and most people do by now) that a store is going to stop you on the way out and check your receipt, then WHY even go in there? ...Circuit City is not the only electronics store, Costco is not the only warehouse store, WalMart is not the only "big box" store, etc. If you aren't willing to play by their rules when you go there (again this is assuming you know the rules) then don't shop there!And that's just one reason I have totally stopped going to K-Mart and rarely go to Wa1mart! I've never seen Target do this, which is one of the many reasons why Target gets my business!

and see--I have never had to show my receipt at any KMart, Target or WalMart (except for when I set off the "alarm" at WalMart, which gives them probable cause to inspect my purchases).

Costco and Sams are the only ones that I know have been doing this since forever. I don't shop Circuit City (for completely other reasons!). And quite frankly--showing my receipt is not a battle I'm willing to fight! Now, if you stop me on the way in to WalMart and frisk me, search my purse, etc. Then yes, that would be something I'd be willing to fight right then and there!

MarilynKay said: Now, if you stop me on the way in to WalMart and frisk me, search my purse, etc. Then yes, that would be something I'd be willing to fight right then and there!Uhhh....this is what I usually do at the concerts I work!

dairymtu said:When the police officer stops you then just starts asking to open trunk, is that ok? Of course if you have nothing to hide might as well.

Unless the officer has probable cause, he has no right to search my vehicle. However, most people surrender because they fear retribution. Know your rights people and stop acting like cattle.

Coming soon in your email inbox..

An email from Amazon.com asking you to email them a screen-shot of your receipt..

i have to show my receipt at sam's

momgoingbroke said:MarilynKay said: Now, if you stop me on the way in to WalMart and frisk me, search my purse, etc. Then yes, that would be something I'd be willing to fight right then and there!Uhhh....this is what I usually do at the concerts I work!
different situation, different venue. It's known by most concert goes that they may be searched--In fact it's sometimes even printed on your ticket. The same w/ most college and other sporting events.

MarilynKay said:momgoingbroke said:MarilynKay said: Now, if you stop me on the way in to WalMart and frisk me, search my purse, etc. Then yes, that would be something I'd be willing to fight right then and there!Uhhh....this is what I usually do at the concerts I work!different situation, different venue. It's known by most concert goes that they may be searched--In fact it's sometimes even printed on your ticket. The same w/ most college and other sporting events.I know. I was just mentioning it because I do it so much. Every now and then we get someone that complains and I just hand them off to the supervisor so I can keep my line moving. Sometimes it is the first time someone has been to a concert and they just don't get why we do that.

I'm one of those punks who often, but not always, breeze by and say "no thanks" to these checkers. I recall reading somehwere that Costco gets away with this because of their membership nature.

My take is this, in California a store employee can't stop you for shoplifting unless they have a reason to believe you did so. If they do stop you, and can't provide any reasonable cause, you can sue them for false imprisonment. Stopping you when you want to leave would also fall under that, at least that would be my non-binding opinion.

Here's a bit more info

BTW I'm much more inclined to stop if the cashier tells me before hand to have my receipt ready upon exit. If I've put it in my wallet (where all my receipts go) then I'm very unlikely to stop. Unless MsMojo is with me. The attitude of the exit employee also is a factor in my attitude, a smile or pleasant disposition goes a long way.

If this guy's description of his arrest is correct, it sounds like the police officer is in desperate need of proper training. No one employed as a police officer should be that clueless about the law.

MarilynKay said:
last I checked, no one has the "right" to shop ANYWHERE. It is a privilege.

If YOU know (and most people do by now) that a store is going to stop you on the way out and check your receipt, then WHY even go in there? Unless, you're going in there to test the limits and see just how far the situation will go. That reminds me of children (mine included)--they know the rules, but occasionally will push and push and push to see how far they can go. Circuit City is not the only electronics store, Costco is not the only warehouse store, WalMart is not the only "big box" store, etc. If you aren't willing to play by their rules when you go there (again this is assuming you know the rules) then don't shop there!
Yep--we all have rights! I have the right NOT to shop somewhere that I disagree with their policies. I have the right to just say no! And while that may not make a lot of difference in a store's profit margin--at least *I* will have made a stand in an ethical and moral manner that doesn't involve being arrested.

The store is committing a few crimes by forcing people to show receipts. They can ask, that is not a crime. But they can not enforce it. Doing so is an invasion of privacy, illegal search, and holding someone against their will.

The only stores that can get away with that are stores are private stores that require memberships.

Last I checked, Circuit City isnt a private store. If Circuit City has the best prices, then there is no reason that someone can't go in and buy something without being searched.

Personally, I dont mind showing the receipt if it isn't a hassle. Sometimes, though I put the receipt away or there is a long line. I'd rather walk out with my property in hand.