It’s a private establishment, you’re leaving with merchandise from the establishment and they have every right to check for a purchase receipt. In some states they’d be within the law to detain you for refusing, but they’d have to release you with a set amount of time deemed “reasonable.” An hour or two at most.
Its a pretty common scam among many. My sister works at Walmart and says the most common one is to go into the store with empty bags and try to walk out the front like they bought the stuff. Another is to buy something then come back the next day with the receipt from the day before and walk out with another of the same item.
Pretty much all the stores around here do the same. Where they have self check outs they have someone look at those too.
All three of you are correct it is private property...
However, you are incorrect on the law.....also, on basic liberty...
Once you purchase the merchandise at the register it is your personal property, no longer the stores.
If you wanted to break it into pieces at the register after you paid for it and place it in the trash it is your right.
The store (regardless of it’s internal policy) has no right to inspect any personal property without cause. Cause is defined by direct observation of theft. Period....
They have no right to look into your bag any more then they have to ask you to open your wallet or take off your watch or drop your drawers....That right was given up by them when you legally purchased the merchandise.
They have no right to detain without cause, and they better be right.....
You know I’m right because the only defense you mustered is calling me names....
I don’t berate the employees, I joke with them but they also understand I won’t bend. Every time, the say no problem and have a nice day.
They get it, they no their limitations and the law. They also know your rights and theirs....
Isn’t it about time you learned yours?