Having managed a large retail operation, I can assure you of your ignorance. I've had it tried, and tried, and tried. There is usually more shrinkage among employees, however. Lowes and Home Depot are hard hit by thieves who do exactly that. Look at their security measures next time in there. You can't go out easily.
As for their not taking bank cards, that is partially true. They take bank DEBIT cards, but only Amex CREDIT cards. Credit card fees are enormous expenses, and detract from an already slim bottom line. These stores also charge a membership fee, and everybody is aware of the door checks up front. The option is to go elsewhere and pay more.
Foolish to think that good economic applications for security and profits are infringement on personal rights or other than basic capitalism. There's lots of options available.
You're welcome to open your own operations and try to compete on your terms They'll clean your clock!
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