[palmer]

The CVS in a city near me with certain city-like characteristics had a little problem. Sometimes it sounded like this:"pardon us, we failed to deactivate the security tag..." Those people would keep walking or look back and get waved through. Another symptom was that I would go to the self checkout and there would $20 worth of scanned items all tallied up, waiting for payment. But no sign of the merchandise, customer or payment. They would simply walk out without paying.

So they redesigned the entire store (not to single anyone out). The new store has more self checkouts, but also has one or two full-time self-checkout "helpers" who will help people who have trouble paying or whatever.

[cynwoody]

The CVS in a city near me with certain city-like characteristics had a little problem. Sometimes it sounded like this:"pardon us, we failed to deactivate the security tag..."

I have one of those in my wallet (cashier forgot to remove it; I forget where). I forgot I had it (I must not get out much). Then I happened to visit the Burlington Mall the other day. Beep at the mall entrance (Macy's). Beep at the exit from Macy's to the internal hallway. Off to shop at the Apple Store (no beeps there — they know their business!). Beep at the exit from the internal hallway to Macy's. Beep again at the exit from Macy's to the parking lot.

No one noticed a thing. Some loss prevention tactic!

Of course, it they had noticed, that might have caused a loss, cynwoody being litigious in such situations.