Looks like I’ll be passing Lowe’s on my way to Home Depot.
Home Depot did the exact same thing to a friend of mine in Florida, but there were no blows exchanged. My friend simply followed the thief out into the parking lot and demanded he return to the store and either return the merchandise or pay for it. My friend was fired for that, Home Depot’s policy is for employees NOT to confront thieves outside the store. My understanding is that many businesses have this policy now.