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Comment by tyingq | Hacker News Reader

I don't know if this policy is chain wide, but I was very unhappy with the weird shakedown when you leave. There's a person there that stops you and matches your receipt to your purchased items. No attempt to be friendly about it either.

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Which is not legal in many states, unless they have 'probable cause' or you pay a membership and agree to it beforehand (c.f. Costco).

West Michigan here - bestbuy does this on your way out, but it's never felt like they were being intimidating, just a friendly smile while they glance at your receipt and your things and a "have a nice day".

I think meijers might do it too?

This was different. Itemized inventory with a frown.

Are you sure this is illegal? I saw other stores to do it as well, for example Home Depot in California. It's not like they are paying your down, just look at the receipt and your cart.

It's not illegal for them to ask to see your receipt at the exit.

It IS illegal for them to try to stop you from leaving if you decline, unless they are detaining you for suspected shoplifting (which they must specifically inform you of).

And if they actually go so far as to physically prevent you from leaving? Congratulations, you just won the lawsuit lottery.

Technically, since you aren't letting me leave the store until you've performed some act, I'm being kidnapped. So, yes. Illegal.

In Texas, back in the day at least(you know, when one would actually visit Frys) you could just ignore them.

If you look ahead and keep going, you can just not stop.

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