An apparent step-up of receipt and shopping bag checks at Walmart has sparked customer complaints, raising concerns about shoppers’ rights.
“It was not a request, it was a demand,” said Penny Rintoul of Vaughan, Ont., about a recent receipt check just before she exited Walmart with her purchases. She said her local Walmart increased its checks in the spring.
“It’s very angering and demeaning.”
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) said it’s investigating the practice of retailers doing routine security checks at the exit, concerned that the way they’re conducted may jeopardize customers’ rights.
Michael Bryant, CCLA’s executive director and general counsel, said retailers should get consent before checking receipts or bags. And if no consent is provided, he said, customers are under no obligation to comply.
“Their right is to say, ‘Thanks, but no thanks,’ and walk away,” said Bryant.
“Some people feel strongly about their privacy and, in fact, the way our laws work, that privacy and liberty is protected.”
In a 2016 ruling on a case involving a suspected shoplifter, an Ontario Superior Court judge wrote that a retailer can detain a suspect if there are reasonable grounds, but — even then — it would have to get consent to do a search.
Walmart didn’t directly address questions from CBC News about customers’ rights including what happens if shoppers refuse receipt checks. The retail giant also didn’t say if it has stepped up its security checks.
“To assist in our efforts to manage costs and offer everyday low prices, customers may be asked to show their receipts as they exit our store to ensure the checkout process went smoothly,” said Walmart Canada spokesperson Adam Grachnik in an email.
CBC News interviewed several customers who said they weren’t “asked,” and instead felt pressured to comply..............https://fromthetrenchesworldreport.com/treated-as-a-criminal-walmart-receipt-and-bag-checks-anger-customers-your-rights-explained/257240
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