Question: Is it legal for stores without a membership agreements to require customers to show receipts when leaving? What AZ law(s) cites retailer/consumer rights on the this topic? If not legal, how should customers 'decline' such a request from retailers?
Answer: There is no consumer statute that governs store security or receipt requirements. Unfortunately, a product of mondern times is the concern about theft. As a result some retailers have enacted rather intrusive requirements that a person display a receipt before leaving with merchandise purchased at the stores. Some retailers have found this an effective way to prevent shoplifting. If you object to this system, your best option is to no longer patronize that store. Generally, retail stores are private property and management can condition patronage on such security requirements.
October 07, 2009
Legal Services Corporation