Aside from their horrible commercials screaming prices at you like it's a car dealership and the extraordinarily tight space in which they expect you to maneuver, I saw these two signs at the Brandsmart nearest my home. Before I continue, I should note that I respect a business's right to dictate policies for their store, just as I expect that they respect my right never to shop there. Along with their right to dictate store policy, I also expect that they take criticism for their policies. Also, I appreciate that they provide the information prior to entering the store, rather than try to force it on me at some point during my visit.
The first sign notes that firearms are no allowed, unless you are a law enforcement official. I am a firm believer in the Second Amendment. In fact, I think it is the most vital part of the Bill of Rights, as it provides a method for an individual's ability to maintain their other rights. When it comes to my safety or that of my family, I choose not to patron establishments that do not provide for me to protect that safety in a manner I see fit.
The second sign notifies that all patrons must show a receipt at a designated point upon exit. My understanding of such a requirement is that these businesses are trying to eliminate theft or "shrinkage," and they use this as a method of doing so. The problem lies in that nearly 90% of all retail shrinkage comes in the form of internal theft. That would be theft by employees, contractors, suppliers, etc. Making me feel like a criminal as I exit the store does exactly ZERO for my morale about shopping at that store. My engagement of commerce with a store ends when I possess the items and they now possess the money I use to pay for said items. (Yes, I know that Sam's Club does it, but you enter into a membership agreement with Sam's where you sign that you agree to have your receipt and buggy cross-referenced upon exit. That is a membership club, not a retail store.)
Needless to say, if I thought that Brandsmart were a possible option for my shopping needs before, they have certainly eliminated them with the introduction of these two policies.
