In Commerce We Trust?

On Saturday, I went to a big box store to pick up a water filter and a birthday gift for my daughter. Total charge: $44.00.

"I don't need a bag," I told the cashier.

"Mom," my son nudged me. "You do need a bag. She'll see it."

Right. "Can I change my mind?"

The cashier nodded and slid my purchases into a bag before chasing them with the receipt.

My son pointed. "That's not going to hide anything."

"No," I agreed. "They probably use clear plastic so people don't steal anything." Other stores use similar tactics: garish orange PAID stickers on plastic milk jugs. RFID devices buried inside books. Security cameras...Mirrors...Alarms...

I took my bag and we headed out, pausing to laugh at a sixty dollar electronic Furby that, apparently, can learn to communicate with its owner. At the exit, a beefy security guard approached us. I held up my bag so he could see inside.

"Receipt." He extended a hand.

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