Lucy “Its totally standard to ask customer for receipt of purchases when leaving a store. ”
As long as EVERYONE (or at least MOST people) are asked to show the receipt – as when leaving Costco, BUT if only ONE person is TARGETED and no one else, that means you SUSPECT that person, and that is BOTH: (1) embarrassing; (2) insulting.
Sure a store may want to check someone’s pockets (“Excuse me sir, but can we check your coat pocket to see what items you might have forgotten to pay for?”), but wouldn’t you be (1) embarrassed; (2) insulted – giving you a RIGHT to be upset!