3 of us had breakfast at Nick's in Westland shopping center. A couple of google eyes, but nothing serious. The owners and staff know us so well, we are addressed by our first names.
Went to Walmart on Parham Rd where I picked up my needs and a few wants. On the way out, I was assaulted by the receipt checker when I didn't hove to and present my papers. Most of you know how I feel about having to prove legal ownership of my personal possessions and are aware of Walmart's official policy on store security.
When I did not stop for the "excuse me, sir" but simply responded "no thank you," the lady in question rapped me sharply 7 or 8 times on the shoulder from behind which drew an immediate exclamation from me - "Don't touch me again!
I proceeded to put MY belongings in my truck under the watchful eye of the checker. Then went back inside and had a satisfactory conversation with the assistant store manager. As I left he was not so patiently explaining the limits of security theater according to company policy.
They have a problem with shrinkage, but laying on of hands is not the solution unless they wish to make a donation to my Ram's restoration.
Grape, please be careful, as VA, as do the majority of the states in this Union, have broad 'shopkeeper's privilege' criteria on the official statute books ~ most important they are exempt from civil liability (8.01-226.9) which extend to in the store or near the store.
Even the parking lot attendants are considered agents of the merchant (18.2-106)
Good news they can only detain you for an hour (18.2-105.1): "A merchant, agent or employee of the merchant, who has probable cause to believe that a person has shoplifted in violation of § 18.2-95 or § 18.2-96 or § 18.2-103, on the premises of the merchant, may detain such person for a period not to exceed one hour pending arrival of a law-enforcement officer."
Bad news, I was unable to ascertain how or what level of force constrains the agents of the merchant may use to "detain" customers.