There are a couple retail chains locally that have someone at the exit door checking receipts against merchandise just purchased. Do I legally have to show them my receipt and open my bag of items I just bought a few seconds before?
by 
jtolb65
ANSWERS: 5
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This is a common practice with some of the large box stores. Here in Canada, it's quite legal, while you are still on store property. They usually have signs posted at the entrance/exit warning you of this practice. By entering the store, you have essentially agreed to this potentially happening upon your exit. If you don't agree to this practice, you have the option of not entering or purchasing anything. You may find it offensive, but in reality it does help deter theft, keeping prices lower for everyone.
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You can always threaten to return the items and go somewhere else.
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Look around the store. somewhere, is a sign stated the store has the right to a random package check, at any time. This is a security measure, not against the customer, per say, but against the employees. some employess will allow their friends and relatives come through their line and only ring up 1/3 of the items and 2/3rds of the items are free. only by checking the cash register tape with the bagged items, can the store be sure the employee is not committing fraud and theft. I say it is not an illegal practice. this is private property. you could go somewhere else to shop. If you are not guilty, you should not object to the baggage check.
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In the UK they have no legal right. They can physically detain you whilst they get a policeman, but if they are wrong, then you can sue for defamation of character and wrongful detention. The security guard can block you exit, and if you use force to leave, you are in the wrong. A shop did this to me once, and I never went back. They also wanted my rucksack on entry.
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Generally, the answer is no. Once you have purchased property it is yours. You do not have to consent to a search of your property from a cop, nor do you have to consent to a search of your property by a store clerk. A shop keeper does have the right to detain you if they have a reasonable suspicion that you have shoplifted. However, refusing to conent to a search is not reasonable suspicion. This is no different from a shopkeeper detaining you for refusing to allow him to search your purse. There is one caveat to this. If the store is a membership store (e.g. Costco), then you may have consented to a search when you signed up for membership.
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