When I managed a Halloween store we had a no backpack policy, must leave by register. Had many items that would be easily stolen and none of the teens who came to the store minded. So I can understand the stores policy.

Only one time did we have an issue with a group of kids who acted up in the store. So we just put a couple of drops on fart perfume on their backpacks!

But I do understand you are not a teenager, and not planning on the "five finger discount.

Theft is rampant, I understand the point of view of the stores. Many stores tell their employees to not stop those who they suspect of theft because of the risk, so having backpacks in stores and not checking them is almost a carte blanche for those with theft on their mind.

However, I do agree with Lars that it seems unfair to not also ask that backpack size large purses be checked.

I'm impressed that you can even find anything in a B%M store anymore. I wanted some more of the small cotton spice/tea bags I've used for years. I'm sure I bought them local, but ran out. The only place I can find them is Amazon.

Of course they're trying to make it a bit harder for shoplifters to conceal things they don't want to pay for. The more successful the store is in limiting theft losses, the more they can limit price increases to cover that cost.

They're not encouraging you to do anything other than have a little flexibility, to help them. Go with the flow, not a big deal.

A lot of our stores have signs up no backpacks allowed/leave at the front cash etc.

Friend of mine carries hers (incorrectly, over one shoulder) everywhere she goes. She hasn't been told to leave it, but she only goes to neighbourhood stores.

This is common in museums, theatres and sports events, for safety and security reasons, but I’ve never come across it in shops. I carry a backback almost everywhere I go since I don't use a car. I don’t know how a busy shop would deal with getting the bags back to the right people so they can pack their purchases and carry them out. I don’t think a backpack would be practical for shop lifting as you have to get it around to the front to open it, so I wonder if it is a security measure.

I remember walking into an antique store, probably 20 yrs. ago, and asked to leave my purse at the front counter. I was so insulted at the request, that I just turned around and walked out, never to return. I just couldn't believe that a store would ask someone to do that. If you can't trust me to not steal from you, how can I trust you to not help yourself to items in my purse?

I would be out of that store in a heartbeat, as well.

I've only come across this in one store that is across the street from a jr/sr high school. They say to ck it or leave it outside the store.

I'm surprised they want to take on the liability of holding onto bags.

I can see both sides to this. But I don't see how it's practical, esp in a mall setting where shoppers go store to store with big bags. I guess they've assessed the risk of losing customers as preferable to losing merchandise, or reputational risk from viral videos of them approaching suspected shoplifters.

This is society's fault, not the stores'.

I tell them if they don't want my money, I'll find someplace else to spend it ...

that's tantamount to asking me to check my cellular phone ... so I can't take pictures of staff loafing

Not last week there was a thread about shop lifting so how can you not see the risk it is for stores to allow people to LOAD A BACK PACK!! If I tell hinky looking people to leave their bags I have to ask you too!! The entitlement here is INSANE.

Oh that’s too bad about the backpacks. I just bought a nice lightweight black backpack because my leather purse is too heavy and I have osteoarthritis in my shoulders and rotator cuff area. I haven’t taken the tags off and used it yet, so I guess I’m going to have to lug it back to the store for a return. How could I check my backpack when in it would be my phone, medicine, wallet, tissues, reading glasses, notepad and maybe some things like paint cards.

some of those open top tote style purses are huge. one could easily slip in a canoe or sports car.

Wondering how any store could tell that you would not steal by looking at you. Shoplifters come in all financial, social levels and ages. I have met one woman who ran a national shoplifting ring because her son was a friend of my stepson. Looking at her there was no way to tell that was what she really did for a living. She always selected people who would not look out of place in any store. She was charged and convicted for the lesser charge of receiving.

The answer to the unspoken question is probably.

petalique, it is not everywhere that asks not to bring in back packs. As I said I have only encountered one store across from a school that has that policy. I guess it depends on where you live and the crime rate. I live in a non walking area so if i ever came across a store with the policy I would just leave the back back or purse hidden in my car and just take in my wallet.

I don't blame the stores. When a store has more merchandise leave by 5 finger discount than through sales, why keep the store open. Then people start bitching because the stores close down and they have nowhere close to shop. I have seen it happen over and over in certain neighborhoods.

You have to know that if a store has a rule like that, something bad happened, and this is most likely their attempt at prevention.

And nowadays, it's likely more fears about domestic terrorism than shoplifting. Lots of people are carrying weapons. Mass shootings at stores and malls have been in the news, in case anyone was unaware. People with backpacks have brought bombs into public places as well.

And I agree that such rules need to be equally applied to all. It doesn't offend me, but I wouldn't feel comfortable leaving my purse at the counter in a small shop without a safe way to secure it.

FWIW, I stopped bringing my purse inside all public places anyway, because of pandemic health protocols, and now it's a habit. The only things I bring inside stores with me are my phone, keys, and cards/cash in my pockets - and reusable shopping bags if appropriate. My purse - which is a big leather satchel - stays locked in the trunk of my car. I don't take it inside @ work either. I have a little sling bag for work that holds my glasses, keys, swipe card and phone.

Here in Vancouver BC right now they are tolerating backpacks and big bags etc. I think it is because people are carrying their backpacks because they don't give bags out except for the cloth one which you have to purchase. I usually have an empty pack on my back when I go shopping. I also carry a small cross body purse.

I still haven't gotten into the habit of purchasing online. I have found if the things I want are not in the stores they are also not online. In other words perishable foods usually is what I'm after.

I do understand why merchants want to prevent theft or anyone bringing dangerous materials or weapons.

I was toying with some ideas short of a little fanny pack.

Ask the staff to keep bringing me merchandize while I waited by the register with my backpack (bp) sipping coffee.

I bring a small padlock, lock the bp and give them the key.

I offer to wear a cow bell, or to be inspected.

I only carry a small cross-body bag - big enough for my wallet, phone and reading glasses. If I'm grocery shopping I carry my bags with me and if I'm at the mall looking for something I will have a reusable bag with me.

If someone has a hissy fit about having to check their backpack at the cashier and wants to leave I'll open the door for them. The stores and storeowners, especially the small independents are just protecting their staff and livelihoods.

This is not one or two stores, but a few chains of stores, including Canadian Tire and Home Hardware, at least here in Ontario. I know why they do it - because they think it's the best way for them to prevent shoplifting - but if that's the way they choose to run their stores, then it's not a store I want to shop at. The funny thing is that these stores are not fancy or inexpensive, so the idea that I would go out of my way to switch bags in the parking lot just for the privilege of shopping there is kind of amusing to me.

I'm not expecting them to do anything differently, but I am lamenting the fact that a smart, healthy, and convenient type of bag has become the target of anti-crime endeavors..

The funny thing is that these stores are not fancy or inexpensive, so the idea that I would go out of my way to switch bags in the parking lot just for the privilege of shopping there is kind of amusing to me.

Clientele at upmarket stores would probably not accept such a measure.

Real story — Years ago I was in a china shop (pottery) with a backpack. The place was small. My pack bumped into a shelf full of fragile merchandize. Not a pretty sound. That cost me some cash. Oops!

FWIW, I've realized that in the past, I was schlepping my large, rather heavy bag around with me out of habit, and not because I needed everything in it with me all the time. Now I like not carrying a bag.

Personally I would like to see backpacks and giant purses/totes that can be slung over a shoulder banned anywhere one is sharing indoor space. I am shorter than average and tired of getting bumped into and whacked by unobservant people with bags and packs slung moseying around the aisles. Public transportation is a nightmare.

As for the rule retailers are making, this is what happens when they stopped handing out bags for purchases. Theft went up and so now we all pay the consequences. I also absolutely detest the clear bag policy at stadiums, fairs and parks. Security theater does nothing to prevent criminals from bringing whatever they want in.

I carry the smallest bag possible day to day. But recently DD and the grands and I went to the fair where the parking was a distance offsite and we couldn't leave anything for later. So we went stuffed the pockets of our jackets, bought the little clear backpacks for the grand kids and I put my metals in the tiny 5x7 inch mini purse allowed. The most hilarious thing happened. Watched the outside security guy wanding every person while we stood in line. Sheriff's dept. was on the other side looking into bags. As I approached the guy with the wand, who as far as I know I have never met, decided he knew me. Started chatting me up and saying he hoped to run into me later so we could "catch up after all this time". Waved us through. The guys peering into purses and bags just smiled and waved us through also. I could have brought anything in there.

more and more businesses seem to be encouraging me to shop on Amazon, when in reality I'd rather go out and about and do my shopping in person.

Amazon has its own problems with porch pirates/theft. But they are hard at work trying to find solutions, including the Amazon lockers.

While I have had misdeliveries for the past few years I have not had any thefts of delivered items including stuff from Amazon and groceries from the grocery store. I think that many small and large businesses alike may come to the conclusion that shoplifting, and blowback from honest people who do not want to check backpacks/purses to help the stores with theft control, will simply lead those businesses to shutter their brick and mortar stores when the costs of theft outweigh the costs of delivered merchandise, and instead open a store on Amazon.

I've been to some sample sales where backpacks, big handbags and shopping bags are prohibited. They have a coat check system and issue you their own large bag to hold your valuables and also merchandise that you are going to purchase. I put my wallet, phone and keys in the bag and enjoy shopping relatively unencumbered.

"They have a coat check system and issue you their own large bag to hold your valuables"

I have seen a similar system in some museums (though it's a small clear bag to hold your valuables), and I appreciated that they a) had a specific and safer system for my bag, and b) they understood that people still had things they felt they needed to carry with them, like wallets, phones, medication, or tissues. I didn't feel less encumbered -- actually more encumbered, having to carry rather than wear my bag -- but at least I recognized their planned efforts to find a reasonable middle ground. And, since I wasn't shopping, I didn't add additional items to my load.

I don‘t know if its the norm here. i remember seeing a sign somewhere but i don’t remember where it was. My sister and I went to a couple of estate sales today. For the last few years its been No Purses Allowed. Its annoying carrying a wallet, keys, and my phone (in case I want to ask or share something with my daughter). I understand why they do it though.

I work retail and the last two stores in the nation wide chain I work for don't do this. It depends on how much shoplifting is done at that location and the reasons for having backpacks over purses at the front counter is because you can fit a lot more into a backpack than you can in some larger purses. BUT: we also used our discretion. But: some stores don't want to say "that guy there has to keep his behind our counter, but you're good to go!" That doesn't look good. BUT: that being said.... Nowadays a lot of people come in with reusable shopping bags. The backpacks are the least of our worries. Now they fill up the reusable and walk out. It's happened many times.

I had loss prevention follow me around in Walmart once. I didn't even have so much as a purse on me. Just a wallet in my hand. The guy was so obvious it was ridiculous. I finally said, "do you think I'm going to put these bulky air fresheners (the gel ones that are 6" tall and 2" wide) in my back pocket?" I had about six of them, they were only for something like 79 cents each. And they don't work by the way... lol And my jeans were tight to boot.

I've also been told to watch the "native guy" in aisle XXX. Which I refuse to do. It's usually the yt people who fill their coat pockets and sleeves. Which I could prove back in the day when we posted the shoplifters pictures in our lunch room.

I could go on.. I need more coffee.

What is 'yt', please?

You tube?

Yukon Territory?

Young teens?

yt = white?

A chain drugstore I go to asks people to leave large bags at front. I went to a different branch yesterday on the edge of an urban campus. I had a sort of slouchy, very large bag that slings over the shoulder. Knowing the bag-at-front policy of the other store, I rolled up my nearly empty bag and wound the should strap around it to make a compact little package that would not be questioned.

However, when I went in the store was filled with people with backpacks on. I guess that, if they enforce a no backpacks policy there at the campus, they would either have far fewer customers or they would have a mountain of packs at the register counter.

yt - whitey

I bet the stores hate winter with all the big coats. It would be nice if the larger stores had lockers at the entrance.

My first thought about backpacks was weapons. (It seems to me that finagling stolen property into a backpack on your back is incongruous. I guess you’d need a partner.)

So, since I am thinking ”weapons” I am in favor of a ban.

Weapons, I guess it depends on where you live. We have concealed carrying permits, so finding a weapon in a purse or backpack would be normal and legal as long as you have a permit. Now I know bombers like backpacks.

True, functionthenlook. I live in a conceal-and-carry state too.

I was thinking of large explosives and I should not have used the word ”weapon.”

Canadian here: the thought of weapons in a backpack never once entered my mind

Deb, they're even taking measures at public schools here in the US - some are requiring kids to have clear backpacks, which is more security theater, it seems. There have been a number of incidents in the news where a kid brings a weapon to school, presumably concealed in their backpack. It's not like they can't find another way to conceal a gun, if necessary.

I have never run into this policy in the stores around here but I find it very odd that backpacks are the target. Who shoplifts and reaches around and places the item on their back? Pocketbooks are much easier to accommodate shoplifting. I never wear either a backpack or pocketbook but a roomy REI fanny pack with three zippered compartments for money, card, phone.

FWIW, I hardly ever wear my backpack on my back, mostly slung over one shoulder like a purse. I know I'm not the only one who does that.

I have a one shoulder sling backpack. I usually only wear it when I have my grands at a fair or flea market. I usually end up carrying their little prizes. You can wear it on you back, side, or front and don't have to take it off to put in or remove stuff.

@lily316 I work in a store. You would be surprised how often backpacks are used for shoplifting. they take them off their backs, place them on the floor and stuff them full. Often hiding behind something in an aisle which is why I HATE all the prepacks (floor displays in cardboard boxes) in the aisles. OR, they have a friend with them who fills the bag for them. Also: you can get meat and bread in a backpack a lot easier than you can a pocketbook. ;)

If there's a cart, it's easy to have your bag in the front and slip things into it too.

Like I stated before, those kinds of rules are created because something bad has happened, not to persecute or annoy innocent people. Do you think making judgement calls all day on who's suspicious and who isn't, and/or relentlessly monitoring shoppers, is efficient - or fair? Too much potential for error, IMO.

Here in the more populated areas of California you don't need a bag or a backpack to steal. Stores allow thieves to leave with a whole cart full of stolen goods. It is seldom that anyone even tries to stop them. Unless the value hits 1000.00 "nobody" will prosecutes. What an upside down world we live in. Outlaws do whatever they want and the law abiding are punished.

@wildchild2x2 in Canada, only loss prevention officers can stop shop lifters. You can stand there and fill your pockets and smile while I'm watching you and there isn't anything I can do but escort you out of the store. One wrong word out of my mouth, and I can be sued and lose my house. Not to mention the thief can also sue the store. My boss will also fire me: she is bonded and insured for this reason. Also: I don't know if the thief has a weapon hidden on them (most street people carry a knife for protection) and there isn't a mascara or can of soup on this planet worth me losing my job, my home or my life. I'll bring them a cart for their things if they ask for one.

Deb_Ab ;) Here it's the loss prevention people who let them go in most cases. I guess they are hired by the stores to keep honest people honest because they no longer detain thieves. Homeless and others steal grocery carts. The store are "OMG how can we stop this?" Well, stop them when you see them. If I see someone with my missing property think I'm just going to wave goodbye at them? Think again. It's crazy.