Store Backpack Policy Rights

Summary

In Corsicana, Texas, stores can implement No Backpack policies for loss prevention, but customers are not legally required to comply. You acted within your rights by choosing to leave if you felt uncomfortable. If you feel mistreated, consider contacting the stores corporate office or the Better Business Bureau.

Full Conversation

I am not sure if it’s a legal issue. But I went to a dollar store today. And I have a backpack purse. And the workers asked me to put my backpack purse with them at the regular while I shop. And I told them no thank you and then I left.
Hello ****, could you please share the location of the dollar store? This is to provide you with accurate legal information as laws regarding personal belongings in stores can vary by location.
Corsicana Texas
Hello ****,
In Texas, store owners have the right to set policies about customer belongings for loss prevention. However, they cannot force you to comply. In your case:
- You were not obligated to leave your backpack purse.
- Leaving without making a purchase was a good choice if you didn’t feel comfortable.
I cannot see the bottom of this message.
Hello ****, I apologize for any inconvenience. I was explaining that in Corsicana, Texas, store policies may require customers to leave personal belongings at the counter, but they cannot force you to comply. You made a good choice by leaving if you felt uncomfortable.
So are they allowed to have a no backpack policy? Like they didn’t even offer to look through my stuff.
Yes, a store in Corsicana, Texas, can implement a 'No Backpack' policy. It is within their rights for loss prevention purposes, although it's not mandatory for customers to comply.
Ok
Hello ****, I'm glad I could clarify that for you. Remember, your comfort and rights are important. You can choose to not shop at places with policies you're uncomfortable with.
So I didn’t have to give them my bag?
Correct, ****. In Corsicana, Texas, you're not legally obligated to comply with the store's 'No Backpack' policy. You acted within your rights by choosing to leave instead.
So I didn’t have to put my bag there to receive services from them?
That's right, ****. In Corsicana, Texas, a store's 'No Backpack' policy does not legally bind you to comply to receive their services.
Ok. I felt like that was rude.
I understand your feelings, ****. Businesses have policies, but they should be implemented respectfully. If you feel mistreated, consider contacting the store's corporate office or the Better Business Bureau in Corsicana, Texas.