A fun day at the Niles Wal-Mart

[Jug Pilot]

South Bend Tribune: Niles couple banned from Wal-Mart after dispute over BIC lighters

Later, he said, he returned to the shopping area to pick up additional items, including the lighters, which he scanned and placed in bags. He grabbed his receipt for the items, totaling some $60, and headed for the exit, as did Hitchcock and the boys.

Before they got outside, store employees stopped them.

"They asked if I had Bic lighters. I said, 'Yes,' and handed them over," Paolucci said. "Then they asked if I had a receipt. I said, 'Yes, you're holding it.' Then this group of Wal-Mart employees started forming around us."

Paolucci and Hitchcock said the employees were threatening and that one used a vulgarity. Their accusations frightened the boys, who began "crying, screaming and freaking out," they said.

Paolucci and Hitchcock estimated it was at least 45 minutes before officers told them they had reviewed the store's tapes and had determined that the lighters hadn't been shoplifted. The two said they expected an apology and were surprised once again when personnel from the store walked up to the squad cars with the twins and read from a statement that Paolucci and Hitchcock had been banned by the store chain for life. Rather than shoplifting, the reason they were given was "being uncooperative."

They were told next that they'd have to leave the premises immediately, they said, or be arrested for trespassing. The men said they argued the store should at least replace such grocery items as a frozen pizza, ice cream and popsicles, which by then had thawed or melted, but those arguments, too, went nowhere.

Asked if they intend to sue Wal-Mart, Paolucci said he and Hitchcock probably won't because other attorneys have advised them Wal-Mart historically "plays hardball" and isn't prone to settle cases out of court.

"We could spend a couple million dollars to sue them," Paolucci said.

But that doesn't mean there won't be court action. Paolucci and Hitchcock e-mailed The Tribune a copy of a letter from a law firm representing Wal-Mart seeking 10 times the retail price of the items the store still claims were shoplifted by Paolucci. The letter states the matter will be dropped if Paolucci submits the $158.40 payment.

Interesting read. Seems like a lot has been left out. For $15 WalMart's reaction seems excessive.

Also worrying is they (WalMart) are "to big" to sue and be held accountable.

[naturalist.atheist]

Originally Posted by Jug Pilot

Also worrying is they (WalMart) are "to big" to sue and be held accountable.

Duh! For people with lots of money the law is not a leveler for justice, it is a big club to swat the little guy. WalMart would only settle out of court with another large corporation.

[godfry n. glad]

"Justice" = Just us rich folks.

[Ari]

I wonder if someone was up for review.

"Everything they asked us to do, we did. We cooperated 100 percent," Paolucci argued. "We objected only when they tried to get us to go into the detention room."

Smart move for the most part. A "detention room" is a scare tactic used on those who believe store security has any power beyond the ability to ban you from the store. They can not detain you or even touch you. The best thing to do is to walk off the stores property and/or be the first one to call the police if they attempt to stop you.

Being banned from Walmart for life is probably not a bad thing, IMO.

[vremya]

One more reason not to go to Walmart. I hate that place.

[The Lone Ranger]

Originally Posted by vremya

One more reason not to go to Walmart. I hate that place.

Wal-Mart is evil.

[Shelli]

It's evilness elevates to a whole new level the first weekend of each month.

[MonCapitan2002]

Not to mention that I would not be surprised if their business tactics are partially responsible for the gutting of manufacturing in the US.

[Ari]

It appears that the two men are a gay couple with adopted sons, and Walmart's CEO doesn't want gays adopting. Could either of these things have something to do with the ban? Boxturtle bulletin.
Tune in next week, with your Chinese made Walmart® American flag remote with Jesus fish power button!

[vremya]

I'm still trying to figure out why Walmart wants $158 from them for stuff they didn't shoplift. That's just bizarre.

(On a side note, I was at a benefit dinner on Saturday for the Center for American-Islamic Relations, and Walmart was there too, in spite of teh fact that it had tried to fire a muslim for using his break time to pray.)

[Sidesaddle Gal]

There is nothing that could entice me to walk into a WalMart. Ever.

[SharonDee]

I will go to Wal-Mart only if I can't find what I'm looking for somewhere else. It's not because Wal-Mart is the debbil or anything. But have you seen the types of people who shop there?! [/snob]

[Sidesaddle Gal]

Originally Posted by SharonDee

I will go to Wal-Mart only if I can't find what I'm looking for somewhere else. It's not because Wal-Mart is the debbil or anything. But have you seen the types of people who shop there?! [/snob]

I managed quite nicely before Wal Mart, and do fine now...there's nothing they carry that I can't find somewhere else, or if there were, I'd make do without.

And yes, WalMart is the devil...just google for proof.

Facts in the Wal-Mart documentary

Or at the very least, they deal with the devil

Pacific Views: WalMart's Deal With the Devil

[Dingfod]

They were probably being dicks.