Originally Posted by
JENNR8R
Yes, it is a good idea to always ask first because the stores are having such a hard time staying in business. Some stores may allow you to take the picture if you are convincing about your motives.
On the other hand, some of these store owners are downright paranoid. I don't like to shop in a store that aggressively assumes that I am out to cheat them. I know of a store in Colorado who won't allow coats in their store in the winter because some people steal items and hide them within their coats. That's silly... theft is part of owning any retail establishment and has to be part of the costs of ownership. This means higher prices for their merchandise which leads to people shopping online. It's sad...
This reminds me of when we went to Harrods in London several years ago. A sign on the door said "no backpacks" and so my son and I went all the way back to our hotel so he could leave his backpack, which he normally wore everywhere because it held his camera. When we got back to Harrods and went inside -- sans backpacks -- half the shoppers were wearing backpacks! Signs are for those who will comply, I suppose.