can a store ask to see your receipt on your way out

Can the store ask you to show your receipt on your way out?

It seems in the US they can't. 

When your goods are scanned and specifically at the moment when you pay, the ownership of goods passes hands and the stock is yours. Exactly like the clothes you went into the store with. You own the items. You are also not required to prove to any civilian that you own the stuff that you own. 

The store is (in USA) allowed to detain you for a reasonable period using reasonable force if they have "probable cause" to suspect that you had been shoplifting. The act of resistance, when you refuse to show your slip could be interpreted to mean,  you have something to hide, and as such may represent "probable cause", In which case they could apply "reasonable" force and detain you for a reasonable period. 

So it might not be worth your while to take the view that you are not required to show your slip to security on your way out. 

I am very keen to know what the South African law has to say about the above. 

Will update this note when I find out. 

Please note that this discussion excludes club membership retail stores. Stores like Costco are not open to the public and allow only members who have applied. As a part of that membership, they are expected to accept the terms and conditions which presumably would allow the store to ask to see your receipt.

M Parak 

Nov 2019