I agree that it makes no sense for stores to check ALL bags and receipts. However, since the guy has shopped there before, I'm inferring that they don't always ask for receipts at this store (or else this might have come up before), so maybe there's more going on here than the one side of the story we're getting.

Without knowing Home Depot's side of the story, I suppose it *could* be that someone in store security thought he saw something hinky with this customer. That could be the reason for asking to see the receipt. Failure to produce the receipt for merchandise leaving the store in such a situation certainly could lead the store personnel to think something something was amiss.

Saying that once people go through the checkout process, the store has no control over people, gives the store no opportunity to deal with suspected shoplifters - because up until the items are or are not paid for they haven't been stolen.

How would others suggest stores deal with suspected shoplifters?

I got one of these for my cats several years ago. I was so sure they'd enjoy it. I'm afraid that it sat, ignored, for at least a year.