John Lewis responds to Freddie Kissoon

Jul 10, 2013 Letters

Dear Editor,
Please allow me to respond to an article written by Mr. Freddie Kissoon published in the Kaieteur News on Tuesday July 9, 2013 entitled “John Lewis’ style is strangely unstylish”.
Firstly I would like to thank Mr. Kissoon for his patronage and his compliment on aesthetics.
We apologise for the absence of local newspapers to entertain him while waiting in our lobby but numerous magazines are always available with varying titles covering fashion, sports, business travel and other interests.
From his article, it appears that Mr. Kissoon was upset that his wife was asked for a copy of the receipt before exiting the store, so I will attempt to explain why this is done.
We are happy that he noticed the electronic tags and surveillance cameras which are all part of our security system. What he may not know is that the request of the third copy of the receipt upon exiting is also a security feature.
When a customer purchases an item, the receipt is printed in triplicate. The first copy (white) is the customer’s copy, the second copy (pink) is the cashier’s copy and the third copy is the security’s copy.
Upon the completion of a transaction, the cashier gives the white and yellow copies to the customer who is reminded prior to leaving the checkout counter that he/she should surrender the yellow copy to the security at the door. Additionally, there is also a very visible sign to this effect above the exit door.
The yellow copy provides a proof of payment to the security. Ordinarily, shopping bags are not searched nor items counted eliminating any delay.
This security feature may reduce the suspicion of any collusion between the cashier and the customer where the electronic tags can be removed, items placed in a bag and the customer is allowed to leave the store without paying and without setting off the alarm.
This can only be detected when doing inventory or if picked up on the security cameras, often times belatedly.
This same copy (yellow) is then used by the security to tally at the end of the day, the total number of items sold. The cashier would then submit to the security all electronic tags taken off during that day.
This is to verify that the total number of items billed is equal to the total number of items that were delivered to the customer. This is done to reduce any over-billing or under-billing by cashiers on a daily basis.
It safeguards the customer from being billed for items not delivered and the business from delivering more items than for what were paid.
If this is detected then the use of the CCTV cameras will help to identify the discrepancy and those responsible.
If for some reason the customer misplaces the third receipt copy (yellow), then the customer copy (white) will act as proof of payment and the security will request a re-print from the cashier for his records.
I do hope I was helpful in explaining the purpose of the third receipt copy requested.
Might I hasten to add that in similar self-service stores in North America, including Walmart, Costco, Sam’s Club and many others, a customer’s receipt is requested at the door as proof of payment. In some cases, a quick piece count to verify with what items on a receipt is done.
In closing, you will appreciate that these security measures are implemented to safeguard both the interests of the customer and the business.
We would welcome the future patronage of the columnist and hope that he co-operates with the established procedures of our business.
John Lewis
Managing Director

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