[cannyvalley]

I used strategic pathing and slight of hand to make it less suspicious as a precaution, but it seemed unlikely anyone would have noticed. Surprisingly simple, thanks to the store layout and enough customers.

You have a very interesting way of looking at SE. What made you think the above was necessary ?

I didn't expect it to be necessary, but I tend to prepare for the worst case scenario and minimize danger of the risks I take, where possible. I also find the strategic part fun, it's like a game. Some specific examples:
How will I re-pack the box (of a toaster oven from kohl's) to be similar in weight AND balance/weight distribution, and make sure any shifting around is minimal and doesn't create strange noises, etc. (I made it work with bricks and foam).
A bit more detail about my returning the item from the shelf, I walked in holding a bag, when picked the item off the shelf, I tried to grab 2 together, covering/holding one with the receipt, then putting the other back on shelf, just so that an observer or camera would hopefully show me seeming to compare the box on the shelf with a box I had brought in to return, as if I was just comparing to another model or something. Then walking through crowded area , passing entrance, and walking to the return desk from there so it wouldn't look like I came straight from shelves.

Basic stuff, more than needed, but it's fun and good safety precaution.

And since making this thread, the kohl's one is new, and I just pulled off a Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, so I'm feeling pretty successful