The logic is that the shoplifter could have a gun, a knife or something like that. Your job would rather lose whatever is being stolen than pay for your medical expenses.

It’s cheaper to pay for what was stolen than paying for your hospital/workers compensation for when you get hurt on the clock

Don’t forget the lawsuit if the shoplifter got hurt.

I used to work for a convenience store. The manager posted a sign behind the counter. "NOTHING IN THIS STORE IS YOURS, OR WORTH YOUR LIFE." Just keep telling yourself you're just the guy in the middle, but it isn't affecting you directly.

I feel like there is more to this story

Probably not.

As others have said, stores would rather lose the merchandise than risk someone getting killed

Not to mention that in today's society, the thief could sue the store for all sorts of BS and probably win. It wouldn't matter if they got hurt.

You are most probably right. Nevertheless still FML for the OP.

"The customer is always right!"

There’s plenty of logic in it. Safety and legal issues. When I worked retail I was specifically told never to stop someone you believe is shoplifting. Safety is important but the kind of hell that can rain down on the store if you’re wrong? Many places would rather risk losing $50 worth of merchandise than going to court.

We need more information here. Did someone actually hold you up, or did you just stop someone trying to sneak free things out? I can see where this would be an FML if it was the latter, but if it was the former you're just supposed to give in to whatever they say and let the police handle it.

Unless your are management or security, you can’t stop them, at least by Walmart rules. The shoplifter could claim that you are harassing him and sue.

That’s ridiculous! It’s not like you put chicken on your salad.

I hope they were stealing pineapple to put on their pizza

did they have a "don't be a hero" policy

If you're not a trained security guard and you caused any injury to the shoplifter, they could then sue you and your employer for the injuries. This is America.