That's a really interesting story. I wonder if the clerk's attitude was based on a previous experience, store policy, or if its a cultural thing? In any case, you have to have some admiration for their misguided concern.

That the clerk was there on your return reminds me of a great Saturday Night Live "advertisement" wherein Roseanne portrays an obnoxious credit card company operator and Phil Hartman keeps getting connected to her when he calls back.