Can open or damaged merchandise be taken by associates?

The reasoning behind selecting that associates cannot take, use, or eat open or damaged merchandise reflects the policies in place to ensure the integrity and safety of products sold to customers. Allowing associates to take damaged goods home could create liability issues, expose the company to risks related to food safety or product reliability, and undermine consumer trust in the store’s quality control standards.

By prohibiting associates from taking or consuming such items, the policy helps maintain a clear boundary regarding merchandise handling. This not only preserves the business's reputation but also reinforces the accountability of the associates in managing store inventory properly.

Reporting to management is a preferred course of action, as it enables proper assessment and handling of the open or damaged merchandise, ensuring that it is dealt with in a systematic way. This allows for an appropriate response, such as returning the items to the suppliers, disposing of them safely, or possibly discounting them for sale if they meet safety standards for clearance.