Is it illegal to take pictures in stores?

I need to go to Zellers and Sears and take pics of entertainment centers for my fiance (he works today), but my friend said that you can't take pictures in the store.

I had heard this before and thought it was store policy but not an actual law. I asked a friend of mine who was GM of a large department store and he confirmed that it WAS, in fact, against the law to photograph displays and products in retail stores.

Apparently the laws being broken have to do with protecting trade secrets. Although it may seem all the same to us, how each store labels its product, places it within the store and displays it all falls under the category of "merchandising." My friend equated it to going into a musician's studio and taking pictures of his unpublished sheet music....although you are not physically "stealing" anything, you are copying his work.

That said, a person isn't likely to be prosecuted unless they actually sell their information to a rival company. You might be asked to leave the store or to delete the pictures from your camera/phone if you do it without asking anyone.

You could ask for permission, but they might also say "no." If you're looking for ideas, I'd just ask for a catalog.

You can always ask a employee. They will probably allow you to take pictures if you tell them why.

Ask the security guards or workers there if you can.

no its legal :)

he's right. you're not allowed to take pics.

Ask the stre. It should be no problem.

sometimes all you need to do is sighn a paper and they will let you.

Ive done it?!OMG IM GOING TO JAIL!LOL!

i dont know about sears but in stores like chanel, tiffanys, fendi, etc. its illegal

Definitely ask. Malls and Department stores are finicky about photography because they think it could be people casing the joint.

The law doesn't restrict it, but since the store is private property they can enforce whatever restrictions they want. Generally I have personally not had a problem taking pictures in stores, but sometimes the staff may ask you to kindly stop. If you are concerned, you can ask a salesperson before you take pictures and see if they will have a problem with it.

Just tell a sales person what you're up to; it will be fine. Technically you are a "guest" in the store, and the store has the right to tell you cannot take pictures especially if it bothers other shoppers; you can understand that.

Yes. It is not truly the rules of the individual stores but from their choice of Security. Pictures could be used for casing the place as well as pictures of customers in background.
Most stores will accommodate you with pictures of these entertainment units from their instore computer or 'flyers'. Otherwise for actual snapshot permission will have to get the manager which needs permission from their Security staff.

I don't see why you can't. But you can also go to their websites to get the pix and info.