Is this a joke

One thing to add to Canada - Shoppers Drug Mart

They do have plainclothes LP, working in teams. Obviously not all the time, just sometimes, certain locations. I've been stopped by them once and followed several times. Also will have uniformed security at the entrance in high theft areas.

When I was stopped I gave all of the items back, and then tried to leave. The guy tried blocking me and holding my shirt, but I kept walking. He threatened to call the cops and I said, "for what? I never left the store. Go ahead." Pushed through him and calmly walked away. He yelled to never come back.

Besides that, it remains one of my favorite places to lift from. I'd give it a 5/10 difficulty because everything is tagged.

I would love any tricks you have for mid level electronics security like Walmart or best buy. What is an alpha box?

Ok, in Canada at least, they do employ plainclothes LP, especially watching out for the meat, self serve food, and supplements areas. The security company they hire (in BC) is active in high shrink BC liquor stores, best buy and Whole Foods. They're the only company in BC (according to an employee I know) that is allowed to hands on arrest you or follow you off of the property and arrest you later.

Hopefully that helps. Not sure if it transfers to other places outside BC, Canada