AP kid at the front door

[Captain Orca]

Is this chainwide? A young kid in the AP garb standing at the inside entrance near the shopping carts greeting everyone. Looks like an 11th grade high school basketball player. Is this really necessary? Power trip? It's absurd.

 

[redeye58]

Optics.
'Kid' is supposed to be watching for any trouble (attempted theft, dogs/guests fighting, someone in distress, etc) & report it or call for help depending on the situation.
Yeah, they can't stop someone doing a push-out or blatantly stealing at self-check but they can note times & location so surveillance video can be pulled.
Better than nothing.