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They do it in order to humanize the corporation. It's really only Wal-Mart and Meijer where I have seen legit greeters. Sams Club and Costco do it to some degree, entrance and exit, but its mostly to make sure you do have a membership, and that you didn't steal anything. I will say, despite the depressing realization it is essentially a PR move, loss prevention "lite", and likely a tax break; the practice positively supports disabled and old people, who otherwise would not be able to support themselves. You don't ever really see young or particularly able-bodied employees doing this.