Non Canadian chiming in out of boredom on a toilet. So feel free to ignore anything said, totally understand.

But, yeah, being able to see what you're buying should be a consumer right.

However, unless they refuse to show you products, it's only extra hoops to jump through, not a total block to comparison shopping. Think of it more like having to have a clerk get the razors out of the case for you just so you can read the back. It's annoying to everyone involved, but clear communication helps reduce that.

There's other products that you can't fully examine without an intermediary. Perfumes and colognes, jewelry, firearms, even cars. Yeah, you can visually confirm that what you're buying is that thing, but you can't take a test drive, or just spritz yourself or whatever.

While I agree that the reasoning behind it (out of sight, out of mind) is of limited efficacy, and that it's a hassle, I don't think it would infringe on consumer rights. You can still ask to be shown prices and packages to compare. It's just a major shift in culture that'll take adapting to for both staff and customers.

When I've had to shop for razor heads in places where they stay locked up, I just straight up tell whoever it is that I'm comparing brands, and ask how we can make that as low stress as possible. The responses vary, but it's pretty universal that they appreciate the respect shown for their time and energy. Tobacco shouldn't be any different in that respect.