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MicroCenter does this. Why do I need to give my phone number for a $2 audio cable? The poor girl at the register started breaking down when I put a 555 number and made me change it to a fake number she couldn't recognize as fake.

What is the management doing to them over there?

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Once in a while I had a little fun with this type of thing, back when it was just starting to become a thing:

"Can I have your phone number?"

"I'll trade you, you give me the CEO's phone number and I will give you my number. I may want to call him/her to check on deals or if I have problems with the product."

But generally I just politely say "No thanks"

Fastrac gas stations have been doing it too, apparently they're telling the employees they'll close the store if they don't get enough numbers.

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