Ron,

I walk my bike right into the store and use it as a grocery cart. It takes up no more room than one of those big clunkers. It also lets me pack up right there at the check-out line and drive off as soon as I get out the door.

If confronted by a store employee, I usually do one of 2 things:

1. If I have them with me, I hand them a slip of paper that reads:
"I AM YOUR CUSTOMER AND A BICYCLIST" I'd like you to know that it's difficult to find a secure place to park bicycles near your business, or that your existing bike parking is inadequate. Accessible, secure bike parking would make your business more attractive to me and to many other customers.
More and more people are choosing the bicycle as transportation - for many different reasons. Some elect to bike for health, others prefer the freedom of biking, especially on short trips within their neighborhood. In fact, 70% of all current car traips are less than 3 miles, perfectly suited to bicycles. Riding a bike is not only good for cyclists' health: it's good for the health of our environment and relieves traffic congestion. Providing adequate bicycle parking will benefit your business and your community!"

I wrote this all out so you can use it if you wish. I am with the Oregon Bicycle Transportation Alliance , a non-profit advocacy organization promoting the bicycle as a fun, efficient and viable mode of transportation.
Using this message at one of the region's large "One stopping shopping centers" has resulted in that company not only installing better racks at most store locations, but they've embarked on providing "Art Racks" at many parks and trailheads in the area.

2. Personally, I live near a Safeway and, although I've left numerous slips of paper (we've typed it up so 3 messages fit on one 8 1/2 by 11 sheet of paper), they haven't installed anything more than the wheel bender rack around the dark side of the building. I walked my bike in one day and was told by an employee that I couldn't bring it in. I said that I'd park it outside IF there was secure parking and not before and continued to shop. I went to the manager's office and explained the situation and he said he'd pass it along, but it would have to be decided at the corporate level. "We don't want to lose car parking spaces." is what he said would be the response, but I could use my bike. That was 3 years ago. I shop with my "bike cart" at least twice a week there. No problem

Twirl them ankles, kid