I would be extremely careful about taking your bird outside without a harness. There are quite a few ads on craigslist for missing birds from owners that assumed their birds wings were clipped. When you ask them how long has it been since their wings were clipped, they claim oh, a few months back. But in reality I expect it was more like 6-8 months ago.
Also, most large bodied birds such as Macaws, Eclectus or Greys, bird groomers give what they call a shallow cut on their wings so that they are able to glide versus drop like a rock. Unfortunately, it also allows them to be able to fly a fair distance as well if they get spooked while out and about. Besides, where I live, most stores will not allow animals in their stores period, except for seeing eye dogs. There is a liability issue there that most store owners especially large chain stores like Walmart don't want to absorb.
I guess I should clarify that before entering any store we went into, including Walmart and Ross...I asked permission from the security workers at the door. Because Franklin is soo little and was leashed AND stayed right on my shoulder or held in my hand, they had no problem with it. I'm not saying EVERY store would be this way and I totally respect any store telling me No. In that instance, I'd just walk back out and put him in his travel cage in the car. No harm, no fowl.
Also, when I have any of our birds out and about..I don't let people pet or attempt to hold any of them...they can look and talk, but not touch.
Toni