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Original poster

Male staff member in store

310 replies

Pbjsand · 18/05/2025 09:32

Not sure if IAMBU about this, but it irritates me to no end:

I often go to a store for groceries. The store has taken to putting a male member of staff at the door (not security) to greet customers. I’m usually rushing in and out after/before school run and every.single.time. I have this man in my face saying hello as I enter and goodbye 5-10 mins later as I leave.

I feel harassed and like I’m forced to interact with an unknown man for no apparent reason when I just want to get on with my shopping, even when I make a point of looking away, trying to enter the store as far as possible from where he’s standing. It makes me so uncomfortable but I can’t put my finger on why.

OP posts:
Spiderwomann · 18/05/2025 09:41

There have been studies that have shown sometimes even a hello from a member of staff can deter shoplifters (certainly not all, but probably enough to make the wages of this person worthwhile). I doubt he spends any time thinking about you OP, why does it bother you so much?

Nursemumma92 · 18/05/2025 09:41

Loads of stores have this. Just say hello and walk on- I'm sure if this was a female member of staff you wouldn't feel the same. The guy is just doing a job! Much better than the people trying to sell you energy tariffs or donate to charity.

AgnesX · 18/05/2025 09:40

Is it so hard to say hello on your way past. Would you feel any different if the person was female?

It's a security thing, not some random guy wanting to be your new best friend.

Bruisername · 18/05/2025 09:40

He’s not trying to engage you in conversation. Just smile and nod.

he may not be security but I bet he’s been put there to try and deter shoplifters

AlastheDaffodils · 18/05/2025 09:39

Why do you highlight him being male? The entrance to a shop isn’t an area you would normally expect to be single sex. Would you prefer the shop put a woman at the door?

WhereIsMyJumper · 18/05/2025 09:39

It’s annoying but not harassment. Just shop somewhere else!
I can’t stand those guys on the way out of the supermarket that try and sell me breakdown cover. I just walk past and ignore them.

TheNightingalesStarling · 18/05/2025 09:38

He's being polite not giving you the Spanish Inquisition.

Rocknrollstar · 18/05/2025 09:38

I always say hello to the security guy on the door - what a boring job!

Sadcafe · 18/05/2025 09:37

Quite a lot of shops seem to have these greeters now, not sure why it’s so annoying, if he was physically stopping you or trying to make you buy something/ give something I could understand the annoyance. Is it because it’s a male?

Katherine9 · 18/05/2025 09:33

I can see how it would be annoying. However, it could be worse - he could be trying to sell you something, 'invite' you to contribute to a charity etc. I hate those approaches, it's so intrusive.

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