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To hate shops that don’t allow people not buying anything making it difficult to leave

63 replies

Ifo · 08/10/2025 11:23

I get it- shoplifting. But there are reasons why people enter shops for something but the shop does not sell it, sold out or not in the size/colour, then leave empty handed.

I had it before where customers at tills don’t move when I ask excuse me. Then try to leave at entrance. Security guard says go out the exit. Explain that people are refusing to move. Or the door is switched on to open from the outside so have to wait for someone to enter to leave.

OP posts:
ConnieHeart · 08/10/2025 12:17

Needmorelego · 08/10/2025 12:14

Only if you go through self service.
If you exit via the checkout aisles or back through the entrance you don't have to scan.

In our new Lidl there are no manned checkouts so if you don't buy anything you're stuck as you don't have a receipt

Fiftyandme · 08/10/2025 12:16

Yup. Lidl is bad for this.

Ifo · 08/10/2025 12:16

Needmorelego · 08/10/2025 12:14

Only if you go through self service.
If you exit via the checkout aisles or back through the entrance you don't have to scan.

My Lidl is like that. Just wait for someone to enter, then leave whilst the doors are open.

OP posts:
Branleuse · 08/10/2025 12:16

I hate it too, but tbf, nobody bats an eyelid when i just say excuse me and go past

Needmorelego · 08/10/2025 12:14

corlan · 08/10/2025 12:02

To exit the local Lidl, you have to scan your receipt to open a barrier. Be interested to know if this cuts shoplifting . The scrotes that do it probably move on to other shops though.

Only if you go through self service.
If you exit via the checkout aisles or back through the entrance you don't have to scan.

Tiredofwhataboutery · 08/10/2025 12:09

Lidls I’d like that too. Such a pain to leave. I’d only popped back in to use the loo, went through self serve (no bag) so had an armful of stuff and thought it’d be easier to stick it in the car first. Popped back in and receipt didn’t release barrier as had slready been used. Then had to have a chat with staff member, who couldn’t remember me being there.

RightOnTheEdge · 08/10/2025 12:05

Yeah it used to be like that at my local Aldi. No room to get past if there was a queue and all the other tills had locked barriers across.
It was so awkward if you just wanted to get out.

They have a self service section now and it's much easier to walk out now.

corlan · 08/10/2025 12:02

To exit the local Lidl, you have to scan your receipt to open a barrier. Be interested to know if this cuts shoplifting . The scrotes that do it probably move on to other shops though.

35pEnergyDrink · 08/10/2025 12:02

SoPunkontheInternet · 08/10/2025 11:53

Dunelm was the first place I thought of too!! Awful!!

Same! It’s a labyrinth to get out of

B and M has a similar one-way system but the till aisles are quite wide so I can often wind my way through

Needmorelego · 08/10/2025 11:59

You need to learn to say very loudly and clearly "EXCUSE ME I NEED TO JUST GET THROUGH PLEASE" to anyone who doesn't move out the way or just ask the security guard more firmly to let you out.
Not complicated.

GameWheelsAlarm · 08/10/2025 11:56

Totally agree! It was even worse in some shops I went to in The Netherlands you had to scan a receipt to get the exit door to open!

SoPunkontheInternet · 08/10/2025 11:53

Dunelm was the first place I thought of too!! Awful!!

carkerpartridge · 08/10/2025 11:28

Yes I know what you mean. I always feel like I look a bit dodgy as I try to find a way out of the shop!! Our local Dunelm springs to mind, it's like an obstacle course to get out of the place.

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