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Do I look like a shoplifter?

112 replies

doilooklikeashoplifter · 24/09/2024 16:02

Went into town today to have a little browse in a couple of my favourite shops - one being Oliver Bonas - wanted to check out their lovely cardis, was greeted by shop assistant at door (this is new) who then eyed my large leather handbag bag as she said "hello". I said hello back and proceeded to look at 1 item then walk and look at another. At which point she came up to me and said "how are you getting on?" I said "fine thank you" then got a bit annoyed as I felt she was watching me, so I left - without buying the thing I really wanted - £50 waistcoat! (I know I was a bit touchy but it was my day off and she kind of spoilt my relaxed day off vibe) Is this a new thing Oliver Bonas are doing or - do I look like a shoplifter? I'm now getting paranoid as this happened to me the other day as well (again in Oliver Bonas) greeted at door by (bouncer)greeter, who "watched me look at rail near door" and when I was in the lovely "home" section another member of staff appeared and pretended to straighten a book...right next to me. I mean I have worked in retail so I get all about "interacting with your customer" and maybe there are more staff in there now... but... you used to be able to browse at your leisure and only ask for help if you needed it from the lovely ladies at the till.....
I was wearing a long grey raincoat, jeans and trainers and H&M sweatshirt. Is it the raincoat?! Is it my bag/face/scruffy curly hair I am quite nice and smiley ... is there someone with my description who they are all looking for on their walkie talkies in town - because when I went into Boots the lady at the No7 counter followed me along another cosmetic counter asking if I needed help - when I said no thanks - she then said "do you not need a new foundation or anything" ! I mean I DO REALLY need make up help (obviously!!) but I had already said no thank you

OP posts:
Thistooshallpass24 · 24/09/2024 16:13

There is no uniform for a shoplifter

DollopOfFun · 24/09/2024 16:15

If they have to presume that everyone is a potential shoplifter, then yes, you do.

letsallmeetupinthehyear2000 · 24/09/2024 16:22

I can see where your name comes from

user1471538283 · 24/09/2024 16:27

No you don't. Our little convenience store follows everyone around because they are constantly targeted by shop lifters.

inamarina · 24/09/2024 16:39

From what I’ve read shoplifting has been on the rise in the last couple of years, so businesses are being extra cautious.
I don’t think there’s anything in particular about you, they probably just watch everyone.
If you really wanted that waistcoat, why not just tell the shop assistant? They’re just doing their job, not deliberately trying to spoil anyone’s vibe.

NeverDropYourMooncup · 24/09/2024 16:40

You're a human in a shop with things that would be worth money if stolen.

You match the profile.

llamali · 24/09/2024 16:41

They have so many now they have to look at every customer as a shop lifter. They probably get more stuff nicked than they sell in store.

In all honesty though the massive bag would look shopliftery

binkythepoodle · 24/09/2024 16:42

I hate this so much. Watch me from a distance all you want but please just let me get on with things in peace! I have also left shops before when this has happened as I've felt so uncomfortable, especially when I was a lot younger and felt like shop staff thought I was out to steal - and back then I had a lot more money to spend than I do now.
I don't blame the shop workers who probably don't want to engage with me either.

Autumnismyfavouritetimeofyear · 24/09/2024 16:49

There is so much shoplifting that I guess everyone is a suspect.

TheYearOfSmallThings · 24/09/2024 16:49

But it wasn't a security guard, it was a shop assistant whose job is to flog you stuff. She probably feared you were a secret shopper and she would be told off if she failed to greet you, engage with you and ask if she could help you find something to buy.

HiddenUser · 24/09/2024 16:53

Is this the Leeds branch?
I went in there last year and I felt so uncomfortable I too didn't spend anything.

Makingwaves2 · 24/09/2024 17:08

It’s worse abroad! They literally follow you around like a dog. I just leave the shop.

Thistooshallpass24 · 24/09/2024 17:09

Why if you wanted the waistcoat, didn't you just buy it? The shop assistant isn't missing out, you are .

doilooklikeashoplifter · 24/09/2024 17:33

Thistooshallpass24 · 24/09/2024 17:09

Why if you wanted the waistcoat, didn't you just buy it? The shop assistant isn't missing out, you are .

Edited

Because I'm not a man - I don't just go in and buy stuff i want! what an idea......
I browse, I hold item up to the light, I put it back and go to look at the jewellery, I go to look at the trousers, I look at the cocktail glasses, and wonder if I should buy them for my niece's birthday, I go back to the waistcoat, I hold it up again, i go to the mirror and hold it up against me, I put it back because I don't "really need it" and it's my niece's birthday soon, I leave the shop and buy some bread or cat food, I go home and the next day I go back and buy the waistcoat or I may not. I don't want anyone to help me.

OP posts:
catwithflowers · 24/09/2024 17:35

It's part of the job to greet at the door and to ask if you need any help. The store gets commission on sales and the employees get a rollicking if they don't comply. My daughter works in sales (not at Oliver Bonas)

doilooklikeashoplifter · 24/09/2024 17:36

HiddenUser · 24/09/2024 16:53

Is this the Leeds branch?
I went in there last year and I felt so uncomfortable I too didn't spend anything.

No it was Leamington Spa - something's changed - it was never like that before - I expect there has been a huge increase in shoplifting - it just made me sad - I used to feel welcome - now I feel like I am not to be trusted🙁

OP posts:
Thistooshallpass24 · 24/09/2024 17:36

@doilooklikeashoplifter so I left - without buying the thing I really wanted - £50 waistcoat! (I know I was a bit touchy
Your words

Josephinesnapoleon · 24/09/2024 17:38

doilooklikeashoplifter · 24/09/2024 17:33

Because I'm not a man - I don't just go in and buy stuff i want! what an idea......
I browse, I hold item up to the light, I put it back and go to look at the jewellery, I go to look at the trousers, I look at the cocktail glasses, and wonder if I should buy them for my niece's birthday, I go back to the waistcoat, I hold it up again, i go to the mirror and hold it up against me, I put it back because I don't "really need it" and it's my niece's birthday soon, I leave the shop and buy some bread or cat food, I go home and the next day I go back and buy the waistcoat or I may not. I don't want anyone to help me.

I’m a woman and I couldn’t be arsed with that shit.

PontoonRelish · 24/09/2024 17:39

This sounds totally paranoid to me. But you're the only one missing out after all, if you left without an item you wanted...?

doilooklikeashoplifter · 24/09/2024 17:39

llamali · 24/09/2024 16:41

They have so many now they have to look at every customer as a shop lifter. They probably get more stuff nicked than they sell in store.

In all honesty though the massive bag would look shopliftery

Actually my bag was just a leather bag from Fat Face which my daughter used to use for her school books - think shoulder bag which could fit a few exercise books (and make up/vapes in😳)

OP posts:
Josephinesnapoleon · 24/09/2024 17:40

If you fart about like you do, then you prob do look like a shop lifter after a period, I’m shocked you didn’t buy, talk about biting your nose off to spite your face,

SardinesOnGingerbread · 24/09/2024 17:40

I've left shops that have done this to me too. I don't care that lots of other people are criminals. I'm not, and it makes me feel observed and uncomfortable being tailed round a shop.

doilooklikeashoplifter · 24/09/2024 17:41

PontoonRelish · 24/09/2024 17:39

This sounds totally paranoid to me. But you're the only one missing out after all, if you left without an item you wanted...?

I feel you may be out to get me too...

OP posts:
doilooklikeashoplifter · 24/09/2024 17:42

Josephinesnapoleon · 24/09/2024 17:40

If you fart about like you do, then you prob do look like a shop lifter after a period, I’m shocked you didn’t buy, talk about biting your nose off to spite your face,

I never fart in public

OP posts:
Seeingadistance · 24/09/2024 17:45

Josephinesnapoleon · 24/09/2024 17:38

I’m a woman and I couldn’t be arsed with that shit.

Same here.

Want to buy a waistcoat in certain shop. Go to shop, buy waistcoat. Done.

I’m a woman.