Do I look like a shoplifter?

[doilooklikeashoplifter]

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

That's because the security guard fancies you!

In ASDA living they force them to fake a friendly chat with the customers. Some unfortunate teenage boy asked me a random question when I was paying and when I was like he said "They MAKE us talk to people! I don't know what to SAAAY!"

I promise you, OP is not being paranoid. Some of us are 'targeted' for some reason and after a while you'd have to be blind not to notice

@TheYearOfSmallThings I've had that in Sainsburys. The girls and women of all ages are very good at it in most branches. Some of the boys and men not so good.

😂

Baffling comment

@Reugny I doubt it, it's a woman! Totally different generation too. My elderly mother had to go into boots once for a prescription after a minor operation so with no make up on, and she had the same thing - followed! 😆
My brother used to work in security and he says it was one of the things they were told to pay special attention to - but only as part of a bigger picture. Not the lack of make up alone!

I got security camera footage of OP…

Certain Asda staff think I'm stealing.

When my DD was a baby, most of the time I had her in a baby carrier, and in Winter she was under my coat. Anyway the security guards in my local Asda knew this so left me alone.

However one shop assistant when I was having issues with a self-service till was puzzled why the security guard hadn't intervened as I clearly had something under my coat. She asked me what was under my coat and I showed her a sleeping baby in a carrier. She was so shocked. 😂

@HauntedbyMagpies I hate to break it to you - some women like other women and some people like people in a different age group either way to them.... 😉

I read the thread title, and thought this thread was going to be about ridiculously stupid things people say to shop security guards.

Also disappointed the OP didn't post a photo

hahaha😂
don't be suspicious...

Agree oliver bonas like this here too.
I don't understand why there's a heavy staff presence in let's say OB and then not a one to be found in other shops like B and Q, other than a multitude at the self service check outs!

It is very hard to steal a door or a hose.

@TheYearOfSmallThings oh bless him ! I love that !😂
on a similar note a friend once got a job in M&S and hated being on the tills they were supposed to chat using a "script" for suggestions. Being naturally shy she once got so flustered and couldn't get a lettuce to scan😂 - she resigned the next day!😂(she said some M&S customers were horrid)

I hate being midered by staff when I just want to browse in peace. It's more likely to make me walk out without buying anything.

you should know 🤓!

The large bag will have increased the scrutiny.

The worst shoplifter when I was in retail was a local Councillor. 🤷🏻‍♀️

"The large bag will have increased the scrutiny"
bit rude..

What does a shoplifter look like?

You worked in retail, then you'll know that every person who walks through the door is a potential shop lifter.
I work in retail and served someone over the summer who purchased a hot tub and a outside couch set. They spent over £900 paying in cash......but still had the cheek to try and leave stuff in the trolly and under a buggy. People will steal anything and it seems like most people these days are thieves.

I'm surprised you actually managed to find anyone working on the shop floor in a shop. When I was last in town a few weeks ago you couldn't find a staff member if you wanted one.

I definitely got an indescreet look up and down as I carried an arm full of shopping out of ASDA. Not suprisingly voluminous full lengtg dry robes look a tad suss. At least I had the receipt strategically hanging out for easy observation.

stick with me next time!

In my area former local councillors have been benefit fraudsters and caught engaging in similar computer activities to a Huw Edwards.

Retail staff can't win
Don't talk... being snooty.
Acknowledge and talk.. they're harassing me.