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

One of my friends mum went to jail for shoplifting when we were teens. She had a bit of a shoplifting addition it seemed. She just looked like a very respectable normal middle aged lady.

There is no stereotypical shop lifter.

Some of those who "don't look like shoplifters" are well known to be amazing shoplifters because they're generally left alone (to shoplift).

There isn't a shoplifting uniform however there are certain looks/types/behaviours that catch a seasoned retail workers eye.
Theft is rife at the moment and costs are rising because of it. It's not just running out the shop with an item, it's changing price tickets/hiding items inside others causing damage to get a discount amongst others.
Deterring thieves by being in their eyesight and close by is the best method tbh.
If you're not a thief then there's no reason to worry or get offended.
It's also possible management have told staff to greet/help every customer or face disciplinary actions.

Shoplifting is out of control now since the whole police won't come out for anything under 200 quid thing came in.

Morrisons seem to think I am. Very over zealous security dude behind his podium.

It's completely and utterly not the shop floor staff 's fault, but how do retailers (management/ marketing/ customer experience specialists or whoever) not realise that this is enormously off putting to a very large percentage of shoppers?

Like multiple other posters on this thread I tend to spend less time and less money in shops with overly attentive shop assistants, even though I don't actually think they think I'm a shoplifter personally. I've been assuming that more shop assistants (especially in more expensive shops) are on commission or that misguided current retail training and policies insist that the assistants constantly try to assist very proactively instead of waiting to be asked (which I infinitely prefer).

I hate being basically hassled into buying things or trying things on and often avoid even entering shops with multiple unoccupied assistants visible from the entrance ready to up sell.

If you are, so am I.
I know nothing about fashion, bugger all. I’m also not willowy, I admire things but would never buy them. I love ‘shopping’. Not ordering online, I like to see things, touch things, have a ‘me’ day! Sorry if that’s classed as farting about, if you know what you want, buy it online?

I noticed last time I went shopping that I was talked to a lot, did I need help, could I read the labels, (Jesus Christ, I’m 46). A security guard helped me pick out a lip gloss 🙈🤣.

I had a tiny, impractical handbag for stashing stolen goods. I had a t shirt and jeans, not flashy but not baggy, I couldn’t get away with stuffing a jumper under there.

Maybe AI will prevail and retailers will access your online net worth /spending capacity… I’m sure there’s a film in there somewhere.

Poor kid! What a stupid policy on the part of management - they could at least provide training in Smalltalk if they're going to make weird social demands on their child-labour!

Yeah I actually hate going shopping because of this. It’s out genuine, honest customers off but shoplifters wouldn’t give a shiny shit.

I hope many retailers read this and take it on board.

Please no training in small talk it would sound weird let them develop a natural way to converse with customers.

Everyone is considered a shoplifter these days, especially in Boots.

I didn't even know how to buy their mini makeup sponges as they were security tagged (!!!) and self-checkout only.

Clearly the point of Boots is to give employment opportunities for security guards - that's why, assuming there's actually any stock on the shelves, they force you to use the self checkout (due to the absence of human beings at the tills) and then automatically trigger the alarm at the exit every single time, at which point you then find out that the optional receipt isn't optional, it's compulsory these days.

Nice bloke, must have been bored with waiting for women to bring up their bank apps to show a payment made to Boots by the time I was there, though.

Less amusing when I got stopped in WHSmith 5 minutes later because the Boots' stuff set off their alarms as well, although when I said 'I've just been in Boots', he did roll his eyes and say 'Sorry. Same system'.

Completely off topic .. but I need to see a picture of waistcoat!

It's very irritating. I wish they'd stop!

OP I know what you mean, was once followed out and shouted in primark for stealing? The staff member said they'd “seen” me put something in my bag, which was quite small and had my jumper in. So of course I showed them my bag, and he goes “LOOK there it is”. It was a jumper from m&s… The stupid staff member tried to put the blame on me, I mean what on earth?🙄

I put in a formal complaint after that as it definitely seemed like profiling, and the staff member got a telling off. So I totally get what you mean by being uncomfortable, I am a lot more paranoid about having shop assistants follow me around now!

Your not stealing until you've left the store + have made no attempt to pay.

Ha same here🤣

Oliver Bonas staff tend to be bouncier and friendlier than other shop assistants. They always make a point of speaking to customers.

They have to @DillDanding they have a time scale of a customer entering and the staff member speaking to them or they get in trouble

It is upmarket if you can't afford it.

I work in retail and unfortunately shoplifting is so prolific now that we have to watch everybody and there’s no ‘typical’ shoplifter. It’s very depressing. But a big bag is one of the main red flags.

@blacksax
No it's not, it's still a high street shop. You're confusing what you believe and what is fact.
You could apply your theory to Primark if you can't afford to shop there

Oh gosh OP I empathise!

Back in 2006 I was a high earner and was in London for a meeting. After it finished I went browsing nearby in Fenwicks on Bond Street.

I was carrying a large bag with video equipment in it and was looking around the (very expensive) handbag section. I distinctly heard the security guard near me on his mouth piece saying "Plainly dressed female with large bag".

I was absolutely mortified, but more so with his description of me as plainly dressed - I'd spent a fortune on that work outfit!!

@KlaraSundown He meant no obvious branding like Addidas or Pink or Nike etc
Not that your outfit was boring

Your description of faffing about holding it up to the light multiple times as you also look at different sections makes me think you very much DO behave is a suspicious way, pretending to consider a purchase but really pocketing something else...