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

I work in retail and shoplifting has been on the increase significantly lately. We are taught to ask if anyone needs any help but also to keep an eye out on basically everyone.

Commiserations though as I get the same experience. Had it in John Lewis just yesterday.

Also had the exact same experience in Oliver bonas when looking at their jewellery display for some new earrings, when I turned around the shop assistant was right behind me.

Even get staff following me in my local convenience store from time to time even though I spent 100s in there per month and have never stolen as much as a pick and mix sweet in my life.

The few spoil things for the many.

https://www.oliverbonas.com/fashion/orange-button-up-v-neck-knitted-waistcoat-371929#selection.color=2011
here’s the waistcoat I was “farting about with”
🙄

Name change? Weird. Just my observation

Oh blimey same! I know shoplifting is rife - my lodger works for Next and tells me the absolute fortune they lose to thieves each year.
my post was really about how it affected me and that something has changed with Oliver Bonas maybe their staff training ( or maybe their losses) it never used to be like that.
it made me feel uncomfortable and spoilt my little bit of browsing. Boots is simply sad now with all the self checkouts. There used to be several lovely ladies at the one in leamington who were always so nice to have a quick smile or chat with. I wonder where they are now? I don’t want to buy online - all those people who do will look out one day and wonder where all the shops went!!😱🙄

I’ve signed on my phone - was on a different computer earlier. Is that ok??

Exactly what I was thinking.

I have previously worked in sales. We were told to first greet every customer and then come and ask if we could help them with anything- while also staying In their close proximity. Apparently, it boosts sales. I myself hated being this much of a pest to customers, but the managers would target us at teams if we didn't do it. They also might work on commission, not sure if they do at Oliver Bonas. I was well aware of how annoying it was for customers, though. I'd be out off myself.

I think everything will go online eventually to prevent shoplifting.

I had a mad one once years ago. A kind of dingy Italian 'deli'. He followed me all around the shop, dusting here and there. When I went to pay, he had disappeared!!!

I always feel a bit guilty as I always fish inside for a label with the size ad material. I have an absolute hatred for Viscose. Makes me sweat like a pig! Unfortunately, it is usually close to the security tag. If they come close enough they can hear me mutter "Bastard Viscose" over and over again!

OK, but if you say you don’t need any help, you’re just browsing, they shouldn’t make you feel uncomfortable by staying so close and very obviously watching you like a hawk.

I do have sympathy with retail, though, re the plague of shoplifters. High time IMO that the police stopped ignoring virtually all of it!

I can’t believe it boosts sales! That sort of ‘help’ makes many of feel uncomfortable/irritated enough that we leave.

Same here!