To ignore Lush staff member to her face?

[OrangeMangoSmoothie]

I love Lush, unfortunately as anyone who's ever been knows, the staff can be a bit overwhelming. Grabbing your arms to rub products on, pouncing the second you're through the door, etc.

And as much as i love Lush, i'm also autistic and really bad with people and communication. I normally order online but if something is new i'd prefer to smell it first.

I went in today to browse the new halloween range and had very obvious headphones on with my back to staff. I kinda thought this would deter them but one popped up in front of my face (literally) as if to mouth something to me and gestured to the products.

Sometimes things like that happen, for example on public transport, or if im in someone's way and i can potentially take off my headphones and say sorry/no/excuse me. But i panicked because of how insanely close she was and recoiled then turned and moved. She then followed me a little bit (i had my head facing down) and she bent over to ask again, i think she said "can i help you with anything" but i still had noise cancelling headphones and music playing. I kept my head down and meandered a little then darted out the door.

I know on reflection that this was a bit rude on my part and i feel bad now for not answering but i wasn't capable. Was she BU to continue trying to get my attention? It felt like overkill and very intrusive. Im not sure if im overreacting because i need the space. Im used to people realising i "cant hear" them and leaving me be.

Im too embarrassed to wear anything like a badge saying i'm disabled and it would probably attract staff to want to "help" me more if i did. Does anyone have any advice on how to seem less rude when im not able to speak? Did this lady take it too far?

I am planning on buying some lush products online soon so that I don't feel crowded and intimidated in the shop

@Endofthedays primark?

Thank you to a pp who linked to the sunflower lanyards, I didn't know about these so it's great to raise awareness.

OP, I feel for you. I'm hearing impaired and find shop staff rarely have training on dealing with disabilities like mine. If I wear my hair down you can't see I'm wearing aids, but even with my hair up I find talking to staff in shops hard. I agree more training needs to be given. Having worked on the shop floor for years I never received training on hidden disabilities and how to approach people, I think it would be so useful.

I use a soap from lush in the shower that really works for my skin, I’ve walked past lush about 4 times recently and hadn’t felt in the right mood to go in even though I need a new one. I only realised after reading this thread that I’m not the only one who finds being pounced on so offputting. I’m well able to assert myself but it’s the fact they come at you from different angles makes me feel trapped.
You need nerves of steel to shop in Lush, which seems insane given they are a service.

Has anybody bought the olive soap or the rose soap. They are expensive at £11 each for 200g ( app) but look divine. I'm thinking of ordering them as it's my birthday soon and want a treat.

I too am autistic and use ear defenders in shopping centres. If a sales person approaches when they are in, I just mouth 'I'm ok thank you'. It usually works. I also try to get in shops st quieter times.

I buy soaps / shampoo bars online from wild-sage.co.uk. I’d far rather support a small business than support Lush, and they’re gorgeous.

I've made a note of the website before mnhq delete the post @EmpressLesbianInChair

I can understand why you don't want to wear a badge, I was wondering if you'd consider carrying a card with some brief info to show in situations like that. I know some people with brain injuries do this as it is an invisible condition too. Just an idea. I can understand your reaction and you were not being unreasonable. x

I was wondering if you'd consider carrying a card with some brief info to show in situations like that.

And in somewhere like Lush it would probably be necessary to keep it in your hand at all times.

Autistic person here.

You can see whether you can train yourself to reply 'Just looking', 'I'm good' (with a hand gesture to indicate 'don't' as an automatic response) in a lot of situations in shops, including Lush. Rehearsing beforehand makes it easier. Or 'I'm checking out the Halloween products, thanks'.

I've had more years in doing it - and I'm now good at seeing if there's somebody in there who is touching people or getting in their faces without consent, from the doorway. I find it helps to have a rough idea of where in the shop you're heading to, as you look like you know what you're after, rather than a browser who can be sold to.

But that doesn't take away from that person stepping over the line in the way they continued to pester you and you weren't rude. You had your boundaries crossed.

I hate fucking lanyards, though. Something round my neck? (as nobody ever looks for one attached to your belt loops). Fuck that.

Don't overthink this

I say 'Just looking thank you!' and walk away. Every time.
I do smile at them but effectively turn my back.

I can't stand chitchat in shops.