Is it just me being put off from shopping in the highstreet because of the constant high alert for shoplifters ??

[TheThreeCheesesOfTheApocalypse44]

Took dd shopping earlier this week, wasn't looking for anything specific but having a browse in Mac.....the security guard was very blatantly watching us as well as the shop assistants pouncing on us as we walked through the door asking if we wanted any help. My reply was no thank you, we're just looking which seemed to be an indicator we were on the rob !

Felt so uncomfortable we ended up walking out. Went into Charlotte Tilbury. Same experience, again we weren't looking for anything specific but DD would usually con me into buying some overpriced thing. Instead they lost a sale.

Things came to a head in Lush, we'd said no thanks to a basket as we always get the same bath bomb and didn't intend to buy anything else.......I actually caught the shop assistant over my shoulder having a good old squint into my hotel chocolate bag to see what was in there. (( looked her square in the eye and said what ARE you doing ?? )) As I went downstairs to pay I ended up saying to the girl on the till that 'there's a fine line between protecting stock and making customers feel so uncomfortable they lose business' and pointed out the girl who'd followed us downstairs. And explained what had happened.

I get it, I work in retail myself and this was probably sparked by the radio system alerting other shops of a frumpy looking mum and her dd but we'd literally done looking wrong. They lost sales as a result, they lost sales for other shops as I couldn't be arsed after that and we went home and they lost a sale for the pub we were going to go to for lunch.

I'm still pissed off about it. Hell I don't even like shopping. Is anyone else feeling like this ? It's just so off putting......I'll be sticking to online and small business owners in future who don't make me feel on edge !

I’ve found the same, I’ve been told I look fairly young (despite being early 30’s) and I have toddler ds in a buggy, and although I’m not scruffy at all I’m not in designer gear (basic jeans, trainers, coat, scarf etc) but I must look shifty as I always get the vibe they think I’m going to shoplift (despite never having done so, obviously!)
It is really off putting as I feel I can’t browse as I would like to, and have to just grab what I need and go. It’s frustrating and does stop me spending more.

Yanbu. I am finding this happening to me all the time now. It's incredibly frustrating and it puts me off shopping anywhere.

Supermarkets are the worst for it! I now avoid them at all costs and order my food online. My last trip to Aldi, Asda and Tesco resulted in the security guard blatantly following me around the shop. The 3rd shop it happened in I put down my baskets and left. It makes me so uncomfortable.

I have no idea why this is suddenly a problem? It's never been an issue before and it's very obvious that I'm being followed. I have put on a little weight recently so maybe I give off vibes that indicates shoplifter now?

I did in Morrisons a few years ago. Had to select tampons and pads while being stared at by a security guard. Incredibly awkward.

I guess they profile certain people for a reason. It’s annoying when you know you’re harmless but they dont. My nephew and a friend were refused entry to a bowling alley once for wearing tracksuits. Bonkers

Well that sounds awkward 😬🤣🤣🤣

You should have asked him for recommendations.

Happens to me a fair bit and especially in Boots. I’ve complained a few times. No idea why as I think I’m fairly well turned out and it’s even happened at 8.30am on my way to work when I’ve been dressed very smartly. Puts me off the high street

I would have asked his advice. Very loudly.

I should have done! It was horrible especially because I had my period and already felt quite vulnerable (and worried about leaking because I didn't have any supplies!)

"Do you need any help" I say "not at the moment thank you".
Then once I've completed my shop I ask the helpful member of staff to carry it all to the car for me. If they say they can't I make them call someone who can. Works a treat.

Oh don't give me ideas 🤣🤣🤣