Pexels/Reddit

Customers shouldn’t have to feel like criminals while shopping.

This woman was shopping at a store when she noticed an employee watching and following her around. After she finished shopping and paid for her items, the employee asked her to empty her purse. As she felt offended, she decided to take action that sent a clear message to the store.

This story is one of those shopping experiences where a simple interaction can leave a lasting impression on a customer. Have you experienced this kind of situation? Read the full story below.

Empty my shopping bag, sure thing

It was fall, a few years back, and I had just bought my house that I so wanted to decorate.

I ran to the Ross that’s right down the road and grabbed a cart and started shopping.

Right away, I noticed I was being not so subtly watched/followed by a certain employee.

I did try and approach to ask a question, but when I got close, they took off to another section.

But as I continued to shop, I would notice they were not too far away.

This woman checked out and noticed the employee watching and waiting for her.

Well, I get to checkout and load everything from the cart up, and I probably spent around 500 for better clothes and decorations.

I noticed that the employee was waiting at the end of the checkout section, but didn’t think anything.

After I already paid and everything, this employee tells me they’ve been watching me and wanted me to dump my purse out.

A tiny handbag that fit a wallet and keys. I laughed and asked if they were serious, considering I just bought so much stuff.

They said if I didn’t they would call the cops.

She followed the request and then told them she would return all the things she bought.

So, I emptied it in front of the employee and security guard, and all that was in there was my wallet and keys.

After I put the items back in my purse, I looked at the employee.

I told them to take me to the returns because I am returning everything I bought here today.

They tried to back peddle and say it wasn’t needed.

She never returned to the store again.

But I said neither was stalking a customer and accusing them of stealing.

So you can either return this stuff now or I will make a scene and go to corporate.

They said that this would look bad on the store for having a massive return. I reiterated that’s the consequences.

They returned everything very begrudgingly but I have yet to set foot in that store since.

It’s totally understandable why OP felt that way after being watched and accused of stealing. Asking to check her tiny purse after she had already spent hundreds of dollars can really be irritating. Her response may have been dramatic, but I feel like it was the best answer to what they did to her.

Let’s read the comments from other Redditors about the story.

Indeed, right?

Short and simple.

Here’s a similar thought.

If you enjoyed this story, check out this post about a couple who is sick and tired of their neighbor’s kids dumping trash on their patio.

This user shares their personal experience.

Finally, here’s a valid point.

A little trust can make a big difference in customer service.