On 01/17/08 I went to a local Wal-Mart to purchase underwear for my son and ice melt. While I was in the store I checked out the women's football jerseys and other items on sale as well as walk around the store to browse.
During the time I was shopping I never once unbuttoned my winter coat, put my hands in my pockest or my purse. I placed the items that I chose to purchase in the cart with nothing on top of them.in other words I did not do anything that would have pinpointed me as a shoplifter.
I went to the self check out paid for my merchandise, took my receipt then put the bags of goods back in the cart. I moved out of the way so that the customer behind me could begin his transaction. I checked my coat pockets for my car keys and slowly put my gloves on. Then I proceeded to leave the store.
When I approached the door a store employee asked to see my receipt. I handed it over. Then she states to me "Where is your coat?" I looked at her with my jaw to floor absolutely dumbfounded. After I stare at her in dis belief she states "I need to see your coat." I continue to stand there and stare at her never speaking a word as I was shocked. Finally another female employee walks over and states to the other employee, "She's ok. She's not the one we are looking for." Then she says to me, "You may go." Then states to the other employee, "The one we are looking for has not come to the door yet." I never received an appology.
I left the store without speaking a word feeling absolutely humiliated. People were looking at me as they left the store and we all know that they were thinking I was shoplifting.
I understand that mistakes happen and people get falsely accused. But to handle the situation at the exit door where there are lots of people watching is embarassing. These people look and go on their way never knowing that I am innocent.
I feel that I should have been asked to step into a more private area to avoid the public humiliation.
I have already contacted the store. The store manager is not in until Monday. I have made my complaint to the way I was handled and stated that I do not want to see other innocent people go through the humiliation that I went through. Mistakes happen, I understand that. But there are ways to handle people so that they are not humiliated. I am waiting to hear back from the store next week. The woman I spoke with stated that she was going to talk to the employees, the manager, and contact the district manager regarding this incident.
I did get that appology from the woman at the store that handles theft. I told her it was a little late and from the wrong person.
At this point in time I will not go back to that store to shop again.
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