Stalked @ Sephora?

[ka-ron]

I experienced this once.. not at sephora, but in a drugstore here.
I was 15 years old or so, and searching for a black liquid liner. from the moment I reached the makeup section, this woman rushed to me, and start looking from a 2 metre distance. no she didn't ask if she could help me, she was just staring!
so I asked if she still had a black liner from a certain brand.. she looked the other way and just said "NO".
Then I moved over to another section and she followed me =S I just went away not buying anything.
it's really awkward... and uncomfortable!

 

[User38]

oh no, not racist crap again. I don't agree with that at all. Again, I am blonde, very fair and I get tagged like I was some kind of noxious element.

But, I ususally grab the SA by the arm and say.. "Listen dear, I need all the help I can get.. show me EVERYTHING that is new and newsworthy" -- and they do, and it works.

Frankly I am sick and tired of the race threads

 

[shatteredshards]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mommys-makeup That is so freakin' annoying! I got that at ULTA the other day, very annoying, HELLO? What the heck are survelance cameras and security for?

Cameras are really next to worthless as far as loss prevention goes, the only thing they're good for is using them to watch for someone stuffing things in their bag. You still have to follow the person after you spot that, though. lyttleravyn is right, if I am not 110% sure that you just stuffed that one specific thing in your pocket, I can't do anything.

It is anoying, yes. It makes you feel unwelcome, I know. But I have to do the same thing at my job, because people steal left and right (literally, every freakin day), especially with the economy as bad as it is and so many people not having jobs, or having very little income. Stolen merch is money out of my pocket - it brings our sales down, so corporate gives us less hours. If watching people like I'm paranoid means I can pay my bills and rent this month, I'm doing it.

 

[jmgjwd]

This wasn't meant to be a thread about racial profiling--I am white and indicated that I didn't feel that the SAs @ Sephora were profiling me...I started this thread to 'blow off some steam' as this has bothered me for a very long time @ Sephora where it their following you around is SO particularly obvious and irritating...

LatteQueen, I'm glad they were gracious to you...as another said, with the economy so bad these days, they should do anything possible to accomodate their customers

I understand the responsibilities and expectations of the sales staff and that they have to follow management...just wish there was a better way that would make shopping less uncomfortable...

 

[FiestyFemme]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meisje I know exactly what you guys are talking about. This type of thing happens to me in every store, not just Sephora. I don't think I'd mind as much if it was always consistent. But I know that if I go in my "office clothing" they smile, offer me a basket, offer help once, and leave me alone. If I go in wearing jeans, sneakers and no makeup (which makes me look younger than my 31 years), they are still definitely polite but they often they trail me.

Same here!! It seems worse when I'm dressed down, little to no makeup, etc., but I get it regardless. I'm 24, but look considerably younger (like 16-17) so I think people unfairly assume that not only am I young but that I'm also likely to steal. So wrong, but I just ignore them. I've never stolen anything in my life, and if they really bother me, I'm not above leaving empty-handed.

 

[MizzTropical]

It is really annoying. I hate feeling like a weirdo whenever I want to carry my cute Juicy shopping tote, big bags=automatic following lol They think ur bringing the big bag just to swipe stuff, I've been told that by people I know who work in retail stores but I'm like who cares, I'm not going to steal so let them watch all they want.

 

[Boasorte]

I don't get why they have the makeup just there, of course that's an invitation to steal for dishonest people, but damn Sephora, I know they're doing their job, but they should know how it it when walking in a store. When I worked retail, "hi how are u, let me know if u need anything" is all I'm saying, then I back off

 

[shatteredshards]

Big bags are something that is looked for - I helped catch a shoplifter last week that brought in a big bag, and the worst part is when her bag got dumped out on the parking lot (because she kept refusing to give us the merch back and playing stupid), there was absolutely nothing of hers in it - no cell phone, no wallet, nada. Just stolen merch. Though she was Crazy Train anyhow, and that's another story for another time....


Retail employees do profile a bit, and believe it or not, most of them do not profile in any way that has to do with race. The bag you're carrying, the clothes you're wearing, the huge puffiness of your jacket are things I will look at before your skin color. And if you just happen to have a particular skin color, then you happen to have a particular skin color.

 

[Cerydwen]

This used to happen to an excessive degree every time I went into the Sephora shop in Uxbridge (UK) - I realise the employees need to be vigilant against theft, but it really was intimidating and in the end I stopped going in altogether. I guess other customers felt the same way, as the shop eventually closed down, which was a shame

 

[lyttleravyn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by shatteredshards .. Retail employees do profile a bit, and believe it or not, most of them do not profile in any way that has to do with race. The bag you're carrying, the clothes you're wearing, the huge puffiness of your jacket are things I will look at before your skin color. And if you just happen to have a particular skin color, then you happen to have a particular skin color.

I've been in retail for 6 almost 7 years, and this is definitely accurate. I'd be a bad employee if I wasn't looking for those things. Hell most of the time, when I'm near someone they might think I'm looking at them but I'm not! I'm usually looking over and around them to try and keep a visual of the whole store or my whole area in view. It has nothing to do with race either. I've seen a few people flip out on the manager about something dumb and they'll preface it by saying "you just think I'm gonna steal because I'm ______" whether it be age, race, whatever. EVERYONE has the potential to be a shoplifter. Even the people wearing the $1000 shoes (how do I know you didn't steal those?). And a lot of the times its not the difference between looking "frumpy" and looking put together. Frumpy is usually synonymous with baggy clothes, which equals more places to stash stuff.

When I worked at a CD/DVD store we had to always been aware because we were targeted by professional shoplifters. They would come in with large bags lined with foil or whatever (to fool the sensors at the entrance) and take out a whole shipment of a new release CD or DVD. Hundreds of dollars of merchandise gone in a minute, which could be prevented.

Also, even as an employee, the company watches ME to make sure there's no internal theft going on either. Before I leave for break or at the end of my shift, my bags and pockets are checked to make sure I don't have any merchandise. It's not that my managers don't trust me, it's their job.

In all honesty, when I go to other stores and I see employees hovering over me I appreciate it. That's how they know what I'm looking at, they can usually recommend similar or matching products without me having to track them down and then drag them over to the area where I have to hunt for that product again. Try interacting with them instead of just automatically assuming they think you're stealing. They might just be waiting to help you! I've had some people *snap* to try and get an employee's attention (what am I, a dog?) so its easier for everyone to stay accessible and close by.

 

[ClassicBeauty]

I usally don't mind,unless they are trying to sell things to me then I get pissed grrr lol, also if they keep a distance not like all up in my face then ...im happy.

 

[ms. kendra]

I experienced this at the Sephora location closest to my house. I will NEVER go back!

I went in to swatch the MUFE HD foundation, and ask for a sample. The SA practically stood over me as I swatched the product.
Then I asked her for a sample and she seemed like she didn't want to give me one (meanwhile another SA is flying around the whole store asking people if they need samples!).
So she went and asked a third SA, and he actually came over and asked me why I needed a sample!!

I said I'd like to try the product at home and see how my skin reacts to it. The pompous bastard told me the foundation is non-oily/acne or something to that effect and that I wouldn't have a reaction.

I turned on my heels and walked the hell out. They will never see me again. All other Sephora's I've been too were never like this. Maybe it's just this location, or the SA's involved. I didn't appreciate it at all.

 

[shatteredshards]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lyttleravyn They would come in with large bags lined with foil or whatever (to fool the sensors at the entrance) and take out a whole shipment of a new release CD or DVD.

"Booster bag" is the term for that. People will do that anywhere there's a sensor at the doors, electronic stores, department stores, doesn't matter.

Quote:

In all honesty, when I go to other stores and I see employees hovering over me I appreciate it. That's how they know what I'm looking at, they can usually recommend similar or matching products without me having to track them down and then drag them over to the area where I have to hunt for that product again. Try interacting with them instead of just automatically assuming they think you're stealing. They might just be waiting to help you!

When I go shopping with my best friend, who recently got out of retail (she worked for B&BW for 4-5 years), we comment on employees' loss prevention skills or poor display setups while shopping in the stores. Many a time have I said something like "I could have just pushed half of that table into my shopping bag and walked right out the door," half of that table being well over $100 in merchandise.

The way I see it, if you're keeping an eye on me, you're doing your job. And yes, I have been profiled because I easily pass for 7-10 years younger than I am and I carry a messenger-type bag for a purse. The way I go shopping much of the time, I would keep an eye on me, too.

 

[..kels*]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lyttleravyn I completely agree. I work in retail, and its not that I think you're going to steal, but if you are going to steal I have to SEE you take it and put it in your purse. I have to know what you took, where you put it and not let you out of my sight before I can say anything to a manager. I can't accuse someone of stealing without that information. If I got over to a section and I find sensors or an empty package I could get in trouble. Also, during our twice-a-year huge inventory we are supposed to be under a certain percentage of unaccounted for merchandise. If we are over then the store manager gets chewed out, who chews out the other managers, who chew out the assistant managers, etc. Always rolls down hills. So I wouldn't take it personally. Most of the time when you come into my store, I don't know you. I love my job and I really do what to help you and tell you about any deals we have going on, and just chat about things in general! But I also don't want to lose my job because I wasn't observant enough and some punk slipped some things into their pocket. Also a lot of times, especially during holidays, I'm assigned to a section of the store. I can't leave that section and I can't stand in one place. So I have to hang out in that section my entire shift. Usually I will walk around, fix things, check for under-stocked items, ask customers if they need help etc. I had one person accuse me of following them around, when really I was just walking around my area looking for products put out of place.

Very well said!

 

[Curly1908]

I don't have a problem with SAs following customers around. It's their job to do so. Sephora isn't a buffet or swap meet where you help yourself out. Some people are DISGUSTING when it comes to testers and use their fingers rather than the various disposable applicators that are available. Some people are genuine thieves. Some people abuse the window shopping privilege (stop going into stores when u don't plan on purchasing anything!). SAs need to be present to monitor these situations.

Anytime I go into Sephora and the SA asks me if she can help me, I either say yes (if I need help) or say "No, I'm looking for *insert random product*, and I think I can help myself. Thanks anyway, though.

" I'm NEVER followed around because I'm nice to the SAs. Getting an attitude when a SA offers you her services just makes you look suspicious IMO.

And after I shop at a store a few times, I don't even get disturbed at all.

 

[L1LMAMAJ]

most of the products (eyeshadows, blushes especially) are in a special open display case where you can't just take the eyeshadows. i've seen them for mufe and other brands at sephora. i think that's smart. the lip glosses can be stolen but whoever wants to steal lip gloss, that's just gross.

 

[blazeno.8]

I generally have to hunt someone down to get help. But then again, I go to the same ones over and over and some of the SAs recognize me (even when I'm not wearing makeup). They know I buy stuff from them so they leave me alone unless I want help. In the case that there is one who might be in "customer watch mode" I use it to my advantage and bother them about products until they get bored. That way I get the time with SA that I want without having to hunt someone down.

 

[shatteredshards]

Quote:

Originally Posted by L1LMAMAJ the lip glosses can be stolen but whoever wants to steal lip gloss, that's just gross.

Lip gloss is actually a pretty high theft item, believe it or not. Ever notice how they usually keep it pretty darn close to the checkout at B&BW? Teenage girls will try to steal that crap like you wouldn't believe.

 

[Mabelle]

the testers may be hard to steal, but the actual product is so so easy. Its just there ripe for the picking! Also, i find the fact that there stock drawers (under the gondolas) do not luock to be ridiculous. its practically inviting theft.

 

[S.S.BlackOrchid]

Yes, happens to me every time. They follow me, stare at me the whole time, pretend to "organize" the stuff that is right next to me (moving wherever I move). One time, I went in to buy lipstick, but ended up feeling so uncomfortable that I just left without getting it.

They have testers. And they don't expect me to browse and play with the makeup???