Two weeks ago I was on my way to visit my mother and I was carrying an overnight bag. I went into that store and was told I had to give my bag to the cashier. I refused because it contained several personal items and a few hundred dollars of medication. I was asked to leave. I couldn't believe it. I'm the kind of person who carries dirty Kleenex around until I find a proper garbage bin because I don't want to litter. I shook off the bizarre experience and thought, "maybe it's just some dollar store employee with power issues".
Now, today I went back to the Absolute Dollar Store and picked up a green shopping basket as I entered the door. I was just reaching for a roll of paper towels when I hear someone yell, "Madame. Madame!" I looked up and saw an employee about 30 feet away waving. I asked, "Are you talking to me?". She yelled, "you'll have to give up your bag to the cashier". I looked down and all I saw was my green, eco-friendly Safeway shopping bag. I had just been to London Drugs and the bag contained a few computer supplies. I walked up to her and said, "I'd rather not give up the bag because it contains some expensive things. Would it be alright if I allow you to look in it before I leave the store?" She responded, "You have to give the bag to the cashier at the front. It'll be safe there." I said, "If you don't trust me, then how do I know I can trust you?" Once again, I was asked to leave.
I'm still pretty shocked. In school I was never even sent to the principals office or had a detention. Now, to be kicked out of a dollar store... twice! I thought, "why don't they just invest in some scanners by the door. It would be a lot smarter than insulting everyone who walks in with a shopping bag." I mean , it is a MALL. There's bound to be several people carrying bags. Or maybe I just have the face of a criminal. I figured that maybe they think they can treat their customers that way because they assume most of them have a low annual income.
All the people that I told " you must stop by the Absolute Dollar Store because there's so much great stuff there", I take it back. Unless you wish to be VERY publicly humiliated , then I would suggest you go to one of the other dollar stores.
I admit that I will miss going there, but I'm rather shy and my ego just isn't big enough to endure being publicly demeaned ... even for a good deal. I'd rather pay extra and be treated with the common decency and politeness that is due everyone, not just the people who have money. I suppose poor people will just have to endure the abuse. Doesn't quite ring fair, does it? Why don't you leave a comment and tell me what you think.
Take a look at my photo too. Do YOU think I look like a thief?
