Tyson’s Corner Sephora Rant

The employees are getting aggressive at this point

I went to my local Sephora (Tyson’s Corner Mall in Virginia) yesterday. I needed to pick up a restock of my Sarah Creal under eye brightener so I knew where to go and what to grab. I was excited to spend some time in the store, take my time, and try out some new products. I got a big bonus yesterday and was going to treat myself. I picked up a basket (because I understand that the employees want customers to use them to prevent shoplifting).

I walked into the store and an employee greeted me, asked me what I was looking for, did I need help. I responded no thank you. This employee started following me within two to three feet. I told her again I knew what I needed, hoping this would give the hint that I was okay and was just grabbing a restock.

As soon as I walked into another aisle, another employee did the same thing. I said no thank you. I stayed in that aisle for about 30 seconds when another employee came up to me, in the exact same spot, and asked what I was looking for. I said I was okay, but starting to get irritable since I’d only been in the store 2 min and was approached 3 times.

The initial person that initially greeted me followed me for the next 5 minutes. I had my Sarah Creal color corrector in my Sephora basket on my arm. I literally tried to walk to the other side of the store to look at hair products and she watched me closely the entire time. Meanwhile, another 3-4 employees have approached me asking what I’m looking for. After about 10 minutes, I was so overwhelmed and felt like a stalked animal that I paid for my restock and left the store.

I want to be clear, I have never stolen anything in my life (from Sephora or anywhere). I am a 40 year old white woman and I was wearing head to toe lululemon because I came from a workout. I had a small cross body bag. I was using a basket. If this is how I was treated, how are others? I think I’m going to avoid that Sephora like the plague now. I understand they need to prevent theft, but please give us space once we say no thank you once!