bad experience at the convenience store

[Lorelei Lee]

Well, I just had to make a complaint to 7 Eleven.

There's a new 7 Eleven location near the college, it just opened last week. I went into the store this afternoon (New Year's Day) to buy a soda and a snack. Other than the clerk and the security guard I was the only person in the store.

It's a small store, only 3 aisles. It was very obvious that the security guard was following me around. She made me so uncomfortable that I put my merchandise down and left the store. And went to another 7 Eleven about a mile down the road.

 

[DisneyFan32WI]

Well, I just had to make a complaint to 7 Eleven.

There's a new 7 Eleven location near the college, it just opened last week. I went into the store this afternoon (New Year's Day) to buy a soda and a snack. Other than the clerk and the security guard I was the only person in the store.

It's a small store, only 3 aisles. It was very obvious that the security guard was following me around. She made me so uncomfortable that I put my merchandise down and left the store. And went to another 7 Eleven about a mile down the road.

You should've said something like, "May I help you?"

 

[Jennasis]

What 7-11 has a security guard??

 

[goofyintoronto]

Sorry but i dont find that very unusual. I've seen it at other 7/11's and convenient stores. perhaps that store had a high rate of robberies. Best solution is to either stop going there, or confront the guard i suppose. not sure how that would help thou.

 

[Lorelei Lee]

Sorry but i dont find that very unusual. I've seen it at other 7/11's and convenient stores. perhaps that store had a high rate of robberies. Best solution is to either stop going there, or confront the guard i suppose. not sure how that would help thou.

Brand new store, opened this week, so no prior history of problems. None of the other 7 Eleven stores in the area even have security guards. I suppose they are anticipating issues because they are near the college.

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

Brand new store, opened this week, so no prior history of problems. None of the other 7 Eleven stores in the area even have security guards. I suppose they are anticipating issues because they are near the college.

So, it's a new guy in a new job. His job is to make himself look busy and keep an eye on customers, but he's only got one customer, which makes it awkward. He wants to look like he's doing something because he's aware that some people think his job is unneeded, but his eagerness comes across as creepy.

I'd give him the benefit of the doubt. Next time start a conversation. "What do you think, pecan praline or maple walnut?" or "Slow day, huh?" Maybe it won't feel as awkward. Plus it would probably attract the cashier's eyes which, in the very unlikely event the guard was thinking of something inappropriate, would make it even more unlikely that he'd act on those thoughts.

 

[willowsnn3]

It's not unusual but is kinda aggravating to an honest person.
I'm the type, no matter what store I go in, I have to look at everything they have to offer and to touch most of it, lol.
There is a Rite-Aid store close to my house & one time I saw in their ad that they had my brand of toilet tissue 12pk on sale. I stopped in, didn't get a cart but went in search of the product to make sure they had it available & then proceeded to walk around the whole store looking at everything before going back to that area to get the tp cause I didn't want to carry it around while looking. They had a security guard that followed me around the whole store. I finally went to the check out then realized there was something else I wanted so I just got a cart & walked around the store some more, lol.

 

[Handbag Lady]

Oh, I hate that. I would have done the same thing you did. Then, after I left, I would have gotten mad that I didn't just fart or something near her.

 

[CaliBear]

So, it's a new guy in a new job. His job is to make himself look busy and keep an eye on customers, but he's only got one customer, which makes it awkward. He wants to look like he's doing something because he's aware that some people think his job is unneeded, but his eagerness comes across as creepy.

I'd give him the benefit of the doubt. Next time start a conversation. "What do you think, pecan praline or maple walnut?" or "Slow day, huh?" Maybe it won't feel as awkward. Plus it would probably attract the cashier's eyes which, in the very unlikely event the guard was thinking of something inappropriate, would make it even more unlikely that he'd act on those thoughts.

This is what I would think and do too. The guard was probably bored. I would have struck a conversation to ease any tension. I'd much prefer too much attention in a store than being in one where no one can be found or the clerk is too busy talking either to coworkers or on his/her cell to help me. At least the guard was trying to do something.

 

[pixiewings71]

Bummer that you felt that way, I would have smiled at the guard and said something, maybe "can I help you?" or "hi, how are you today?" or even "happy holidays" at this time of year, but I can see how it would have made you uncomfortable.

 

[Lionqueen2]

I know people are different, but in that situation, I would have just picked up what I wanted, gone to the cashier and paid for it. Then, I would have left and not thought another thing about it.

Convenience stores near colleges have frequent incidences of theft so I can understand the store employing a security guard. What's sad is that the reason the security guard needs to be there in the first place.

 

[Jennasis]

Maybe you're shifty lookin'?

 

[Lorelei Lee]

Maybe you're shifty lookin'?

LOL. Yeah, I was planning to stuff as many bags of chips as I could into my little Kate Spade purse.

 

[sunshinehighway]

He's probably new and was either trying to look busy or overzealous in his new job. I probably would have been annoyed and wouldn't go back. I don't like being made to feel uncomfortable or like a criminal. They are other store I can go to.

 

[Disneychix]

I probably wouldn't have left. That wouldn't be worth the effort. If there was only 3 aisles how much walking around were you doing?

I would chalk it up to new employees/new business. Maybe it wasn't a real security guard but an overzealous owner? Maybe they were watching you and the new worker behind the register? Maybe they are seeing how the worker deals with people in the store.

 

[Schmeck]

I would have been thrilled to have a security guard near me at a 7-11. Those places scare me!

You actually complained that the security guard was looking at you?

 

[Alesia]

LOL. Yeah, I was planning to stuff as many bags of chips as I could into my little Kate Spade purse.

Thieves carry over-priced handbags, too.

 

[luvsJack]

I can understand your frustration at being followed around, OP. It happened to me once at Dillards.

I took 4 or 5 8th grade boys with me to the mall to find clothes for their 8th grade graduation. When we went into the men's department, one of the sales people started following (not asking if he could help us, just following). The boys were sort of walking beside and behind me so I am not sure the guy could see me (the boys all towered over me) but it still bothered me.

He then continued to follow us all the way through the store and to the door to the mall. When we got to the door, I stopped, turned around and said something to him.

I asked me exactly why did he think he needed to follow us. He tried to say he thought we needed help. "oh, so you can help me with the lingerie dept. you followed us past, or maybe you know something about make up"? He apologized.


I don't have an issue with any store personnel or security watching for theft, but there is a right way and a wrong way to do it and when you are insulting customers or making them uncomfortable then the way its being done needs to change.

3 aisles in a store does not require "following around".

 

[Lorelei Lee]

Thieves carry over-priced handbags, too.

Yes, but the profile is for the thief to have a larger bag to hold the stolen merchandise. My little purse was hardly big enough for my wallet and my phone.

 

[Lorelei Lee]

Did you mention in your complaint you were a lawyer?

No, sweetie, I thought I'd leave that detail out, but thanks for the suggestion.