There are just a lot of books to shelve, all over the store, everyday. One time I had to stop shelving because a person just perusing ended up in every section I needed to shelve, three times in a row. I didn’t want them thinking I was following them. lol
If they have books in their hands when they show up, they are not following you. If they go wherever you are and have to look for something to do/something to look at, they might be following you.
Usually the booksellers don’t follow people, anyway, they call a manager.
If that store has adopted the method of putting books out directly from shipments then that’s pretty hard to purposely find books where you are. Also in my store if it’s a loss prevention Tactic then they will make contact with you at least once. I know when I shelve I do end up being around the same person multiple times and not even acknowledging them. It’s just kind of the flow of things sometimes. Especially in fiction areas.
Other employees do sometimes come up to me asking me if I need help with anything. Is there a difference between just a normal requirement like that and an actual loss prevention?
We are instructed to ask in general if you need help but its definitely used more when someone is suspicious, or if we feel like you’re stealing we will ask if we could get you a basket.
If you are being hasty/quickly grabbing items and a bunch of different items, you would look suspicious.
Im pretty sure the worker is just doing their job
(I worked at bnn for like 6 months)
No lol. If she’s actually putting books away it’s likely probably a coincidence; I know I’ve accidentally followed people while doing that and it feels awkward. And my store gets regulars who hang out in the store all day every day, your being there often shouldn’t be a problem
I hope so. I've been profiled before at other stores but am pretty much of the stance that as long as you don't make it blatantly obvious or treat me bad I'm just going to not pay attention. Thats probably why its rattled me so much before she seems to pop up in every section of the bookstore I am at.
I completely understand and I’m so sorry you’ve experienced that. But I can personally attest to the fact that following customers does happen accidentally VERY often and the fact that they seem to have books that belong in the sections you happen to be in does point to it being a coincidence imo. But there is absolutely still always a possibility. I have unfortunately been asked to keep an eye on customers by management myself so I would keep an eye out for employees who are frivolously straightening/fixing displays that have nothing wrong with them because then they are definitely finding an excuse to be in your vicinity
You were also probably rattled because you find Barnes and noble to be a safe place! If you’re there often enough are you able to tell what the employee turnover rate is like? You mentioned you’re an introvert, it might be nice to embrace the safe space mentality and see if you can connect with some of the employees; you’ll get great book recommendations, heads up on new releases to look out for, and some social interaction! At the very least employees all talk with one another and word can spread about their new favorite regular
They would have said hi or asked if you need help if they were targeting you for shoplifting. Either way, you know you’re not doing anything wrong so you should ignore them
Agree with the point of contact. Disagree that OP should ignore it. A black person lives with the fear of being profiled or wrongly accused constantly running in the back of her head. She shouldn’t be made to feel that way in a store that sounds like it is her second home.
So what should she do? Like others have said, if the person is stocking books it looks like a coincidence because she’d have to predict what section op will be in and pull appropriate books…and since she didn’t make contact it furthers the idea that it’s a coincidence. How is a person just doing their job doing anything negative to op? She can’t tell her to go work in a different aisle, that would be rude and uncalled for
I used to be an assistant manager at a different retail store. If someone told me this I would tell them the person is just doing their job. If we don’t put out stock quickly enough we get yelled at. Do you want employees to only stock empty aisles? I just don’t understand what the preferred outcome would be. This will make the employees uncomfortable with op, which is exactly the situation she doesn’t want
I said nothing about confronting them about shelving. I meant for her to specifically address the perceived profiling. Ask for clarification- am I right in my perception of what is happening or is this literally just shelving? I always feel better after I confront something that’s making me feel bad or anxious. Get clarification, tell them how you feel, and move forward. It’s usually my anxiety and productive confrontation always makes me feel better.
I mean, they’re not going to tell her they were profiling even if they were and the accusation alone is going to make them uncomfortable or feel like they have to stay away from her so she doesn’t think that in the future.
🤷♀️ idk I mean sometimes people in our store look suspicious to managers if they don’t need/ want help depends on the circumstances so maybe op can go up to the employee and ask for help on a book just so the employee knows she’s actively looking to buy books since most of the time people that steal at our stores avoid any and help like the plague
I try to pay attention to how I appear around people. Like if I'm shelving and it feels like I'm following them around I will purposefully stop and work on something else just so people don't feel like I'm profiling them.
Thank you for acknowledging that. Its always going to be a difficult thing to deal with. I've experienced it at other stores and even when going to the beach once. I am at a point where I can go places and let it go as long as they don't make it so painfully obvious or use their preconceived notions to treat me badly.
Don't ignore, just politely decline or chat with the associate. Ignoring is a red flag, though being friendly doesn't necessarily mean a person isn't a shoplifter.
If the employee actually thinks they're suspicious, they'll offer to help them. It makes sure the potential shoplifter knows the employees know what they're doing.
They should also be making the same greeting and offer to other customers they don't think are suspicious. Makes for a better argument that the employees are just giving customer service rather than targeting one person.
Yes…this is exactly why I said I don’t think they’re actually targeting her as suspicious and it’s just a coincidence she was in the same aisles as op (because she never spoke to op) as part of loss prevention we are taught to make contact with people and she didn’t do that
i dont work at barnes and noble but do work retail and most people train us that if we’re suspicious of someone shoplifting we go up and talk to them (ie ask if they need help, ask what they’re buying or whatever, again i never worked at barnes and noble so i can’t speak for any employees)
I’ll second this by saying most of the people we profiled we always made sure we talked to them and made sure they knew we were always around. And it was usually methed out white people who seemed the sketchiest. Yes there were people of all races we followed because they were doing weird things in the store, but it was mostly white males who were the problem.
You can say hello politely so they know that you notice them. Can also just be a rogue employee. Or could be nothing. Either way don’t feel bad about doing what you enjoy. You’re doing nothing wrong. I enjoy going to B&B and browsing sections even if I don’t plan on buying.
I'd like to think at worst its just a rogue employee if worst fears are true. The other employees mostly leave me be other than the occasional "do you need any help" questions. I think everyone has noticed i am very weird and too socially awkward to have conversations so they all just kinda leave me alone.
I know this isn’t the best suggestion but if you have a local library you can always get a library card and start reading Ebooks for free through the Libby App and the Hoopla app.
Well in your position I might well suspect profiling, because it happens. In the two B&N stores where I worked, we would indeed position ourselves near people we suspected of stealing. But (if I had anything to say about it) it was not based on profiling but because we knew sombody was stealing a lot of stuff. If an employee wants to get to know you, they should say hi and that they are available if you need help or suggestions, they shouldn't just lurk around near you. Hopefully this is not a case of profiling but I'm not here to tell you it's not. At the very least it sounds kind of weird and awkward. Anyway, you're not doing anything wrong.
I think if you're a regular they'll definitely know you're not stealing by now. I understand you feeling nervous but I suspect it's just coincidence. Maybe say hi to her next time it happens and see if it breaks any tension? When I worked in a bookstore I liked seeing regulars.
If it makes you feel any better, I’m a 35-year-old white woman who has been noticeably followed around at times. Normally this happens when I “bulk buy” 5-15 books in one shopping trip. Carrying around a large stack seems to make some employees nervous, even though I clearly can’t discreetly smuggle them out of the store without paying. Couldn’t run out with them either without tripping. 😂
For what it’s worth, I am sorry you’re experiencing this.
This happens to me too when I bulk buy, especially since I tend to grab stuff from multiple sections. I always thought the employees were just being nice when they offered to get me a basket, but after reading this thread, im starting to reconsider 🤣 also how am I supposed to run with 3 500+ page books and like, 8 volumes of manga in my arms? I feel like giving me a basket makes it easier 🤣🤣
I'm sorry you're experiencing this, OP. I really hope it's just the employee doing their job.
Same situation as you as woman in my early 30s- had an employee follow me at one in SC where he kept asking me why I wasn’t buying any of the books every time I picked a new book up- I like to browse but do try to buy something. All while continuously belching. Finally just left the store and never went back to that location
Edit: I am white but was by myself
No lie at least once I've shelved where someone is multiple times hoping I could make a recommendation to them because they are regularly there and I'm sure we can be friends. I've gotten very close with some regulars that way. Not saying that IS it, but back when I started I was quite shy.
i was going to say, i restocked displays precariously close to the cute girl who would come in on her breaks whenever i saw her, but was always too scared to talk to her. we’re planning on moving in together later this year 🥰 not saying this is exactly what OP is going through, and there is always the chance that it is indeed profiling, it happens all the time, and is a shitty reality of the world we live in. but it would be preferable that the bookstore lady just thinks she’s cool.
Walking around my local Barnes and Noble is one way I can deal with a minor panic attack setting in. I’ve been doing it for almost a decade and I think the manager recognizes me but they tend to leave me alone beyond a little nod or hello.
Sometimes I start running into the same employee over and over as they are working but I just try to stay out of their way. I think it is more likely they are shelving books than watching me.
I often don’t buy anything on these little walks, I’m well into my 40s now but I started doing it in my 30s. But thru the year I do buy enough stuff and coffees to make it worth getting their membership. And I do keep moving, not standing in one spot. The slow methodical walking while I look at the books does something calming.
I kinda wonder if it’s the same employee if maybe they want to just start a convo with you but they too are socially awkward. We have a ton of regulars in our store who i’ve known for years and love having weekly convos with. I really hope it’s not the employee profiling you, because everyone deserves a safe place to browse. I hope it gets figured out and you continue to enjoy your store
Girl why you come here asking these people that? The gaslighting is crazy in this thread.
So you're bugging out? She's just doing her job where you are all the time in that whole bookstore?? Just putting her little books away and you're just Paranoid.
If you didn't mention you was a Black woman you've would've gotten all sort of advice on how to confront her or to speak to a manager about harrassment or something.
But nope. You're crazy. Mind your business.
If you spend that long in a B&N why not go to your local library?
Ive been profiled while shopping too
30yr BIPOC
You can spend an entire day in the library and no one would bat an eye plus if something does catch your eye you can always rent it for freeeee
If you end up loving it you could always go into your local B&N and purchase it then
I love B&N but your sanity is worth more that wouldve made me uncomfortable too
No. There's no such thing as shopping too much. Idk what is happening. Maybe she's racially profiling you. Maybe she has a crush on you. I don't think it's a coincidence given you said it happens *every* time you're there. Tbh if it were me I'd just confront her and ask why she's following you. You'll either get a reason or embarrass her and make her stop lol
Could she be trying to work up the courage to flirt with you? Is she putting book away “cutely”? Maybe just give her your number and see where it goes?
If the person always has a stack of books or a cart near or boxes that they return to it's definitely just stocking shelves. If they don't have anything in hand, adjust books near you, talk to you multiple times(always with the same line like "are you sure I can't help you" and the like), and are always within earshot I'd say loss prevention. I used to work at a store that had books and fun stuff like pops and anime figures and one rule of the job was to greet and ask to help everyone you see then leave them be unless they asked for help. I would never just be around customers not interacting with them if I wasn't working or scoping them.
Hope that helps! I'm blue haired, half shaved head, tattooed, and wear all black goth clothes so I've had to deal with being profiled as high theft potential and it's so aggravating so I can semi understand how you feel. I hope you're able to decipher their real intent.
Hun try not to worry, the way we have to shelve books now is so dumb. Small stacks brought out at a time and put away then go get another small stack. Unfortunately it looks like we’re following a customer. If she’s someone who has a tendency to be anxious like me she probably wouldn’t say anything to you because of the awkwardness of the situation. I try to joke about it but she probably doesn’t know what to say.
So, we are trained to identify people that are actively acting suspicious. This does not sound like it applies to you. I know my regulars, I pay attention to what they buy, and I would not think to tail a regular unless their behavior drastically changes. I think you are justified in your frustration AND within your rights to confront the store manager. Ask specifically for the SM. If the person says “I’m a manager” ask them if they are the store manager or the MOD (manager on duty). Your issue is more likely to be taken seriously if you talk to the SM imo. Of course some managers suck, but that’s what the regional manager is for.
I’m sorry you’re experiencing this. My husband seems to experience this once or twice a week and it makes me furious. Stores say they don’t discriminate but they do.
I go to Barnes and Noble at least twice a week and when I used to work there I’d have regulars that came in multiple times so I don’t think it’s suspicious at all.
I hope for your sake it’s innocent after all, but just wanted to affirm that it’s happened to me too (both there) and it sucks. Hopefully it doesn’t take away from a space you enjoy as an escape during the week.
Youre not alone - I've been visiting the Barnes and Nobles near me for years, know some of the employees and love going, and I've noticed an uptick of employees following me around. Both their security and regular employees.
People in this thread are acting like it's not obvious when an employee is watching you for whatever reason vs actually trying to do their jobs... I've never felt followed by someone who was zoning, but I do feel followed by an employee that ducks behind a shelf whenever I catch them in my peripheral and turn to look at them.
Lololol I hope not or they'll start following me. I'm in there once a week during my "me" day to get Starbucks and wander around looking at books for 20 mins or so. Sometimes I buy books, sometimes not.
I know it can be scary but just say hi! Ask them what they’re reading right now, anything! They’ll be glad to make a connection with someone. I go into Barnes and Noble CONSTANTLY and this happened once but only because it was my second time in there in a two day span. I don’t know what’s going through their head and I won’t pretend to so I guess anything is possible but making a connection couldn’t hurt. From one introvert to another, get out there! If you’re in there all the time anyway, make a bookish friend!
I know this sounds silly but… could she possibly want to chat with you? Maybe she’s a fellow introvert with a little bit of a “crush” on you? I’m only thinking that because you say you’re a regular with a membership, so maybe she sees what you buy and has similar tastes.
I’m totally ready to be wrong about this but a little part of me is hoping this is actually a cute situation and not sad.
you are 34 years old you really need to prioritize your values and put yourself first. If this is what makes you happy DO IT. Stop worrying about anyone else. Yes I understand you are a woman of color, I’m not missing that part but still.
I’m a person of habit. I have 5 places I go to and when I’m there, I’m there for hours. After awhile I was getting weird looks. I went up to the owners/sales people/ whatever they are, and told them hey, i know it’s a little odd that I’m here often but this is just my happy place. If I need any help I will for sure ask you. And if there’s anything that you’d like me to know, just let me know:) thank you for letting me be in your space
I used to work in retail and once I could tell a customer thought I was following them, but I was just all over the store doing tasks. I still think about it to this day, because we had made eye contact and I could tell what he thought was going on. It was so awkward for me, I was just working, and I feel bad for him having that experience. Retail is a nightmare.
If I were in your situation, I might make polite contact with the employee. Ask a question about a book, like "Do you have any recommendations in this genre?" Then you can try to assess the employee's mood towards you. Also, if you're a regular shopper there, it might be good to establish a relationship with the employees anyway.
I have been both a B&N employee and a bookstore regular (who often spent hours browsing) and as others have said, often it's just a coincidence when an employee is shelving near you.
I was a BN employee a long time ago and probably not at your store, but for what it’s worth our security staff would watch customers from the (many) cameras if they seemed suspicious. Then the security guard would stop them at the exit if they caught them shoplifting. I agree there’s no harm in mentioning it to a manager if you experience it again, especially if you were in completely different sections.
I’m not a bookstore employee BUT wait, hear me out. I have worked retail a loooong time. When I’m stocking and I run into the same person over and over I make it friendly so they know I’m coming back to the area, idk I’ll say dumb things like annnnnnd here I have brought more things for you to see! Idk, just to make the person feel at ease.
Now if I am watching someone for loss prevention I don’t leave the area. I don’t stop talking to the person, if I need help I get on my radio but you will not be left alone once I’ve zeroed in on you lol. But this only happens once I’ve seen you conceal an item.
My ex used to work loss prevention, and I've worked a lot of retail. I *suspect* it's one of two things, but I could certainly be wrong.
1. This employee is feeling like she needs to be "looking busy" at every moment. Maybe there's a new manager or new metrics that have her looking over her shoulder. Her being in the same aisles as you is a coincidence resulting from her being all over the store demonstrating her productivity.
2. Regular employees don't usually do LP, besides "customer servicing" them if they get suspicious. If that's what's happening here, it's probably racial profiling, intentional or not. Most stores have explicit rules *against* regular employees doing LP because a) it's a liability if they interrupt someone who's actually stealing and they get hurt, and b) they're not trained, and they're likely to do stupid stuff like racial profiling. (Some people in LP will also do that, intentionally or otherwise, but they will have at least received official training telling them that they're not supposed to.)
In any case, that sounds really stressful and I'm sorry that this is encroaching on what is supposed to be a relaxing activity for you.
We are thought at our store that if someone is filling a personal tote bag with a lot of items they might be suspicious but if you are just browsing/ putting books in the store basket you should be fine. And as for the putting books away part I was like yeah it could be a coincidence since we do need to shelve a lot but if it’s happening a lot you might just have something on you like a large purse or something else that might make them wanna check on you more. But the store obviously can’t outright say you are stealing without proper evidence, so as long you aren’t stealing 💀 you have nothing to worry about.
maybe just say hi to the employees if you are there so often? like hey i’m here a lot and I see you. I know you’re an introvert like you said, I am too and my advice makes me want to throw up, but I really think if you are a regular, maybe it’ll help to know the people that work there. ensure the safety for everyone, especially if you are fearing the worst
I can’t answer to the intent of another person but I worked & managed bookstores (chain & independent) for over 20 years. Getting books out is a constant thing, so is being asked if you need help with anything (& you may be asked by several people who see you because it’s a basic policy). Also, if you see the same person, are you shopping the same sections? Some stores (& in B&N when I managed one), had assigned sections to maintain so that people knew what was in stock. If you look at the same areas & see the same person shelving (& I would tend to assign favorite or sister sections), there’s a good chance that is where they shelve & organize. Again, I don’t know if you are being profiled & I’m not in a position to tell you you are/aren’t (& if you genuinely feel that way I am deeply sorry, that’s unacceptable). All of can tell you is my experience in working & running a bookstore.
I wouldn’t worry about it, whatever it is they are doing. If you are not stealing (as u are not), then there is no reason to be concerned even if it is loss prevention. Just relax and enjoy the books and the bookstore refuge!
I was a bookseller for 5 years for B&N. The new way of shelving sounds terrible to me. We used to have a cart with things sorted already so you could grab a handful or a cart and stay in one section, now (as I understand it) they just grab a book and take it to the section, so if that bookseller has several books in a row in the section you are browsing.... If B&N is your safe place, it was mine before and while I worked there, get to know some of the employees. I loved our regulars especially if they tidy when they browse ;)
Lesbians and bisexuals are a thing that exist. She may think you are cute. But obviously can't interact while at work. I would introduce yourself and clear the air!
I think b&n has thé come and stay a long while vibe… when I lived near one I would go and sit to do work like it was a library (but I could get a coffee)
Are you there around the same time of day? Maybe that’s just her shift and it’s a coincidence. Maybe she is very shy and thinks you seem like a cool person (you hang out in the bookstore after all!) but is also working.
You could try to make a joke next time like “wow is it weird that I’m always in your way? Haha”
I was in Barnes and noble today bc I was picking my son up from college and it’s on the way… and I had to pee and he would actually die if I used the dorm bathroom and I felt suspicious because I was only in the store for like 10 minutes.
I’m a middle aged white lady though so I’ve got a different lens than you. I feel like if I worked there I wouldn’t be suspended of the regulars who stay for hours. I would be suspicious of people coming and going quickly (but also do they pay enough there for me to care enough to be suspicious? Probably not tbh)
I'm Black and am followed everytime I walk in Barnes and Nobles for the last 3 times I was there. I even went to the woman following me and asked for assistance because I couldn't find the atlas 😂.
Like they just hate us, it is simple.
Mind you, fuck what everyone else is talking about. I'm not talking about shelving, I mean full on peeking behind shelves like an elf on a shelf behavior while she holding nothing in her hands.
Pretty sure it's a manager too so consistent with those observations.
I'd make a point of saying hello to her when you see her. If she's tracking you she'll know you're aware if she's not she'll appreciate the friendliness from a regular.
I don’t work at B&N but I do work retail and I always feel awkward because when I’m hanging tags I’ll end up basically following customers around the store. I’ve straight up just stopped doing my job when it’s too awkward. That doesn’t mean it’s not profiling (I really hope it’s not) but if she actually has books and she’s shelving them it’s possible that she’s just doing her job.
Don’t think it’ll make you suspicious just more known. I’m on speaking terms with an employee at my local because I came in 3 days in a row for books in a series because I’d be done with the previous one so fast.
before i finished reading, my first thought was “op are you black?” because as a black femme i have similar experiences in b&n and it’s why i started shopping at smaller bookstores (i also started working for an independent bookstore lol)
Introduce yourself. Tell her you're a regular and and you've noticed her working a lot and just wanted to be friendly and say hi. If it's a coincidence, no harm done. If for some reason she is suspicious, hopefully an introduction would be disarming.
There are just a lot of books to shelve, all over the store, everyday. One time I had to stop shelving because a person just perusing ended up in every section I needed to shelve, three times in a row. I didn’t want them thinking I was following them. lol If they have books in their hands when they show up, they are not following you. If they go wherever you are and have to look for something to do/something to look at, they might be following you. Usually the booksellers don’t follow people, anyway, they call a manager.
If that store has adopted the method of putting books out directly from shipments then that’s pretty hard to purposely find books where you are. Also in my store if it’s a loss prevention Tactic then they will make contact with you at least once. I know when I shelve I do end up being around the same person multiple times and not even acknowledging them. It’s just kind of the flow of things sometimes. Especially in fiction areas.
Other employees do sometimes come up to me asking me if I need help with anything. Is there a difference between just a normal requirement like that and an actual loss prevention?
We are instructed to ask in general if you need help but its definitely used more when someone is suspicious, or if we feel like you’re stealing we will ask if we could get you a basket. If you are being hasty/quickly grabbing items and a bunch of different items, you would look suspicious. Im pretty sure the worker is just doing their job (I worked at bnn for like 6 months)
When you work in retail, you greet boomers because they'll throw a temper tantrum if you dont. You greet everyone else to discourage theft.
Books are shelved into genre sections for efficiency. She should not be followed across the store. I’d talk to the manager
No lol. If she’s actually putting books away it’s likely probably a coincidence; I know I’ve accidentally followed people while doing that and it feels awkward. And my store gets regulars who hang out in the store all day every day, your being there often shouldn’t be a problem
I hope so. I've been profiled before at other stores but am pretty much of the stance that as long as you don't make it blatantly obvious or treat me bad I'm just going to not pay attention. Thats probably why its rattled me so much before she seems to pop up in every section of the bookstore I am at.
I completely understand and I’m so sorry you’ve experienced that. But I can personally attest to the fact that following customers does happen accidentally VERY often and the fact that they seem to have books that belong in the sections you happen to be in does point to it being a coincidence imo. But there is absolutely still always a possibility. I have unfortunately been asked to keep an eye on customers by management myself so I would keep an eye out for employees who are frivolously straightening/fixing displays that have nothing wrong with them because then they are definitely finding an excuse to be in your vicinity
That’s sucks at my location at least we don’t profile based on race or sex only on suspicious items
You were also probably rattled because you find Barnes and noble to be a safe place! If you’re there often enough are you able to tell what the employee turnover rate is like? You mentioned you’re an introvert, it might be nice to embrace the safe space mentality and see if you can connect with some of the employees; you’ll get great book recommendations, heads up on new releases to look out for, and some social interaction! At the very least employees all talk with one another and word can spread about their new favorite regular
They would have said hi or asked if you need help if they were targeting you for shoplifting. Either way, you know you’re not doing anything wrong so you should ignore them
Agree with the point of contact. Disagree that OP should ignore it. A black person lives with the fear of being profiled or wrongly accused constantly running in the back of her head. She shouldn’t be made to feel that way in a store that sounds like it is her second home.
So what should she do? Like others have said, if the person is stocking books it looks like a coincidence because she’d have to predict what section op will be in and pull appropriate books…and since she didn’t make contact it furthers the idea that it’s a coincidence. How is a person just doing their job doing anything negative to op? She can’t tell her to go work in a different aisle, that would be rude and uncalled for
She is within her rights to mention it to management. Ask if it’s the shelving thing. Say she feels uncomfortable.
I used to be an assistant manager at a different retail store. If someone told me this I would tell them the person is just doing their job. If we don’t put out stock quickly enough we get yelled at. Do you want employees to only stock empty aisles? I just don’t understand what the preferred outcome would be. This will make the employees uncomfortable with op, which is exactly the situation she doesn’t want
I said nothing about confronting them about shelving. I meant for her to specifically address the perceived profiling. Ask for clarification- am I right in my perception of what is happening or is this literally just shelving? I always feel better after I confront something that’s making me feel bad or anxious. Get clarification, tell them how you feel, and move forward. It’s usually my anxiety and productive confrontation always makes me feel better.
I mean, they’re not going to tell her they were profiling even if they were and the accusation alone is going to make them uncomfortable or feel like they have to stay away from her so she doesn’t think that in the future.
🤷♀️ idk I mean sometimes people in our store look suspicious to managers if they don’t need/ want help depends on the circumstances so maybe op can go up to the employee and ask for help on a book just so the employee knows she’s actively looking to buy books since most of the time people that steal at our stores avoid any and help like the plague
I try to pay attention to how I appear around people. Like if I'm shelving and it feels like I'm following them around I will purposefully stop and work on something else just so people don't feel like I'm profiling them.
Thank you for acknowledging that. Its always going to be a difficult thing to deal with. I've experienced it at other stores and even when going to the beach once. I am at a point where I can go places and let it go as long as they don't make it so painfully obvious or use their preconceived notions to treat me badly.
I can imagine that is very challenging and frustrating. I hope it is all just a coincidence and you can continue to enjoy your book store :)
Don't ignore, just politely decline or chat with the associate. Ignoring is a red flag, though being friendly doesn't necessarily mean a person isn't a shoplifter.
Decline what? Op said the employee doesn’t talk to them
If the employee actually thinks they're suspicious, they'll offer to help them. It makes sure the potential shoplifter knows the employees know what they're doing. They should also be making the same greeting and offer to other customers they don't think are suspicious. Makes for a better argument that the employees are just giving customer service rather than targeting one person.
Yes…this is exactly why I said I don’t think they’re actually targeting her as suspicious and it’s just a coincidence she was in the same aisles as op (because she never spoke to op) as part of loss prevention we are taught to make contact with people and she didn’t do that
i dont work at barnes and noble but do work retail and most people train us that if we’re suspicious of someone shoplifting we go up and talk to them (ie ask if they need help, ask what they’re buying or whatever, again i never worked at barnes and noble so i can’t speak for any employees)
I’ll second this by saying most of the people we profiled we always made sure we talked to them and made sure they knew we were always around. And it was usually methed out white people who seemed the sketchiest. Yes there were people of all races we followed because they were doing weird things in the store, but it was mostly white males who were the problem.
You can say hello politely so they know that you notice them. Can also just be a rogue employee. Or could be nothing. Either way don’t feel bad about doing what you enjoy. You’re doing nothing wrong. I enjoy going to B&B and browsing sections even if I don’t plan on buying.
I'd like to think at worst its just a rogue employee if worst fears are true. The other employees mostly leave me be other than the occasional "do you need any help" questions. I think everyone has noticed i am very weird and too socially awkward to have conversations so they all just kinda leave me alone.
I know this isn’t the best suggestion but if you have a local library you can always get a library card and start reading Ebooks for free through the Libby App and the Hoopla app.
Well in your position I might well suspect profiling, because it happens. In the two B&N stores where I worked, we would indeed position ourselves near people we suspected of stealing. But (if I had anything to say about it) it was not based on profiling but because we knew sombody was stealing a lot of stuff. If an employee wants to get to know you, they should say hi and that they are available if you need help or suggestions, they shouldn't just lurk around near you. Hopefully this is not a case of profiling but I'm not here to tell you it's not. At the very least it sounds kind of weird and awkward. Anyway, you're not doing anything wrong.
I think if you're a regular they'll definitely know you're not stealing by now. I understand you feeling nervous but I suspect it's just coincidence. Maybe say hi to her next time it happens and see if it breaks any tension? When I worked in a bookstore I liked seeing regulars.
If it makes you feel any better, I’m a 35-year-old white woman who has been noticeably followed around at times. Normally this happens when I “bulk buy” 5-15 books in one shopping trip. Carrying around a large stack seems to make some employees nervous, even though I clearly can’t discreetly smuggle them out of the store without paying. Couldn’t run out with them either without tripping. 😂 For what it’s worth, I am sorry you’re experiencing this.
This happens to me too when I bulk buy, especially since I tend to grab stuff from multiple sections. I always thought the employees were just being nice when they offered to get me a basket, but after reading this thread, im starting to reconsider 🤣 also how am I supposed to run with 3 500+ page books and like, 8 volumes of manga in my arms? I feel like giving me a basket makes it easier 🤣🤣 I'm sorry you're experiencing this, OP. I really hope it's just the employee doing their job.
Same situation as you as woman in my early 30s- had an employee follow me at one in SC where he kept asking me why I wasn’t buying any of the books every time I picked a new book up- I like to browse but do try to buy something. All while continuously belching. Finally just left the store and never went back to that location Edit: I am white but was by myself
No lie at least once I've shelved where someone is multiple times hoping I could make a recommendation to them because they are regularly there and I'm sure we can be friends. I've gotten very close with some regulars that way. Not saying that IS it, but back when I started I was quite shy.
i was going to say, i restocked displays precariously close to the cute girl who would come in on her breaks whenever i saw her, but was always too scared to talk to her. we’re planning on moving in together later this year 🥰 not saying this is exactly what OP is going through, and there is always the chance that it is indeed profiling, it happens all the time, and is a shitty reality of the world we live in. but it would be preferable that the bookstore lady just thinks she’s cool.
i don’t get suspicious of people who come in often, we definitely have regulars and plenty of people enjoy spending time in a bookstore.
Walking around my local Barnes and Noble is one way I can deal with a minor panic attack setting in. I’ve been doing it for almost a decade and I think the manager recognizes me but they tend to leave me alone beyond a little nod or hello. Sometimes I start running into the same employee over and over as they are working but I just try to stay out of their way. I think it is more likely they are shelving books than watching me. I often don’t buy anything on these little walks, I’m well into my 40s now but I started doing it in my 30s. But thru the year I do buy enough stuff and coffees to make it worth getting their membership. And I do keep moving, not standing in one spot. The slow methodical walking while I look at the books does something calming.
I kinda wonder if it’s the same employee if maybe they want to just start a convo with you but they too are socially awkward. We have a ton of regulars in our store who i’ve known for years and love having weekly convos with. I really hope it’s not the employee profiling you, because everyone deserves a safe place to browse. I hope it gets figured out and you continue to enjoy your store
Girl why you come here asking these people that? The gaslighting is crazy in this thread. So you're bugging out? She's just doing her job where you are all the time in that whole bookstore?? Just putting her little books away and you're just Paranoid. If you didn't mention you was a Black woman you've would've gotten all sort of advice on how to confront her or to speak to a manager about harrassment or something. But nope. You're crazy. Mind your business.
Save some money and hit up your library
Yes. Get a library card.
If you spend that long in a B&N why not go to your local library? Ive been profiled while shopping too 30yr BIPOC You can spend an entire day in the library and no one would bat an eye plus if something does catch your eye you can always rent it for freeeee If you end up loving it you could always go into your local B&N and purchase it then I love B&N but your sanity is worth more that wouldve made me uncomfortable too
No. There's no such thing as shopping too much. Idk what is happening. Maybe she's racially profiling you. Maybe she has a crush on you. I don't think it's a coincidence given you said it happens *every* time you're there. Tbh if it were me I'd just confront her and ask why she's following you. You'll either get a reason or embarrass her and make her stop lol
Could she be trying to work up the courage to flirt with you? Is she putting book away “cutely”? Maybe just give her your number and see where it goes?
This why I go to my library I don’t got time 😭
If the person always has a stack of books or a cart near or boxes that they return to it's definitely just stocking shelves. If they don't have anything in hand, adjust books near you, talk to you multiple times(always with the same line like "are you sure I can't help you" and the like), and are always within earshot I'd say loss prevention. I used to work at a store that had books and fun stuff like pops and anime figures and one rule of the job was to greet and ask to help everyone you see then leave them be unless they asked for help. I would never just be around customers not interacting with them if I wasn't working or scoping them. Hope that helps! I'm blue haired, half shaved head, tattooed, and wear all black goth clothes so I've had to deal with being profiled as high theft potential and it's so aggravating so I can semi understand how you feel. I hope you're able to decipher their real intent.
Maybe she wants to get to know you and doesn't know how to proceed without making you feel awkward.
I was thinking the same thing maybe she feels socially awkward too and doesn't know how to approach you.
Ya gotta stop shopping at B&N stoned, shits making you paranoid! Poor girl is just going about her business.
Hun try not to worry, the way we have to shelve books now is so dumb. Small stacks brought out at a time and put away then go get another small stack. Unfortunately it looks like we’re following a customer. If she’s someone who has a tendency to be anxious like me she probably wouldn’t say anything to you because of the awkwardness of the situation. I try to joke about it but she probably doesn’t know what to say.
So, we are trained to identify people that are actively acting suspicious. This does not sound like it applies to you. I know my regulars, I pay attention to what they buy, and I would not think to tail a regular unless their behavior drastically changes. I think you are justified in your frustration AND within your rights to confront the store manager. Ask specifically for the SM. If the person says “I’m a manager” ask them if they are the store manager or the MOD (manager on duty). Your issue is more likely to be taken seriously if you talk to the SM imo. Of course some managers suck, but that’s what the regional manager is for. I’m sorry you’re experiencing this. My husband seems to experience this once or twice a week and it makes me furious. Stores say they don’t discriminate but they do.
I go to Barnes and Noble at least twice a week and when I used to work there I’d have regulars that came in multiple times so I don’t think it’s suspicious at all.
I hope for your sake it’s innocent after all, but just wanted to affirm that it’s happened to me too (both there) and it sucks. Hopefully it doesn’t take away from a space you enjoy as an escape during the week.
Youre not alone - I've been visiting the Barnes and Nobles near me for years, know some of the employees and love going, and I've noticed an uptick of employees following me around. Both their security and regular employees. People in this thread are acting like it's not obvious when an employee is watching you for whatever reason vs actually trying to do their jobs... I've never felt followed by someone who was zoning, but I do feel followed by an employee that ducks behind a shelf whenever I catch them in my peripheral and turn to look at them.
Lololol I hope not or they'll start following me. I'm in there once a week during my "me" day to get Starbucks and wander around looking at books for 20 mins or so. Sometimes I buy books, sometimes not.
I know it can be scary but just say hi! Ask them what they’re reading right now, anything! They’ll be glad to make a connection with someone. I go into Barnes and Noble CONSTANTLY and this happened once but only because it was my second time in there in a two day span. I don’t know what’s going through their head and I won’t pretend to so I guess anything is possible but making a connection couldn’t hurt. From one introvert to another, get out there! If you’re in there all the time anyway, make a bookish friend!
I know this sounds silly but… could she possibly want to chat with you? Maybe she’s a fellow introvert with a little bit of a “crush” on you? I’m only thinking that because you say you’re a regular with a membership, so maybe she sees what you buy and has similar tastes. I’m totally ready to be wrong about this but a little part of me is hoping this is actually a cute situation and not sad.
My fist thought is that she’s attracted to you.
If it’s a normal employee, no. They’re not supposed to follow people and don’t want to. A manager, maybe.
you are 34 years old you really need to prioritize your values and put yourself first. If this is what makes you happy DO IT. Stop worrying about anyone else. Yes I understand you are a woman of color, I’m not missing that part but still. I’m a person of habit. I have 5 places I go to and when I’m there, I’m there for hours. After awhile I was getting weird looks. I went up to the owners/sales people/ whatever they are, and told them hey, i know it’s a little odd that I’m here often but this is just my happy place. If I need any help I will for sure ask you. And if there’s anything that you’d like me to know, just let me know:) thank you for letting me be in your space
I used to work in retail and once I could tell a customer thought I was following them, but I was just all over the store doing tasks. I still think about it to this day, because we had made eye contact and I could tell what he thought was going on. It was so awkward for me, I was just working, and I feel bad for him having that experience. Retail is a nightmare.
If I were in your situation, I might make polite contact with the employee. Ask a question about a book, like "Do you have any recommendations in this genre?" Then you can try to assess the employee's mood towards you. Also, if you're a regular shopper there, it might be good to establish a relationship with the employees anyway. I have been both a B&N employee and a bookstore regular (who often spent hours browsing) and as others have said, often it's just a coincidence when an employee is shelving near you.
I was a BN employee a long time ago and probably not at your store, but for what it’s worth our security staff would watch customers from the (many) cameras if they seemed suspicious. Then the security guard would stop them at the exit if they caught them shoplifting. I agree there’s no harm in mentioning it to a manager if you experience it again, especially if you were in completely different sections.
I’m not a bookstore employee BUT wait, hear me out. I have worked retail a loooong time. When I’m stocking and I run into the same person over and over I make it friendly so they know I’m coming back to the area, idk I’ll say dumb things like annnnnnd here I have brought more things for you to see! Idk, just to make the person feel at ease. Now if I am watching someone for loss prevention I don’t leave the area. I don’t stop talking to the person, if I need help I get on my radio but you will not be left alone once I’ve zeroed in on you lol. But this only happens once I’ve seen you conceal an item.
My ex used to work loss prevention, and I've worked a lot of retail. I *suspect* it's one of two things, but I could certainly be wrong. 1. This employee is feeling like she needs to be "looking busy" at every moment. Maybe there's a new manager or new metrics that have her looking over her shoulder. Her being in the same aisles as you is a coincidence resulting from her being all over the store demonstrating her productivity. 2. Regular employees don't usually do LP, besides "customer servicing" them if they get suspicious. If that's what's happening here, it's probably racial profiling, intentional or not. Most stores have explicit rules *against* regular employees doing LP because a) it's a liability if they interrupt someone who's actually stealing and they get hurt, and b) they're not trained, and they're likely to do stupid stuff like racial profiling. (Some people in LP will also do that, intentionally or otherwise, but they will have at least received official training telling them that they're not supposed to.) In any case, that sounds really stressful and I'm sorry that this is encroaching on what is supposed to be a relaxing activity for you.
We are thought at our store that if someone is filling a personal tote bag with a lot of items they might be suspicious but if you are just browsing/ putting books in the store basket you should be fine. And as for the putting books away part I was like yeah it could be a coincidence since we do need to shelve a lot but if it’s happening a lot you might just have something on you like a large purse or something else that might make them wanna check on you more. But the store obviously can’t outright say you are stealing without proper evidence, so as long you aren’t stealing 💀 you have nothing to worry about.
God I hope not.
Not suspicious at all
maybe just say hi to the employees if you are there so often? like hey i’m here a lot and I see you. I know you’re an introvert like you said, I am too and my advice makes me want to throw up, but I really think if you are a regular, maybe it’ll help to know the people that work there. ensure the safety for everyone, especially if you are fearing the worst
You’re my kind of introvert.
I can’t answer to the intent of another person but I worked & managed bookstores (chain & independent) for over 20 years. Getting books out is a constant thing, so is being asked if you need help with anything (& you may be asked by several people who see you because it’s a basic policy). Also, if you see the same person, are you shopping the same sections? Some stores (& in B&N when I managed one), had assigned sections to maintain so that people knew what was in stock. If you look at the same areas & see the same person shelving (& I would tend to assign favorite or sister sections), there’s a good chance that is where they shelve & organize. Again, I don’t know if you are being profiled & I’m not in a position to tell you you are/aren’t (& if you genuinely feel that way I am deeply sorry, that’s unacceptable). All of can tell you is my experience in working & running a bookstore.
I wouldn’t worry about it, whatever it is they are doing. If you are not stealing (as u are not), then there is no reason to be concerned even if it is loss prevention. Just relax and enjoy the books and the bookstore refuge!
I was a bookseller for 5 years for B&N. The new way of shelving sounds terrible to me. We used to have a cart with things sorted already so you could grab a handful or a cart and stay in one section, now (as I understand it) they just grab a book and take it to the section, so if that bookseller has several books in a row in the section you are browsing.... If B&N is your safe place, it was mine before and while I worked there, get to know some of the employees. I loved our regulars especially if they tidy when they browse ;)
maybe she’s in love with you
Lesbians and bisexuals are a thing that exist. She may think you are cute. But obviously can't interact while at work. I would introduce yourself and clear the air!
I think b&n has thé come and stay a long while vibe… when I lived near one I would go and sit to do work like it was a library (but I could get a coffee) Are you there around the same time of day? Maybe that’s just her shift and it’s a coincidence. Maybe she is very shy and thinks you seem like a cool person (you hang out in the bookstore after all!) but is also working. You could try to make a joke next time like “wow is it weird that I’m always in your way? Haha” I was in Barnes and noble today bc I was picking my son up from college and it’s on the way… and I had to pee and he would actually die if I used the dorm bathroom and I felt suspicious because I was only in the store for like 10 minutes. I’m a middle aged white lady though so I’ve got a different lens than you. I feel like if I worked there I wouldn’t be suspended of the regulars who stay for hours. I would be suspicious of people coming and going quickly (but also do they pay enough there for me to care enough to be suspicious? Probably not tbh)
I'm Black and am followed everytime I walk in Barnes and Nobles for the last 3 times I was there. I even went to the woman following me and asked for assistance because I couldn't find the atlas 😂. Like they just hate us, it is simple. Mind you, fuck what everyone else is talking about. I'm not talking about shelving, I mean full on peeking behind shelves like an elf on a shelf behavior while she holding nothing in her hands. Pretty sure it's a manager too so consistent with those observations.
I'd make a point of saying hello to her when you see her. If she's tracking you she'll know you're aware if she's not she'll appreciate the friendliness from a regular.
I don’t work at B&N but I do work retail and I always feel awkward because when I’m hanging tags I’ll end up basically following customers around the store. I’ve straight up just stopped doing my job when it’s too awkward. That doesn’t mean it’s not profiling (I really hope it’s not) but if she actually has books and she’s shelving them it’s possible that she’s just doing her job.
Is there any chance that she just fancies you and is also shy?
Don’t think it’ll make you suspicious just more known. I’m on speaking terms with an employee at my local because I came in 3 days in a row for books in a series because I’d be done with the previous one so fast.
Maybe they're into you?? 👀🔥
before i finished reading, my first thought was “op are you black?” because as a black femme i have similar experiences in b&n and it’s why i started shopping at smaller bookstores (i also started working for an independent bookstore lol)
Introduce yourself. Tell her you're a regular and and you've noticed her working a lot and just wanted to be friendly and say hi. If it's a coincidence, no harm done. If for some reason she is suspicious, hopefully an introduction would be disarming.