Burlington — Attraction in Alhambra

Title: A Disturbing Experience: When Shopping Turns into Profiling and Harassment

Recently, I had a shopping experience that left me feeling disheartened and frustrated. It started out as a simple trip to spend some money on items I had been looking forward to purchasing. However, what unfolded was a stark reminder of the discriminatory practices that still exist in our society, particularly against LGBTQIA+ individuals.

As I entered the store, I was excited to browse and support a business that I believed was inclusive. However, my excitement quickly turned to anxiety when I noticed loss prevention staff watching me closely. It was subtle at first—a glance here, a whispered conversation there. But it escalated to the point where I felt like I was being profiled solely based on my appearance and the way I express my identity and sadly to the extent that I had their loss prevention slam into my cart with another cart while trying to look as if what he was doing was his job duty.

Despite my intentions to spend a good amount of money, I was met with an atmosphere that made me feel unwelcome. The loss prevention staff followed me around the store, their eyes fixed on me as if I was a potential thief rather than a customer. It was disheartening to think that my presence could be viewed as suspicious simply because I don’t fit into traditional gender norms.

When I attempted to approach a staff member for assistance, hoping they could help me find specific items, I was met with indifference. Instead of receiving the help I needed, I was dismissed and ignored. It felt as though my request for assistance was too much to ask for, especially given the discomfort I was already experiencing. The lack of support only amplified my feelings of exclusion and harassment.

This experience is a painful reminder of how pervasive discriminatory practices can be, particularly in retail spaces. It raises the question: how many others have faced similar treatment? Shopping should be a joyful experience for everyone, regardless of their identity. Yet, I found myself questioning whether I would return to this store, knowing that my presence was met with suspicion rather than respect.

As consumers, we have the power to demand better from businesses. We deserve to shop in environments that celebrate diversity and inclusion rather than perpetuate harmful stereotypes. It’s crucial for companies to train their staff on sensitivity and inclusivity, ensuring that every customer feels valued and safe.

In sharing this experience, I hope to raise awareness about the importance of creating welcoming spaces for all individuals, regardless of their background. We all deserve to shop without fear of profiling or harassment—let’s stand together to advocate for change.

Please think twice before even entering this place. Shame on...

I have been to this store many times . I never made it a big deal how they treat you walking in . Seems like your guilty walking through the doors . I notices when I had passed through and was looking around at backpacks downstairs, lost prevention was eyeing me for no reason I felt very uncomfortable. I walked upstairs to finish my shopping. As I was getting to check out at the counter I had the cashier hold my items to run back downstairs to grab a backpack I was eyeing . Once again lost prevention was dogging again . I ran back up waited in line, the cashier scanned and bagged my items, I paid for my items and proceeded to walk out downstairs to the exit . As I walked to the exit and reach the lost prevention associate. I could tell the lost prevention associate was looking for something because he just grabbed my bag and dropped on the floor start ripping everything out and tell me that I didn't pay for several things. The lost prevention Made me feel like I was a criminal. I told had him that the associate upstairs bagged it. And I have a big bag. I spent $250. He's Mistakenly told me that I didn't pay for some shoes a backpack , these kid straws and a cheap car mount IT didn't seem like he didn't know how to read the receipt. He should not be working his job if he does not know how to read the receipts back to training with this guy. It took him ,a manager to figure out what I was missing. The cashier forgot to Check out, but probably 10 bucks worth of stuff. He was Accusing me of stealing shoes and other items like a backpack Straight up embarrassing and should be absolutely appalled by your associates Behavior on how to treat people, especially A customer who just spent that much money. No empathy or Remorse stereotyping me , they held my stuff like I was some criminal. He had the nerve to pull the things aside that he thought I didn't pay for or tried to steal in his eyes and just gave me my stuff so I can just walk out. I was so offended. The Manger than check me out at a closed counter for the 2 items missed by the cashier. My problem was The way they handled the situation very unprofessional. The worst experience I've ever had shopping. Beware of this place, you will not have a good experience. I will be getting in contact with corporate on...

So, my recent visit was a rather hesitant one , seeing as how i dislike shopping altogether at any clothing retail department. I dislike long lines, large crowds, and hardly come out finding anything i initially go into stores for. However, this was my first visit to Burlington Alhambra, and i actually found shoes, shirts, and surpringly found some insoles, at an amazing price! Nothing i purchased was opened, damaged, or defective. There was a somewhat lengthy purchase line, but when reaching the cashier (I believe her name was Christie) she was surprisingly upbeat, had a friendly and welcoming smile, and she was exceptionally efficient in regards to her work flow/pace. She seemed to me, more knowledgeable than ANY emoloyee I've had ring me up, in quite a while at ALL stores i frequently visit. She is what i would consider to be a focused, dedicated, and essential worker to any company! My opinion...she deserves a raise; based on my experience and what was seemingly natural, to me, an uncommon but much needed in more places, a proper work ethic. An asset to any business! I will DEFINITELY be visiting this location again once i have the need to visit a department store. Good job to this locations team and much praises to the young cashier who rang me up. Keep up...