Hobby Lobby — Local services in Duluth

This happened between 5-6pm on Saturday December 11th 2021

I just left feeling harassed and sick to my stomach.

I am very indecisive person and spent an hour in the painting isle. I had a budget of 70 dollars but some things I needed so I had to make sacrifices after my initial choices.

I was squatting to see the products on the bottom shelves (I’m 6’2 so it’s just easier for me to squat sometimes especially prolonged periods) and comparing lots of different paint brushes, feeling their bristles, colors, solvents, etc. One lady asked me if I needed a cart. I believe I checked my wallet and phone 2-3 times to double check how much cash I had and to see texts from my Mother.

I also helped an old lady find the right size and type of paint brushes for her project and was in a good mood.

Then I heard “security camera isle___(whatever one I was in)

Then four, yes 4 different employees came up to me within the next ten minutes asking “Finding everything alright?” Which after the 3rd time I just replied “Yes just putting back the things I am not buying”.

I did not at any point put any unpaid merchandise or anything besides my own belongings in my pockets or try to hide from the cameras.

They obviously flagged me and another employee hovered and pretended to look at brushes behind me..

I left feeling harassed and uncomfortable. It was hard for me not to say anything upon checking out like “Do you want to check my pockets?”.

I almost wanted someone to stop me on the way out just so they would feel bad.

I’m a tall person wearing a bright neon yellow green hoodie and overalls. Do they think a thief would have dressed so conspicuously? I’m aware I stick out like a sore thumb.

I’m not sure what else to say other than I left feeling upset and almost went back in to talk to a manager.

I was not intending to steal nor did I realize “they’re onto me!” and back off once...

Today at around 5:00, I was walking around the store and I put a pair of headphones in my bag. I did it in front of an associate or manager. I was on the other side of the store and I smiled at the same associate walking by me again. As I continued to walk, the associate stopped me to ask if the item I placed in my bag was mine. This made me uncomfortable and I showed her that it was my headphones and she said “okay” and kept walking. Now I understand that people steal all the time, but there are many people with purses in the store who place items in and out of their bags. She didn’t say sorry for her mistake and I was left wondering why I was asked. As I place my headphones in my bag, I watched the associate walk by and I didn’t stop what I was doing. Why would I steal in front of an employee. I also want to know what your policy is on asking customers these questions. This associate was an older woman and had a gold badge on. There was also another employee in front of her and they talked...

This place is a wonderful way of passing some time during this pandemic. Between my wife and me, we have lost 5 jobs since last March due to shutdowns and businesses running at bare minimum staffing. I am still looking for work and decided to head to Hobby Lobby to ease the COVID-19 headache and heartache. So, I found out information on woodworking, candle making and soap making and am currently sharpening my skills on all 3 to see if I can make some extra cash for my family. The staff at Hobby Lobby was great and stick to their guns with the proper distancing and face-masking laws. The manager there was very helpful with everyone getting checked out and seemed like one heck of a cheerful fella. 5 stars for a wonderful visit. I wouldn't necessarily say that they are exactly essential workers but I don't mean that in a bag way by any means. The goods they sell aren't exactly "needed" in the traditional sense. They are needed, however, for the sanity of those that are stuck at...