Tales from retail: Don’t make yourself at home!
- lydiaballart
- Mar 4
- 1 min read
I typically work the closing shift at one of Burbank’s largest box stores, and I’ve seen some unusual things; an ex-disney star live-streaming her shopping trip, multiple parking lot arrests, even a guy riding his motorcycle into the store.
All of these things, I can deal with. But the most annoying by far is the trend of setting up shop in a fitting room and making yourself at home.
It operates almost like a daycare. A girl will drop off her bored boyfriend while she shops. He’ll proceed to lock himself in a fitting room and loudly watch TV on his phone until she comes back to pick him up. Or a mom will drop off her kids. One mother even unpacked a load of blankets and left her newborn to nap on the floor.
And all this would be fine, if it weren’t for the mess left behind. Food wrappers, empty water bottles, even forgotten clothing.
I know it’s better than leaving your kid (or your bored boyfriend) in a hot car, but maybe next time just get a sitter.
This was funny but also kind of insane to picture. I’ve definitely seen people treat public places like their personal living room, but setting up a whole daycare situation in a fitting room is wild. I feel like retail workers probably see way more chaotic stuff than most people realize.
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve seen someone do in the store that made you stop and think “how is this actually happening right now?”
Wow! This is a surprising trend! But also sounds like some great stories that you could use to inspire a creative project.
Re making yourself at home in a fitting room… just when I thought I had heard it all! The thought has never crossed my mind!
Is this really a popular trend? I guess on some strange and inappropriate level it makes a little sense, but….
No. I can’t! I grew up when Malls were at their peak. Never even crossed my mind! That’s wild!