What started out as a normal trip to Barnes & Noble turned into something terrifying and concerning for one Florida woman. While shopping at the store, she was accused of stealing, resulting in the woman taking a stand and challenging the employees.
TikTok user Hendrix (TikTok/Jerlieyha) had been shopping at the Barnes & Noble in Altamonte Springs for CDs when, according to her, she had been followed about by an employee. Hendrix added in the caption of her video, “Lady followed me around the store and called for ‘backup.’ One of the managers came up to me and stated ‘We see you slipping cds in your bag.’” Hendrix then said she had opened her bag to show them that wasn’t the case.
In fact, in the video you can see Hendrix had the CDs in her hand, which she placed on the counter to open her bag. One of the employees tells her, “You’re good.” But Hendrix isn’t going to let the employee off the hook for calling her out for stealing. She accuses the employee in front of everyone else of being “racially profiled” and calls the staff “disrespectful.”
In the end, the Barnes & Noble employee gives her a half-hearted apology and tells her they’ll hold the CDs until her girlfriend gets there and she pays. Hendrix has had enough and states, “I don’t even want to purchase from you. That’s so crazy.” She starts to leave the store but then spins back around and asks, “Do you have a manager? I really don’t appreciate that.”
At this point, she’s crying and telling them that they have no idea how it “feels” to be profiled. They try to apologize and make her feel relaxed, saying, “You’re fine. You can still browse around the store.” Hendrix explains to them they made her “feel uncomfortable” because she “got selected” by an employee who spun a tale of thievery.
The employees try to defend their actions, saying they watch people who come into the store with bags. Hendrix dismisses that, responding with, “Everybody comes to the mall with a bag. You have to understand how that sounds.” It’s at this point she stops recording.
Florida citizens condemn Barnes & Noble’s employees, arguing they overstepped
People in the comment section of Hendrix’s TikTok video were overwhelmingly on her side. Not only did many viewers find the confrontation very uncomfortable and horrible, it appears the Barnes & Noble employees may have overstepped their duties.
A commenter claiming to currently work for Barnes & Noble gave insight on store policy. “We aren’t even supposed to approach people who r stealing,” they wrote. Others who worked in retail added to the thread, saying their policies are similar and to not engage someone who might be stealing.
One commenter was unconvinced by their lackluster apologies. “She said we’ll hold them the CDs. She’s still accusing you,” they wrote. It’s a very telling exchange. Actions speak louder than words! Another even pointed out the inconsistency with the employees. “As ppl WALK OUT THE STORE WITH BAGS.”
Aside from calling a lawyer, some viewers insisted Hendrix at least get in touch with corporate. At this time, this is the only video available, so it’s unclear if Hendrix will seek legal advice.
