Had a weird experience at Ralphs in Santa Monica today.
Went in to grab a few things and after a couple minutes I noticed this one employee kept showing up in whatever aisle I was in. Didn’t think much of it at first. Then another one started doing the same thing.
I’d move to a different aisle and one of them would just be there. I’d stop to look at something and they’d stop nearby. Happened enough times that it was pretty obvious I was being watched.
No backpack, wasn’t acting weird, just shopping. Paid and left but it really stayed with me afterward.
I can’t prove why they were following me around. As a Black guy though it’s hard not to wonder if race was part of it. Just kinda wondering if anyone else has had this happen at Ralphs in Santa Monica or other grocery stores around LA.
That never happened to me. I might just not be as aware of my surroundings. I heard from friends that some of these stores do racial profiling. Feels a bit strange, as a lot of these shoplifters are white, middle age mothers and fathers.
I will try to pay a bit more attention now. If it ever happens, I happily report back. Don’t let that ruin you day.
It happened to me once at a market in Downtown. Not sure what the deal was. I just left the store once I noticed. Not spending my money where I feel like I pose a threat. That was the only time though. That lady was Asian as well.
I have the same feeling in SM sometimes. Not saying it wasn’t racial profiling in your case. In my case, I am just never sure if it’s a guy trying to flirt with me, a detective or if I am just more paranoid than others.
I would approach them the next time. Otherwise it gets to a point where shopping feels stressful.
I think my tattoos are like a magnet.
After a couple minutes all doubts should be gone.
Maybe we should approach them and ask: “Hey, since you work here and are always close by.. where do I finde the most valuable things?”
