I didn't want to leave a review at first, but this has been on my mind all day. This was only my third time visiting this Pet Valu location, and every single time I've felt uncomfortable--like I'm being watched the moment I walk in.
Today, I went in during the afternoon (around April 4th, around 4:30pm) and immediately asked the female employee for help with one of the Tiki cat cans I had previously bought. As we walked to the shelf together, the male employee followed closely behind and just stood there, silently staring at me the entire time. I was already being helped, so there was no reason for him to be hovering.
He briefly greeted another customer who walked in but then came straight back to stand near me. When the female employee went to the back to check for stock, he stayed close by pretending to fix a shelf. Even when I went to the register, he stayed nearby.
As a visibly Black person and someone who works in retail, I know what racial profiling looks and feels like--and this was it. I wasn't acting suspiciously. I asked for help right away, went straight to the product I needed, and made a purchase. Still, I was treated like I was doing something wrong.
After leaving, I checked other reviews and noticed that I'm not the only one who's felt singled out or uncomfortable at this location. That says a lot.
I only came here because the small business I usually support was closed. I wish I could shop here more often since it's close to work, but I never feel safe or welcome in this store. From one retail worker to another--please do better. read more