I arrived at the store today, Thurthday, 1/22/2026 at around 11:00 am to purchase watercolors. The saleswoman at the main desk remembered me from previous visits. Suddenly, the police were called. Two Risd police officers arrived, detained me, and demanded my ID. I had no idea what was happening and was completely shocked
After speaking with the store manager, the officers told me that about two years ago, when I purchased earrings at this store, I HAD TRIED THEM ON, WHICH WAS APPARENTLY NOT ALLOWED TO TRIED THEM ON! .. The same saleswoman who sold me the earrings at the time was at the desk today and she/or the store mange called the police today. she disappeared immediately when the officers arrived.
The police officers themselves seemed surprised by the accusation. I am still struggling to process what happened today.
I do not recommend purchasing anything from this store--mainly of course because of the disturbing and behavior and ridiculous accusation made by the saleswoman/manager , as well as the store manager's entirely lack of judgment, also of the exorbitant and unrealistic prices of this store. Therefore, I returned the set of necklace and the earring.
The entire incident caused me significant emotional distress, and I remain shaken and upset by the injustice event I experienced due to the store manager's poor handling and poor judgement
It is a shame and a disgrace... He/She showed a complete lack of judgment and caused me trauma for no fault of my own. If the saleswoman had asked me not to wear the earrings, there is no way I would have worn them.I complied immediately, after she asked not to wear the earrings.I am confident that the store's security cameras will fully corroborate my account of these events. The decision to involve law enforcement over an alleged incident from about two years ago about trying on earrings that, In addition, I would like to clarify that I purchased the earrings, and returned them in full compliance with the store's return policy. After the incident, a third party who heard about what occurred speculated that the saleswoman may have lost her commission on the returned item. Its raise the possibility that she made sure to inform the store manager that I was in the store, Since almost intentionally the moment I arrived at the store until the police arrived, she was busy texting on her phone.
What deeply concerns me is that despite the fact that approximately two years had passed since that purchase and return, the saleswoman appeared to act in a retaliatory manner. Her behavior felt targeted and disproportionate, as if she were deliberately singling me out or "hunting" me, which ultimately led to an unfounded and humiliating escalation of the situation.This whole Spiel were not in my awareness when the officers approached me. This was and still shocking, absurd, unjustified and demonstrates a serious failure of managerial judgment. This action caused me undue distress, profound public humiliation and emotional stress, for which the store bears responsibility!
The police made me sit on a chair at the store entrance while questioning me, as all customers watched, causing me public degradation and personal shame!
I expect an internal review, and apology from the store manager.
This is serious and troubling enough and on its own, and it raises the concern that it could happen again to any customer! The question also arises as to whether calling the police over the wearing of earrings on my ears is lawful and legitimate??? The store manager's actions constituted intentional harassment and abusive conduct! There was no legitimate basis for the manager's action, He abusing his authority and exploiting his position. I believe the manager targeted me as an immigrant, identifiable by my accent, believing I was easy to haras, as well racially motivated, despite my being an American citizen with 40 years in the field of education. Such behavior from management is unacceptable and warrants attention! read more
