Walking into Ross Dress for Less was an experience I wouldn't wish on anyone with self-respect or dignity. From the moment I stepped foot into this disorganized madhouse, I was greeted, not with a warm welcome--but with the cold, watchful eyes of two security guards stationed at the entrance like nightclub bouncers. Their presence immediately set the tone:
not "we value you as a customer," but "we're watching you because we assume you don't belong here."
I came in for one thing--two suitcases. Simple, right? Wrong. The suitcases were scattered across the store like debris after a tornado. As I navigated the mess, I noticed I wasn't alone--because apparently, I was such a "high-priority threat" that no less than three dorky ass loss prevention associates took it upon themselves to tail me. Their cartoonishly obvious attempts at surveillance were insulting and infuriating.
I stayed in the store for a mere 25 minutes, and by the end, I was counting the seconds until I could escape. WHEN MY AMERICAN EXPRESS CARD GRACED THIS SHITTY UNORGANIZED ESTABLISHMENT WITH MY TRANSACTION APPROVAL, I naively thought the ordeal was over. But Ross had one last indignity in store for me. As I tried to leave, those same "bouncers" felt the need to check my receipt and inspect the inside of the suitcases I had just paid for.
Let me be clear: I understand the realities of retail theft and the need for security. As a Black business owner, I'm no stranger to the challenges of running a business. But this wasn't security; this was harassment. The unspoken implication
If Ross Dress for Less can't tell the difference between protecting their assets and alienating paying customers, they don't deserve anyone's business--least of all mine. read more