How dare you!
While strolling 24th street this evening, enjoying the Noe Valley Wine Walk and preparing for a little holiday shopping, I stepped into Wink to look for gifts for my family. A sign behind the front counter advertised a 5% discount when paying in cash and with only a credit card on my person, I knew I would have to return after a trip to the ATM in order to take advantage of the additional savings. After selecting a small knitted Dia De Los Muertos coin purse for my sister and spotting a set of handmade earrings, hand stamped with a pug/bulldog in a birthday hat for my mom, I let one of the clerks who was assisting customers know that I would be returning for these items after a trip to Wells Fargo, a block down the street. As the clerk noted, every little bit helps!
As I made my way out of the store, the shop co-owner, made eye contact with me and, what I thought was recognizing me as a returning customer, as I had purchased some area rugs and other items at the shop since it opened many years back, instead surprised me with "You're the guy who stole the wallet from me". Stunned, I replied, "no, but I have purchased some rugs from the shop." She made her accusations in front of not only her sales staff, but also a store filled with customers, as the shop was a participant in the Wine Walk and was offering glasses of wine to several customers. This was the same shop owner who handed me a holiday goodie bag a couple of December's back during an open (shop) house, the same woman I had a conversation about the art toys she stocked.
I demanded an apology, as I was highly insulted, however, she continued to make the claim, letting me know that she had chased me down the street until I finally returned the wallet to her, I would have liked to know when this alleged crime spree happened, as I was no doubt behind my desk in an office building downtown. If this had been true, wouldn't I have a fabulous new mug shot to remember the holidays with? Why didn't she photograph the thief then, call the police when the theft extravaganza occured, what do the security cameras say? She refused to back down from her claim and I grew more agitated as she kept repeating herself, letting everyone in the shop know I was the suspected thief, clearly unaware that she was slandering me.
Truly mystified and still shocked, I again asked that she apologize and that she was fingering the wrong guy. She pulled out her phone to call the authorities and not having anything to hide, decided to wait, so I could disprove her claim, however, the sales staff politely encouraged me to leave and not wanting to make a bigger scene on such a festive evening, I decided to do so, but before leaving, I warned the remaining customers not to touch anything for fear of being fingered for theft. I walked down the street slowly, hoping for the police cruiser to arrive so that we could return to the store together, but alas, none ever arrived. Instead, I stopped for a cupcake at the Noe Valley Bakery to calm me down, the "Moist-est" chocolate cupcakes have that affect on me.
Once I arrived home and thinking about the crazy event that just occurued, I called the police, as I didn't want the shop owner to continue this sick slanderous practice of accusing people with no cause, however, once they arrived at my home, one of the officers discouraged me from going back to the store with them to speak to the owner, as the shop owner could claim I was trespassing. Perhaps they saw it as a petty incident and in the grand scheme of things that the SF police have to deal with, like naked people and fans torching buses when San Francisco wins the World Series, it was.
The shop owner will eventually realize the mistake she made, she needs to appreciate her customers and not to accuse them of unfounded theft. It is unfortunate that shrinkage is part of the retail landscape and I understand that Noe Valley merchants have a fair amount of theft, as reported over the years in the local Noe Valley Voice newspaper, however, the owner took this too far in her quest to justify her inventory losses.
As a 11 year homeowner in Noe Valley, residing just just blocks from this shop, I will never patronize this shop again, pity, I really wanted those earrings for my mom, I can find the coin purse elsewhere, I'm certain the shops on Valencia Street will carry similar items. I will sleep well tonight, the disgruntled shop owner however, I doubt will. The upside, if any? This will all make for great laughs at the office tomorrow. read more