Walmart

I used to frequent this Neighborhood WalMart until a few nights ago when I found myself sick and needed to pick up some medicine late at night. Unfortunately, the store did not have what I needed so I browsed the makeup for a few moments, removed my keys from my purse in order to be prepared when walking to my car in the parking lot, and headed for the exit. It was then that I spotted a woman giving me dirty looks from across the aisle. At the time, I had no clue who she was, but apparently she was an employee that was not wearing a name badge. Since she was muttering nasty things to me for no apparent reason, I assumed she was just some creepy lady. However, when I reached the cash registers, there she was yelling at me from the back of the line of people to stop and that I wasn't going anywhere! She accused me of shoplifting in font of all the workers and customers in line, despite the fact that I had not so much as touched any items in the store during my visit. She insisted I be detained as she radioed for “back up”. After several minutes of arguing, I ended up dumping the contents of my purse on the floor right there in order to prove my innocence so I could get out of there and save some face in front of everyone. It was late. I was sick. I didn't want to be harassed any longer. Lessons learned? #1: Ladies, ignore all those self defense tips you learned and don't dare remove your keys from your purse while in the store or else you'll be accused of stealing. Better to fumble around for them in the dark parking lot outside when you are alone. (And why not feel secure given Walmart's parking lot safety track record: http://walmartwatch.com/battlemart/go/cat/crime_safety) #2: You can take the grocery store out of the Walmart, slap the word “Neighborhood” in front of it and dress it up like a Whole Foods store, but it will always be just a Walmart.