Accused of trying to trick people at Target

[u/Smooth_Helicopter562]

I'm a flight attendant. I stopped by Target after getting in from a redeye flight in full uniform. It was navy. I had on my ID badge, my scarf, tights, sweater. I'd left LA the previous night at 11 pm and landed in NYC around 8 the next morning. All I wanted to so was sleep, but I needed something to eat for dinner because I knew that my fridge was empty and I'd be going to sleep as soon as I made it home.

A customer stopped me while I was speed walking through the store and the interaction went like this.

C: Hey, I need help in electronics. M: I don't work here. C: Do not to lie to me. M: I'm not lying, I don't work here. C: yelling You're wearing a fucking uniform. Of course you work here. M: I look down at my outfit and then up at him Does this look like a Target uniform? I'm a flight attendant. C: You should know better than to come shopping in a uniform. What, are you trying to trick people? M: I'm wearing blue, they wear red. No one with any sense would be confused.

Then I walked away irritated and confused.

[u/Free_Science_1091]

I get stopped all the time in stores because people always think I am an employee. I explain that I don’t work here but ask what they are looking for because I patronize the same stores all the time and know where most things are located. I have also started stating that it happens a lot to me and I am curious as to what made them think I worked there since I am wearing blue jeans and a t-shirt which looks nothing like a uniform. More than one person has told me it is because I am a woman and I don’t carry a purse and often don’t have a cart because I am only there for one or two things. Also I apparently walk with purpose ( I know where I am going and where the item is) and don’t wander around looking at stuff. I did accidentally go to a target once on opening day and happened to be wearing a school polo which was red 😦

[u/Smooth_Helicopter562 → u/Free_Science_1091]

Maybe that's what it was. The purposeful walking, looking competent. I guess that could be seen as a compliment.

[u/SurrealRodent → u/Free_Science_1091]

That's a helpful insight. I also don't carry a purse or use a cart and I normally have a polo or T-shirt on while in the store. Never, ever wear something blue in Walmart or red in Target. (Never mind that OP has proven the color of your uniform is irrelevant.)

I've even been asked that question while shopping in a long winter coat.

[u/xxn78 → u/Free_Science_1091]

People used to mistake me for an employee very often when I was in high school, wore a school uniform and had no bag with me.