New Mexico woman catches Walmart ‘floorwalker’ following her around store. So she decides to confront her: ‘The way I would’ve left’
Stores employ all sorts of methods to stop people from shoplifting.
If you’ve ever been to a major retailer, you’ve probably experienced at least one of these anti-theft measures. For example, some clothing stores add pins with dye packs to their clothing that must be removed at the register. Other stores thoroughly check your receipt in order to make sure you actually bought everything in your cart.
There are also more controversial methods that stores employ in pursuit of loss prevention. One woman experienced such methods firsthand—and decided to do something about it.
What Went Wrong At This Walmart?
In a video with over 2.7 million views, TikTok user Vicky (@imvictoriasecret) says she was shopping at Walmart when she noticed that someone was following her. Slowly, it dawned on her that it was a loss prevention officer—someone she addresses as a “secret shopper.”
“That’s my secret shopper right there,” Vicky says, showing the woman. “She has been following me around the store this whole time. Every single aisle I’ve gone down, and she’s carrying a bunch of [expletive]. She doesn’t have a basket.”
According to Vicky, she tried recording the woman directly, announcing that she had discovered her secret shopper. However, the video didn’t properly record—and when the woman noticed it was happening, she “looked at me and turned around and left.”
“I always see those videos on TikTok about how they spot secret shoppers following them,” Vicky explains. “I know that this has only happened to me one time before, and it’s been years, so I really don’t pay attention. But, this was very obvious, and I’m just like, ‘What the heck?’”
Vicky saw the woman one more time before she left. The TikToker then notes that, if the woman truly was loss prevention, she wasn’t hiding herself well.
“If you knew you were going through all the aisles, wouldn’t you think to get a basket?” she asks.
Is This Really A ‘Secret Shopper’?
Vicky appears to be conflating two ideas.
As explained by Cambridge Dictionary, a “secret shopper” is someone hired to test the service at a business by pretending to be an employee.
In contrast, Vicky appears to believe she’s dealing with a loss prevention officer. These are people hired by the store to prevent customers from stealing. They do this using a variety of methods, which can include following guests around a store and intercepting them if they attempt to steal.
While Walmart has never directly confirmed the use of floorwalkers in its security services, some have claimed they have direct knowledge of the existence of floorwalkers at Walmart. These claims range from complex operations to occasional sweeps by employees.
Customers Don’t Like Them
Regardless of their prevalence, customers really don’t seem to like the experience of being followed by a floorwalker.
In response, some have even directly confronted their alleged floorwalker. In the TikToker’s case, this involved filming the floorwalker and announcing her presence to the store.
Others have made videos showing themselves flipping the script and following the floorwalker.
If you believe you are being followed by a floorwalker and you do not wish to be followed, it’s best to simply report the person following you to uniformed staff. If the person following you is a floorwalker, they will likely be told to leave you alone; if they are not, the staff can help you take steps to ensure your safety.
Commenters Have Responses
In the comments section, users offered their own solutions for floorwalkers. Others had tips on what sets floorwalkers off.
“The last time a secret shopper followed me around Walmart I stopped and I looked at him and I pushed my cart directly into him and I told him now you put it away since you want to follow me,” wrote a user. “I left.”
“I got kicked out for calling out a secret shopper. lol I guess youre not suppose to do that,” stated another.
“Ive worked with many asset protection peoples. And one of the few things that they suspect is colored hair, specifically red hair. They’re judging you based off hair color,” suggested a third.
“I would’ve called 911 and said i think someone is trying to kidnap me so now we both waste each others time,” offered a further TikToker.
@imvictoriasecret Im honestly really embarrassed they thought I would be stealing ?? #walmart #secretshopper #secretshopping #walmartactivities #shook ♬ original sound – ✨VICKY✨
The Mary Sue reached out to Walmart via media relations contact form and Vicky via email.
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