New Mom From North Carolina Was Shopping for Swimsuits at Aerie. Then She Overheard the Employee: ‘I Hope You Have the Day You Deserve’
A North Carolina mom’s emotional experience while shopping for swimsuits at Aerie has opened way for a larger conversation about body confidence, motherhood, and the way customers are treated in retail spaces.
Creator Macy Ann Dennis (@macyanndennis) shared a video recounting what she said happened during a swimsuit shopping trip, explaining that she was already feeling vulnerable while shopping nearly two years after having her child.
In the video, Dennis said she approached the fitting room area at Aerie with several swimsuits to try on and immediately apologized to the employee because she knew she had picked out multiple options.
“I already feel like a nuisance to society,” she said, explaining that she often worries about bothering other people and described herself as a people pleaser.
Dennis said she told the employee that swimsuit shopping had been especially difficult after having her child 19 months earlier. She explained that she was trying to find something she felt comfortable wearing while her body continued to change.
According to Dennis, after trying on several swimsuit sets, she returned to the fitting room area to try on one more item when she overheard the employee allegedly talking about her and the amount of clothing she had brought into the fitting room.
Dennis said the interaction left her embarrassed and upset.
“I’m already insecure,” she said in the video. “I’m already having a hard time.”
She explained that she felt hurt because she had tried to be considerate by returning some of the items herself and had already apologized for having multiple pieces to try on.
“That’s Literally Her Job”: Viewers Rally Around the Mom
The video quickly gained attention, with many viewers sharing support for Dennis and criticizing the alleged interaction.
Several commenters pointed out that trying on multiple swimsuits is a normal part of shopping, especially because sizing and fit can vary between styles.
“You know you aren’t obligated to shop here, right?” one commenter wrote, adding that Dennis did not deserve to be treated that way.
Another viewer wrote, “This makes me so sad. You are not a nuisance.”
Many commenters also connected with Dennis’ comments about apologizing frequently and feeling uncomfortable taking up space.
“Girl I see you,” one viewer wrote. “I’m a people pleaser, I apologize for everything, I’m self conscious and trying on clothes, let alone bathing suits feels like a nightmare.”
Others praised Dennis for how she handled the situation, saying they felt she remained calm despite being upset.
Dennis Says the Viral Moment Led to Unexpected Support
Days after posting the original video, Dennis shared a follow-up video celebrating the attention the story received.
In the clip, she thanked the people who supported her and joked that the employee’s alleged behavior resulted in her gaining more visibility online.
“Shoutout to the rude Aerie employee… you made me more money in one video than your whole shift,” the text on the video read.
The creator later shared that the original video had reached millions of views and that many women, especially mothers, told her they had experienced similar insecurities while shopping for clothing.
Aerie Responds After Viral Attention
Dennis later said Aerie reached out after the video gained traction. She said Aerie’s customer care team told her they would contact her after requesting her information through DMs.
She also sent the brand a message explaining that she hoped the situation could become an opportunity for a larger conversation about kindness, inclusivity, and making customers feel comfortable.
Dennis said she hopes to work with Aerie on a campaign focused on authenticity and real-life experiences.
“I think there’s a really powerful opportunity here to rebuild trust and show what Aerie stands for through real relatable storytelling,” she wrote.
The Conversation Goes Beyond One Store Visit
As the story continued circulating, Dennis addressed comments defending the employee by suggesting the worker may have been having a difficult day.
She acknowledged that everyone has struggles but said personal hardships should not become a reason to treat others poorly.
“We all have bad days,” she said. “But I don’t think that is an excuse to think it’s okay to treat people like that.”
She also pushed back against comments attempting to create tension between working mothers and stay-at-home mothers, saying both groups deserve support.
For many viewers, the viral moment became less about one fitting room interaction and more about the importance of empathy – especially during moments when people already feel vulnerable.
Dennis’ experience continues to fuel conversations about customer service, workplace professionalism, and the need for more compassion in everyday interactions.
(feature image: @macyanndennis)
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