New Jersey Girls Walk into Their Favourite Clothing Store, but Went Through the Most Bizarre 30 Minutes Instead: ‘Never Felt More like I Am Intruding’
No one should have to choose between good clothes and good vibes.
Shopping at a favorite local boutique is a form of retail therapy. But for New Jersey creator Chloe Van Berkel (TikTok@chloevanberkel) and her friend, a recent visit to a beloved clothing store felt more like crashing a private party.
In a video with over 278,000 viewers, the pair detailed the “most bizarre” 30-minute ordeal at their favorite clothing store. The two felt like they were treated less like customers and more like an inconvenience by the staff.
The girls’ experience highlights the awkward reality of “exclusive” retail environments. Especially if their service is as cold as the air conditioning.
The clothing store staff prioritized personal conversations and a ‘rat’ over customers
Chloe recounted how, upon entering the unnamed New Jersey store, she felt an immediate chill. It wasn’t from the weather, but from the employees who looked at them as if they were “bothering them.” Meanwhile the two girls were simply existing in the space.
Instead of greeting shoppers, the workers were busy “yelling across the store” to one another about private matters. The situation grew even more surreal when someone found a pest in the back. They immediately shouted, “Ew, come look at this!” and caused a mass exodus of staff to the stockroom. All this while, the customers were left standing alone.
Asking for a dressing room felt like a major social interruption
Despite not being typically anxious around people, the duo found themselves hesitating to ask for basic assistance. Chloe described “lurking” near the dressing rooms with an armful of clothes, waiting for a break in the employees’ loud chatter to ask for a stall.
When she finally approached a staff member, the response was a curt instruction to just “push” the doors. Chloe noted that the doors looked “triple locked,” adding to the overall feeling that they were overstepping their bounds.
The clothing store owner arrived just as the shoppers were heading for the exit
The uncomfortable atmosphere persisted for nearly half an hour. However, one of the store owners finally approached them with a “really sweet” and helpful attitude toward the end. But the gesture was too little, too late.
“We didn’t get asked if we needed anything until one foot was out the door,” Chloe’s friend remarked. Being real, the two still expressed love for the store’s merchandise, calling it “the best ever.” But they left the shop feeling “odd” and deeply unwelcome anyway.
‘Retail Alienation’ in a clothing store isn’t uncommon
In high-end or boutique retail, “alienation” often occurs when staff prioritize internal social dynamics over customer engagement. Some luxury brands even use an air of “exclusivity” as a marketing tool. But in most cases, this behavior is a result of poor management or a lack of professional boundaries.
When employees engage in loud, personal discussions or visible reactions to “behind-the-scenes” issues like pests, it shatters the curated shopping experience. On the contrary, it creates a hostile environment for the consumer. For shoppers like Chloe, the disconnect between “cute clothes” and “bad vibes” can lead to a permanent loss of brand loyalty.
How to handle ‘Unwelcome’ energy while shopping
If you feel like you’re “intruding” on a store’s staff like Chloe did, here is how to navigate the bizarre energy.
Firstly, if you aren’t greeted within two minutes, approach the counter immediately. Breaking their conversation early prevents you from “lurking” and sets the tone that you are there to do business. If a store still makes you feel anxious or unwelcome, don’t feel obligated to stay or make a purchase. Your money is a vote for the service you receive.
If you see an owner or manager (like the “sweet” woman at the end of Chloe’s trip), mention the delay in service politely. They can’t fix a toxic staff culture if they don’t know it exists. And as Chloe did, sharing your experience on social media (even without naming the store) alerts business owners to potential cultural issues within their staff.
New Jersey style, but with a side of ‘Ew’
Chloe’s viral recount is a relatable cautionary tale about why “cute pieces” aren’t always enough to save a store’s reputation. The owner tried to save the sale at the 11th hour. But the 30 minutes of being treated like an intruder is what stuck with the shoppers and their 278,000 viewers.
We’re hoping Chloe’s next shopping trip involves a lot more “Welcome” and zero mentions of rats in the back room. Until the next New Jersey find, keep your head high and your dressing room doors unlocked.
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