Virginia mom goes shopping at Five Below, checks out, and walks to her car. Then an employee came accusing her of stealing her bag: ‘I turned so red’
I’d demand the same bag as compensation.
Shopping for a bargain usually feels like a win. But for TikTok creator Claire (@over30momtips), a trip to Five Below turned into a public nightmare. All because she wore her favorite designer puffer bag.
After she finished shopping at Five Below with her son, Claire found herself chased into the parking lot by a store employee. Apparently, he mistook her high-end accessory for a $5 “dupe.” And without verifying, he straight up accused her of stealing the bag.
An employee mistook Claire’s Free People bag for a $5 Five Below version
A few days ago, Claire visited Five Below with her son while wearing a black puffer bag. She explained that she had received the $78 bag as a Christmas gift from Free People.
While browsing the accessories section, she even pointed out a similar-looking bag to her son. Apparently, the store carried an impressive “dupe” of her own designer item. But she didn’t think much of it.
After finishing shopping and paying for “a lot of stuff,” Claire and her son walked back to the parking lot. However, while she was in her car, a Five Below employee came running after her and accused her of stealing.
The employee chased her to the car for a $5 payment
The store employee ran behind Claire and demanded that she pay for the bag she was wearing. The worker was convinced she had simply “walked out” with one of their puffer bags without paying.
Stunned at his accusation, Claire quickly explained it was the high-end Free People version. She admitted the encounter made her turn “so red” and feel guilty even though she was innocent.
The Five Below dupe was too good for its own good
The irony of the situation was not lost on Claire. She warned other Free People fans to be careful when shopping at Five Below. One user asked her if the employee apologized for the misunderstanding after her explanation. But Claire revealed he simply “looked at her weird and went back inside” without acknowledging the mistake.
Taking the incident lightly, Claire also praised the store’s bag as a “great dupe.” On the split side, the experience of being accused of stealing a $5 item while carrying an $80 version has left her with a viral story she never expected to tell.
How to handle a retail accusation with dignity
If you find yourself being accused of shoplifting while wearing your own designer gear, you might feel humiliated. However, it’s important to stay calm and polite in such situations. Losing your temper can sometimes be interpreted as “guilty” behavior by staff.
Instead of crashing out at the employee, clearly state where and when you purchased the item. If the employee still does not back off, you can use an old photo of yourself wearing it as proof. Or, simply ask the employee to check footage.
If an employee refuses to apologize or continues to “look at you weird,” involve management. Ensure the misunderstanding is documented. Thankfully, the employee took Claire’s word for it and walked back.
Viewers were fuming more than Claire herself
Users on TikTok were shocked that anyone would chase a customer over a $5 bag. “They should not be chasing anyone down for a $5 bag either way,” one viewer remarked, questioning the store’s priorities.
However, they praised Claire for being calm despite the outrageous accusation. “I would have been madddd lol,” another joked, praising Claire for her “sweet” reaction to the accusation. While she walked away with her Free People bag and her dignity intact, she admitted that being accused of stealing was not on her “Bingo card.”
We hope the Five Below corporate issued a formal apology to Claire for the incident. But in case you decide to visit the store with your designer purse, keep your receipts handy.
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