A routine shopping trip turned into a humiliating ordeal for a customer at a Sports Direct store in Mansfield, after staff allegedly accused her of taking "too many items" into a changing room.
The incident, which was captured on a viral video, shows the shopper being publicly escorted from the premises by two security guards. The customer can be heard protesting her treatment, stating she had been trying on clothes for her children and was following the store's own policy of a six-item limit.
"I Was So Embarrassed": Shopper's Humiliation
In the footage, the distressed customer is heard explaining her side of the story to the guards. "I've got six items... I've got two children, I'm trying to try stuff on for them," she pleads, her voice shaking with emotion. Despite her protests, the security team insisted on removing her from the shop floor, creating a scene that left her feeling publicly shamed.
Retail Policy or Power Trip?
The confrontation raises significant questions about the balance between store security protocols and respectful customer service. While retailers have a right to prevent theft, the method of enforcement is being heavily criticised. Consumer rights advocates suggest that a quiet, private conversation would have been more appropriate than a public ejection.
This is not the first time Sports Direct, owned by Mike Ashley's Frasers Group, has faced scrutiny over its treatment of both staff and customers. The brand has previously been at the centre of debates concerning working conditions and corporate ethics.
Social Media Backs Customer
The video quickly sparked outrage online, with viewers overwhelmingly siding with the shopper. Many commented that the staff's actions were heavy-handed and that the policy itself is flawed for parents shopping for multiple children.
One social media user summed up the public mood: "Absolutely disgusting way to treat a paying customer. They've lost a sale and countless more from people who've seen this."
The incident serves as a stark reminder to all retailers that in the age of social media, how you treat your customers is instantly your brand reputation.
