Alixe Galatis, a 31-year-old mother of three, was asked to leave a Tesco branch in Essex on June 26 after a security guard claimed her black v-neck top, which tied at the back, could be untied by other shoppers, leaving her exposed. The incident occurred as temperatures reached a record-breaking 37 degrees Celsius.
Security Guard's Concerns
Galatis visited the store with her children to do a food shop. As she approached the 'Scan as You Shop' section, a male security guard confronted her. According to Galatis, the guard stated she could not enter because her backless top might be untied by other shoppers. She retrieved a gym sweater from her car, draped it over her shoulders and back, and was then allowed to complete her shopping.
Galatis described feeling confused and stunned, especially with her children present. She said the guard refused eye contact and elaborated that someone could untie her top, leaving her exposed. She questioned why the focus was on her clothing rather than potential offenders.
Formal Complaint and Tesco's Response
After leaving the store, Galatis filed a formal complaint. A Tesco spokesperson expressed regret, stating: 'We are really sorry to hear about this experience. We want everyone to feel welcome in our stores and this should not have happened.' The spokesperson added that Tesco would contact Galatis directly.
Galatis shared the incident online, where it went viral with over 53,000 likes and comments. Many users expressed support, with one commenting: 'Escalate this, it's not acceptable.' Another said: 'I am flabbergasted. I honestly think the world is going mad.'
Impact on Family and Future Shopping
Galatis revealed that her nine-year-old daughter has become anxious about what her mother wears when going to shops. She said: 'My eldest is now more conscious around what I'm wearing when I'm going into the shops. She now thinks that that top is not appropriate to be worn in Tesco because of what this man was saying.'
Galatis stated she would avoid Tesco during future heatwaves, as she owns several halter neck tops and dresses that expose the back. She emphasized that the incident reflected a 'victim blaming' mentality and that security should focus on potential perpetrators rather than victims' clothing.
