I was just in Macy's SF Flagship last night attempting to desensitize myself to jewelry prices (I have to do this every December, it comes with having a Latino GF). They have an absolutely mind-blowing amount of material stuff they have piled up on 7 floors, 90% open and out so people can inspect and touch, and fondle and all that. You have at least a billion dollars in inventory sitting there in that one store. (and that's minus the men's department and furniture departments which are in entirely different buildings) But do you know what else they have? An internal security system good enough to rival any Vegas casino to watch over that billion dollar inventory (and the cash flow too), that's what else they have. And here is something else Macy's has... because it's not some low-price, big box store where you can't find someone to help you without going on a Frodo style quest - since it's Macy's, your going to be falling over sales associates everywhere you go, turn around, one is standing there.
And, while such things don't make it impossible for predators to prey, it sure must discourage them, because I don't hear about many women/children getting attacked in Macy's dressing rooms - or in the cosmetics, perfume, kitchen, and luggage departments either.
And Macys' (because their primarily income derives from New York, New England and California) has some of the most liberal policies and practices. I remember Macy's as being one of the first places that hired gay boys and TS women to work cosmetics. It's one of the most progressive corporations around (as I noted, that's for financial reasons, not necessary out of good will). I know this goes against the company policy big time, which is: as they are selling dresses for $70-500+ a pop, Macy's is happy to sell dresses to anyone. Macy's will happily sell anything, and everything, in that store to absolutely anyone who can pay for it, and if you don't have the full amount right now they'll help you set up a credit account with them to stretch the payments out. That's Macy's policy.
You know, we do know where child molesters hang out. It's in churches. It's in schools. It's in youth groups like the Boy/Girl Scouts, Little League and youth football programs in Pennsylvania. It's not in the women's department at Macy's. The fear is irrational, and not supported by any facts at all.
