Shopping for Lingerie - an experience from the other side.

[valerie anne]

Well I was thrown out from M&S!

I was under dressed, but wearing my normal bra, which I do need for support, but which was difficult to detect under my top. I am sure most women would see my bra straps, but not men.

Anyway, I was browsing for a new plunge bra in my size, when the male manager came up and asked me what I was doing in the ladies lingerie dept.

I said that I was looking for a new 36 B bra for me, and he asked me to leave, as I was embarrassing the lady shoppers.

I told him that I was already wearing a bra, but it made no difference.   

[Valkyrie_2]

Lol. Case for discrimination? See a solicitor?


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[Dena]

Most likely you could have asked for his boss and the sparks would fly. Stores hate to have customers walk out without buying anything and I suspect the store may not agree with with the manager. There is a saying in sales "The customer is always right" and I don't fully agree with it. When I was selling stuff, my view was the customer always needs to be satisfied.

[Valkyrie_2]

Most likely you could have asked for his boss and the sparks would fly. Stores hate to have customers walk out without buying anything and I suspect the store may not agree with with the manager. There is a saying in sales "The customer is always right" and I don't fully agree with it. When I was selling stuff, my view was the customer always needs to be satisfied.

Absolutely. I worked for a book chain. They had training courses that all staff had to do at their own pace. As I was always up front monitoring cashiers etc, I always had a computer in front of me so I usually finished the courses way ahead of anybody else.

One of the situations described a man in a pink fairy outfit who came in to buy a sandwich in the cafe. The correct answer was serve him like you would any other customer.

I hear such ridiculous stories in the news about shopkeepers turning away their customers based on how they look or act. Sure... if a customer is causing an issue that's driving other customers away or stealing that's a problem. Other than that, the only thing that matters is money. A pink dollar is as good as a black dollar and as good as any other dollar.

But... I have noticed how narrow minded the uk has become. Thus, being turned away for being transsexual is just yet another example.


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[valerie anne]

I just walked away.

Now that I need to wear a bra, I find that I have become very submissive.

[Carla S]

I used to be nervous but no longer. I enjoy walking through the women's clothes, picking something from the rack and holding it up to me. It feels empowering and raises my confidence. The clerks just want to make a sale and meet their quota.

[elkie-t]

I used to get nervous, but soon realized that the women in the store (usually I go to Victoria's Secret or Macy's) don't care. They don't know if I am buying for my wife or myself. I am actually thinking next time of just letting them know that I am transgender and am looking around for myself.

You definitely should. I went once to Victorias Secret, dressed as a guy, and when I was approached by a sales rep  ("do you need any help"), i told her right away I am looking for a bra for myself, I think I might need 38C but not sure and would like to try a few of her suggestions. We went straight into a fitting room, I was measured and later on I got tons of different bra styles in 2 different sizes. I took my time to try each on, pick the one I liked most, then asked the lady if they had different colors. She guided me to the place where they keep that style I chose and I was able to look for other colors...

That wasn't my first time shopping at Victorias Secret, but having a lady rep by my side helped me not to feel I am out of the place. Much easier, and stress-less experience.

[elkie-t]

Sure... if a customer is causing an issue that's driving other customers away or stealing that's a problem. Other than that, the only thing that matters is money. A pink dollar is as good as a black dollar and as good as any other dollar.

I like to read local police news now and then, once police arrested a guy for stealing a lipstick in a mall... I thought, what a stupid gurl, instead of embracing it and having a good shopping experience and maybe even getting a professional opinion or advice, why risking it for $5??? And wouldn't he be in much worse position after being arrested, and potentially prosecuted (although, it's $5, but some shops have a policy to press charges regardless of amount), and became a public local news, than if he just get in and bought?

Some people are so pathetic and fail to think about consequences.

[Dweia]

It was around Christmas and I went shopping for some panties and the sales lady asked if I wanted them wrapped and I said no thanks they are for me. I go back to that store several time and I have received great service. I'm actually glad I let them know I was shopping for myself.

Agree, I think the best service I've received is when I told the sales lady that I was buying the lingerie for me.
After a while, they started to remember me and started to give beauty tips

[JMJW]

I don't have any need for lingerie but if I did even in male presentation I'd be like it's for me god dammit! I like to look fabulous!