“Asda’s Actions Left Me Humiliated and Ashamed”
A mother shopping with her daughter at Asda in Folkestone experienced an unsettling incident that left her feeling humiliated. Sophie Powell, along with her seven-year-old daughter Alanah, was confronted by a security guard after making a purchase.
Shopper’s Unpleasant Experience
On Wednesday morning, Sophie Powell visited the Asda store located in Bouverie Place. After purchasing milk and pasta sauce, she opted not to print a receipt at the self-scan checkout. Following this, they went to the supermarket café to have a snack before returning to meet her partner, who was also shopping.
As they were about to leave the store with their items, a security guard stopped them, demanding to see a receipt. In her account, Powell described the guard’s demeanor as rude and confrontational. Feeling overwhelmed, she expressed her disbelief at being treated this way.
Feeling Like a Criminal
Powell recounted the moment: “I was a bit shocked. You start to panic a little bit.” She explained that the guard physically blocked her and her daughter from exiting the store, reinforcing her feelings of embarrassment and humiliation. The situation escalated to the point where her daughter was left in tears.
- Sophie was initially stopped for not having a receipt.
- Her daughter, Alanah, became visibly upset during the incident.
- Powell felt unjustly accused and treated like a criminal.
Company Response
Eventually, a store manager intervened and apologized, allowing the pair to leave. Asda’s corporate representatives later expressed regret over the situation, stating their intent is always to ensure customer satisfaction. They maintained that checks for receipts are conducted with good intentions.
Despite the company’s efforts to clarify their policies, Powell remains disheartened. She expressed a desire for a formal apology and a detailed explanation from Asda regarding the incident. The care worker is determined not to return to the supermarket chain, emphasizing the need for proper protocols when addressing potential shoplifting concerns.
Summary of the Incident
| Date | Location | Individuals Involved | Key Concerns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday Morning | Asda, Bouverie Place, Folkestone | Sophie Powell, Alanah Powell | Humiliation, mistrust, request for a receipt |
In conclusion, Powell’s experience underscores the importance of handling customer interactions with care and respect. Such incidents can have lasting impacts on individuals and their perception of a brand, highlighting the need for improved customer service practices in retail environments.
