LAST WEEK (12/23/05) I was shopping at Claire's Boutique in a local mall. I noticed that everywhere I went one of the store employees would follow. Being African American it was nothing new but it still annoyed me so I decided not to purchase the 3 pair of earrings I had and I replaced them on a different rack of earrings. Well the store employee made a mad dash for the door and as I was walking out she stood in front of me to block me from exiting the store. She was a fairly large woman and being only 5'0" I was considerably intimidated. She asked me where I put the three pair of earrings and I told her I put them back. But she sternly replied "No you didn't." I tried to explain that I returned the merchandise but she continued to make a scene drawing the attention of people inside and outside of the store. The way that she stood over me made feel threatened and I thought that she would grab me if I moved at all.
Tearfully, I agreed to show her where I had placed the earrings and just as I stated the merchandise was returned to the rack. The woman turned out to be the store manager and she basically escorted me out of the store after I proved her wrong without issuing the slightest apology. Another patron in the store even came out to ask me if I was okay and commented on how viciously the woman had treated me.
I have been followed in stores many times just because I am a minority but I have never been accused of shoplifting. I was so embarrassed and I could not believe the store manager was making such a scene and accusing me of stealing in front of all those people. I was too shaken up to finish my Christmas shopping. I didn't know if I should go in another store to finish shopping or if I should leave the mall completely. I couldn't even think clearly enough to make a rational decision.
I want to help make sure this doesn't happen to anyone again. I have already written a letter to Claire's Stores. Who else should I contact to shed some light on this old but still common practice? Is there a state or local agency I should contact to file a formal complaint?

