During the past few weeks, several store clerks have asked customers to leave bigger purses, as well as backpacks, behind the front counter upon entering.
A clerk at the Rite Aid in Dunbar said that the upswing of assaults and robberies in the area have created an environment where employees feel unsafe.
Eric Harkreader, a spokesperson for Rite Aid, sent WOWK this statement:
"Rite Aid does not have a policy regarding customers' purses. All of our policies are designed to encourage a welcoming shopping experience. Upon hearing that a customer may have been asked to leave her bag while shopping, we immediately reached out to the store team to investigate and rectify the situation. We regret any inconvenience if a customer was improperly asked to leave her bag while shopping."
But customers said they have encountered this policy in the Dunbar and Charleston area.
"Times are so tough people are having to shoplift even the smallest things," said Dunbar resident Allen Jeffries. He added that he supports this rule and often complies with it when shopping.
Just this month, police released surveillance video of two people beating a Rite Aid employee over a bottle of liquor at the MacCorkle Avenue store.
Shoppers said cases like this make them sympathize with businesses' rules.
"No, I don't have an issue. If they ask me to leave [my bag], I'll leave it. Otherwise, I'll keep it on my shoulder," said Debra Roach.
Roach said she frequently shops at the Rite Aid in Dunbar and often carries several large bags with her.
"At the end of the day, it's best that you take the chance of you getting your stuff stolen instead of causing problems in a store," said Rachel Curry, who left her bag in her car while shopping at Family Dollar in Dunbar.
Others said they worry about the safety of their personal belongings.
"I don't mind if they go through items I bought, or bags, or open shoe boxes. But they're not going to go through my purse," said Karen Casto, who was shopping at the same Family Dollar.
A Family Dollar representative said he is still checking whether the company follows a similar nationwide policy.
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