The Gallery Claremont

I can only report about " The Gallery" branch in Garden City / Booragoon which I am sad to notice closed this month { February 2023 }

I shall certainly shop at their Claremont branch.

Every Saturday, after spinning class, I have breakfast at Claremont Quarter. Probably my favorite stop is The Gallery, where I always end up spending more than I want to because  of all the random lovely things they offer.



Today was no exception and I went in looking for a double photo frame. I got distracted at their scent section where I grabbed hand sanitizer and soap and I put it in my handbag. I was not done with shopping and one of the bottles was glass. One of the employees was right there, saw me do it and offered me no help. For the record my handbag is small, open, no zippers, no compartments.



5 minutes later, the same person approached me and offered" Do you want me to put the sanitizer and the soap aside for you?". I answer, "Yes, please" and give him the things: his reply "I need you to leave the store, now".  I was in shock and asked "why?". He says that I had the things in my handbag (which I openly put there right in front of him).  I realize, then, he's accusing me of shoplifting; he clearly thinks thieves are stupid, obvious and improvised. At that point I'm thinking "I shouldn't get upset, the guy is just doing his job".



I answer I'm not leaving, I'm a regular client and I'm not done with my shopping, He insists in me leaving, I open my bag and hand him all my credit cards "here, keep them and let me finish my shopping". Needless to say, the last thing I wanted, at this stage, was to give these people my money but leaving meant to them I was stealing (!).



I spent around 180 dollars and left. I'm offended and insulted, not for him misconceiving the situation but, because even after my obvious shock, my credit card offering and my $180 purchase, he didn't bother to apologize.

This store clearly pays the bills thanks to a long list of wealthy shoplifters!!! It's safe to say I'm never going back!