Concerning Attitudes at Woolworths, Heidelberg Mall

I have visited the Woolworths in Heidelberg Mall on several occasions since its opening. Every time I have visited, I have found myself being followed from place to place by the security guard. I am an observant person, and at times I have tested this phenomenon. I have found that the security guard follows non-white patrons. This has been tested on multiple occasions as I did not want to jump to conclusions. I have raised this concern via Facebook, and it was dealt with promptly and professionally. I raised this concern with the manager on 10 February 2018 in store, and she dealt with it remarkably well. I actually quite like Heidelberg Mall’s Woolworths, apart from being assigned a ‘bodyguard’ every visit. I have received remarkable service, including a time where the branch was kept open passed closing time upon my request. I adore the manager. She is a keeper! I have said it before and I will say it again, you do not appreciate her enough. She has managed to create a wonderful culture and she is very attentive to the happenings in the store. This is the only Woolworths, where I have received over and beyond service on a consistent basis. It is also the only Woolworths, where I have been stalked by security personnel so intently. I have thought about it, and I do realise that this Woolworths has concerns that others which I have visited do not. And if left unchecked could be damaging to this store. However, I would prefer that non-racial solutions are developed to address these concerns. It was my first time visiting the Woolworths since raising this issue over Facebook. And it most certainly will be my last, because I shop with my son. A seven year old whom I have endeavoured to raise with integrity and to be a stand up member of society. A boy who was six on our last visit, who asked me, “Why is the man following us?” A boy who felt so guilty because he realised that the other children (who were white) were not being followed. A boy who thought we were being followed because he was being naughty. And now a year later, has grown accustomed to being followed, but still asking the question why? A boy who asks why until he is satisfied with the answer. Try be the mum who has to not rob their child of their innocence, yet still share with him the reality of the world we live in. That despite you doing everything right, you will be considered guilty based on the colour of your skin. I do hope that you will not PR spin this, and that you will deal with this situation and spare another family this dehumanizing experience. P.S That boy is now very angry and has said that the next time he is followed, he will kick the guard in the shin. Although I do not endorse violent retaliations, I am not going to stop him. I am also not going to write another complaint. If you by chance happen to hear of a child assaulting a guard in your shop, do know that you still have a ****** problem at your store.