Just existing as a woman in public can feel risky, even when doing something as normal as picking up groceries.
Surveys have over and over again shown that women are far more alert when out in the world compared to men.
Recently, one woman took to TikTok to share what happened when a quick trip to Walmart left her feeling unsettled.
What happened during her Walmart trip?
TikTok user Kira (@comewithkira) recorded in real time what she described as being followed by a man while shopping. “Visual example on why women don’t say hi back in public,” the on‑screen text read.
Her video has now racked up over 2.7 million views.
“I’m in Walmart and I believe I’m being followed by that guy right there,” she says in the clip, panning the camera to show a man standing near the shelves. “He was just on every aisle I was on… it could just be me being paranoid… but we’re gonna go to another section and see if he’s still there.”
She eventually moves toward what she calls a “pretty girly” section of the store, only to spot the man nearby again.
“He was headed this way, but then he saw me see him, and now he’s headed back the other way,” she says. “I think I definitely confirmed that I’m being followed. This is so strange… y’all pray for me because people are freaking weird.”
“Like wtf we just want to shop in peace man,” she wrote in the video’s caption.
What should you do if you feel you’re being followed?
In a similar case from last year, when a Utah woman reported being followed at a Target, police encouraged victims to report any suspicious behavior immediately, even if they aren’t entirely sure what’s happening.
Other experts recommend taking additional steps if you think you’re being followed.
According to Women Against Crime, it can help to stay in well-lit, populated areas of the store, seek out an employee or manager, and trust your instincts.
They also suggest using your phone to record what’s happening or to call someone while you walk, as well as heading directly to the customer service desk if you feel unsafe.
Commenters had their own theories
The video struck a chord with many viewers.
“It’s exhausting being a woman. We have to be on alert every day,” one user wrote.
Another suggested, “Go to the feminine aisle. There ain’t NO REASON for him to be there! Then you’ll know.”
Others recommended confronting the situation directly.
“PSA for all women: normalize acting a damn fool in public when you feel uncomfortable,” one commenter said. “Yell, stare at him, make him UNCOMFORTABLE.”
Some speculated the man might not have been a stalker at all. “It’s an undercover. They think you stealing,” one user guessed.
Are anti-theft ‘secret shoppers’ a thing?
It’s possible. Large retailers sometimes employ what’s known as “store detectives,” whose job is to prevent theft by following customers who seem suspicious, monitoring cameras, and coordinating with authorities when necessary.
That’s different from a “secret shopper,” who evaluates employee service and store conditions, not customers.
While Walmart hasn’t confirmed whether it uses these services, some shoppers online have reported encountering similar behavior in their stores.
Whether the man in Kira’s video was an employee or not remains unclear. But one thing is certain: staying alert and trusting your instincts when you feel unsafe is always a smart move.
@comewithkira Like wtf we just want to shop in peace man
♬ original sound – comewithkira
The Mary Sue has reached out to Kira via email and Walmart via their contact form.
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