Why don't people in retail just admit that the reason they pester you in their store is because?

Question

They're trying to see if you may be a possible shoplifter,especially if you appear to be under the age of 75 years old.How about letting a person shop in peace?

Answer 1

hmmmm....
1) some retail staff are being trained to 'hard sell' their products, as they have a daily target to meet.
2) when products are lost, the retail staff have to compensate for it.

hence they tend to be over- vigilant towards their customers.

however, i believe that this 'trend', that you highlighted, is outdated. usually, every retail store has its training program on 'good customer service'.
admittedly, some customers prefer to be left alone while they browse around. so, it takes practice for the retail staff to 'analyse' what type of service their indivdual customers prefer.

as for me, the training i include for my staff is to always greet the customers, & stand aside, & be watchful of the customers, in case they need assistance. if the customers are chatty, then continue with the conversations. otherwise, stand aside & observe.

Answer 2

I imagine the department heads are accountable to a degree for monetary losses due to shop lifting. I am old and do not look like someone who would be suspect but I have noticed I was being scrutinized on more than one occasion.

Just be obvious that you are not boosting anything and cut them some slack.
Merry Christmas!!