Busted at Walmart yesterday

[Megan Nicole]

All winter I've been buying girly goodies & clothing at Walmart while in male mode & have become very handy at using the self check-out lanes.....till yesterday. Along with a few needed items I picked up a few bottles of nail color that caught my eye yesterday. After running all of my purchases through the scanner I came to my last little bottle of nail polish and it wouldn't scan. By now a small line has started for form behind me. Dang! Of course a nearby sales assiciate noticed I was having an issue and here she comes! Dang again! She tried a few times and ended up entering the code manually. It was a little stressful at first, but all was good and she returned to her post. I did not make eye contact with the folks behing me & just headed out after paying. Wew! Afterward I realized it wasn't such a big deal, but felt it was at the time. Just thought I'd share.

Megan

[kimdl93]

So far as I know, it's not illegal to buy nail polish. Really, don't fret over such things!

[MeDeanna]

That reminds me of the time I had to return a bra at Walmart.

When asked, I told them the bra didn't fit . . .

[I Am Paula]

Eight hours of mind numbing cashier duties. They don't see you, what you buy, or care. They are thinking about cold beer and pizza.

[Talisker]

These types of panics are only in your mind. The sales people just don't care.

[alwayshave]

Megan, I appreciate the stress that you felt at the time, I have felt the stress myself. However, buying something generally associated with women is not a crime. There will be no special on America's Most Wanted about how you evaded the Walmart Security Guard after having purchased nail polish. If that was the case I would be nabbed once a month when my fiancee's friend comes to town and I am dutifully sent to the Rite Aid to purchase pads. Eventually you'll realize 99 out of 100 SAs don't care what you are buying, they just want to do their job, make a sale, etc....

[JenniferYager]

Had the exact same thing happen. There was a clearance at Walmart and I picked up a bunch of makeup and nail polish. Tried going through the self scanner...no dice! SA came over, scanned it, and that was that. Didn't care one bit, I didn't even bother giving her an excuse.

Don't fret on the little stuff. It's not illegal to purchase women's things, just like it's not illegal to go to a store and try on women's clothes.

[TxCassie]

I can relate totally Megan. Everyone has wrote the truth! It's not illegal for men to buy items that is associated with females. No one really cares or notices, and if they do, so what! The SA, especially at places like Walmart are so busy everyday, and I am sure in the mode of: one item is one item that is an item, push the button, get the system to work, and move on, go home! The stress is ours and it is us who puts the stress on because it is us that know why we are buying the item and inevitably it is us who may bring attention to ourselves by expressing the stress via nervousness, or by giving that stressed look on our faces. So, like everyone says, relax, scan it, if there's a problem, grab a SA, problem solved, and whola! it's over, go have fun!

Oh, just FYI, if I was one of the people in line, waiting, I'd probably thinking is, "Dude, SCAN IT, SWIPE the CARD, MOVE ON! Geezzz... :brolleyes:" The last thing I and probably any of the others were thinking is , "What! HE's Buying Nailpolish, OMG!:eek: " Unless, it's OMG!, I LOVE THAT COLOR! :battingeyelashes:

Hugs! :daydreaming:

Cassie :battingeyelashes:

[Launa]

You have to be careful because if those cashiers get wind that you're buying something of your opposite gender then they will hit that secret alarm button and a loud voice comes over the intercom saying, " everybody theres a crossdresser at the till." LOL

You're not even closed to being busted, its not like someone in your family or longtime friend was in the line.....

[Isaihi]

Unless the check-out clerk is your SO {and it's nor their color!}, no problem.

[Alice Torn]

Last summer, i went in to a Walmart dressed up, around 11pm, and cashiers noticed big time! It was not busy, and cashiers were talking, , one saw mw from about 60 feet away, and said to the other, "Hey come here", and giggling, watching me shop.

[JenniferR771]

I feel your pain! Oh yes; it was difficult the first few times. I mostly shop at thrift stores. But years ago at Big Lots, a customer with her daughter in line behind me said, "I hope that's not for you." referring to the Vasserette padded bra I was holding, (36-B). I was starting to sweat--but i managed to blurt out, "Its for me. Hope it fits." After checkout she asked If I did drag shows or sing on stage.
Also, I have told cashier girls I was a crossdresser, actually one didn't believe me. Another said, "What's a crossdresser?"
In recent years, I usually say nothing--or--if the girl gives me a friendly smile or knowing look, I tell them I am a crossdresser and, "Hope it fits." or some such comment. Conservative religious thrifts. Maybe.

[Adriana Moretti]

Like Sonny in the movie Bronx Tale said......."Nobody Cares".....seriously...they dont care what you buy....they just want to get off work...collect a paycheck...that kinda thing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtfzNGzx4UA

[CarmenSkye]

Haha I know that feeling. For me it's a constant process for an excuse. My mind is on panic mode trying to figure out how I can make what I'm doing "normal". In the end, you just need to keep your cool and just move on. Like many said here already, these sales associates don't really care.

[RenneB]

Yep, been there done that... got the receipt. This time it wasn't a non-scan item, it was a "check ID" item. I was dressed up and went shopping for stuff when I had gone to the $5 movie bin and found a movie that I wanted to see. Happened to be r-rated. Turns out the rating requires a light to flash above the self scanner and the machine locks up.

The SA came over, took a look at me and entered the store code. No issues.... just a few drops of sweat... LOL..

Renne.....

[Beverley Sims]

Megan,
It's just clothes and cosmetics, men but them all the time. :)

[rocketscientist]

Hi! I don't worry about it anymore at all, in either mode. If anyone inquires I am quick with my phone to show them a pic of me dressed ( if in drab mode that is). Usually that does the trick

[~Joanne~]

I know it felt like the world was closing in on you at the time but this really was a non issue. Even before my SO started shopping with me, I would have the same types of problems because the bar code was so small on polishes, lipsticks, and every other product or the machine itself just didn't want to ring it up. It got so stupid at one point that I just started taking it to a human ran lane and not a word was ever said and I didn't care what they thought.

It's funny though that thinking back on those times that I won't go out dressed because I care what they think but not when it comes to my shopping lol Now if I could get my frame of mind to do the same when it comes to going out, life would be great.

You still got your polishes and got out alive. All is good from my perspective ;)

[Steph_CD_62]

I have bought several womanly things at Wal-Mart and never had a problem.

One time I got a couple of the associates to whisper to each other and look my way and they both giggled a little but that is it. I'm not sure if all Wal-Mart are the same when it comes to self check outs, but at the one closest to me, they have an associate standing near by behind a computer screen and I have notice they are able to look at everything that is being scanned, and this particular time I needed some new stockings and had picked some up. I not sure if they were commenting on what I was buying or they were just gossiping, but it didn't really bother me too much.

I have gone to Wal-mart and just gone through a regular check out line with panties, bras, stockings and nail polish. If the cashier is friendly and wants to chat I will chat with them, but if they just want to do their job and not chat that is fine to. I always hold my head up, and make sure I make eye contact with the cashier and not one of them has ever asked me about the items I am purchasing.

[heatherdress]

Megan - enjoy the excitement you feel buying nail polish, lingerie and thigh highs at Walmart. But do not feel you are "busted" when you check out. Save that feeling for when you are caught speeding by a cop.

[~Joanne~]

Save that feeling for when you are caught speeding by a cop.

lol sorry that's not all that funny, been there, done that (not for speeding though) and that truly is a busted moment if there ever is one.

[Rachel Morley]

I think it happens to all of us at some point. I can remember when I was less confident than I am these days I would get worried when shopping in boy mode in case people thought the items were for me, they were, but I was worried what people would think. Then I got more confident about buying girly things and it wasn't so bad ...

.. years ago at Big Lots, a customer with her daughter in line behind me said, "I hope that's not for you." referring to the Vasserette padded bra I was holding, (36-B).

I had a very similar situation to Jennifer. I was checking out at the self scan checkout with a bra and the woman behind me said in a joking way "I hope that's not for you" ... and I said "What if it is? What about it?" ... and then she got all embarrassed and apologized and said she didn't mean anything by it. I don't know if she was trying to embarrass me or not but it was her that ended up feeling that way.

[BLACK STOCKINGS]

I never gave purchasing female items a second thought. Just fill up my cart with things and go to any open maned register. No one has ever said anything about the items i was purchasing.

[Megan Nicole]

Thanks for the feedback girls! No, no crime to buy nail polish, but it did catch me a little left of center, then followed by a few moments of panic. I got over it all pretty quick, but for just a minute.......wew! Couldn't wait to get out the doors.

Have a super Sunday!

Meg

[StacyLynn]

I can relate to your stress, Megan. I actually just got back from the store and I bought some new makeup. I had to get some veggies and fat free sour cream at the grocery store so I thought I'd stop by the small cosmetics section to grab some more foundation because I'm getting low. Once there the pink fog took over and I kept putting stuff in my cart lol. All the while though I kept looking around to make sure no one was there looking at me haha. Luckily right behind the makeup aisle was men's deodorant and shaving supplies, which I actually needed some so if I heard someone coming I could do a quick 180 and look at the guy stuff. It was busy today so I ended up looking at the guy stuff more, ugh. Anyway I went to the self checkout and it was a bit busy there but I lucked out and got one that wasn't easy for others to see and the SA had to help someone quick so my stress faded. In the end I got a new powder brush that I desperately needed, more foundation, new shade of blush, a really adorable pink lipstick and some super cute blue nail polish. I have to go back and get more nail polish lol, I've only recently started painting my nails so I need more. I'm thinking a soft purple or yellow next :)

xoxo Stacy

[carhill2mn]

Actually, this is the time to act as if it is no big deal that you are buying nail polish. You would not be the first husband to buy nail polish for his wife.

[Jules Spirit]

This is not an issue and you shouldn't let your fears get the best of you. For all she knew, you were buying these things for your wife or girlfriend or daughter. Men buy "women's" items all the time. The only real issue is your own fears. Get over it and buy whatever you want!! My spouse buys "women's" items all the time in guy mode; he even tries on women's clothes in the store in guy mode, if he needs to and has never had a problem. Just be yourself and be relaxed and people will respond in kind. :battingeyelashes:

[Tina G]

I look at it like this, if i could buy tampons for my wife why should i sweat anything else. If they have an issue i'm finally at the understanding that it's their problem to deal with. I was there at one time, glad i'm not anymore. :)

[sometimes_miss]

O.K., discovered this one by accident. If you want nail polish, just bring a cheap model something or other with you; a model car, train, plane, whatever, you can even just bring the box with you and then pretend to compare what the color of the nail polish bottle will look like on the model, when in reality you just want it for your nails. I found this by needing some orange/pink color paint for trim where it had worn off on a model I had; when at the hobby store, they only have a limited number of colors, and I always wound up mixing colors to try to get the color I wanted, and then of course, waiting for it to dry. Then, bingo; women's nail polishes come in thousands of colors. Go to one of the beauty stores, tell the girl what you need, and she'll happily pull bunches of bottles trying to get you a match for what you need. And the nail polish dries very quickly, and very hard, and you never have to worry about mixing paints again. I hardly every use model paint anymore. Also makes a good excuse for my wall rack of nail polish. And some of the metallics look GREAT! A side benefit; the girls at the local beauty supply now know me on a first name basis, nice to have friendly people to deal with. If they only knew.........

[Deborah]

No one cares until you come in dressed up. You should hear the laughter even months later if you wear something extreme.....trust me I know ;)

[BLUE ORCHID]

Hi Megan, They probably thought that you were using it to color code electrical wires and seal screw threads on electronics like I do.

[Kate Simmons]

Not sure just how this would equate to being "busted", unless you knew some of the folks in line behind you.

[Taylor Ray]

Yes, that stress is real Megan. The good news is that: if you keep it up, there will come a time in the future when you can shop openly and not feel stress! Life has the tendency of presenting us with serious challenges (health, family, career, relationships). Buying lingerie will someday be the least of your concerns!

[Ellaxo]

I actually had an almost similar experience.

I went late at night about 12am-2am to my 24 hour walmart which is 15 minutes away. I was bored and had nothing to do, I was in my guy form. I seen a thong for $3, and have been wanting to try one. I also got some tape for tucking, and in the food section I got some already cut cucumbers to snack on. I went to the express checkout lane and the thong wouldn't scan. I was getting paranoid, tried entering the number myself and it wouldn't take it. So I just threw the thong besides the counter and scanned my other items. I didn't end up buying the thong. :doh::doh:

It's okay, a few days later I found one online with free shipping and it looked nicer. It was about the same price too if not cheaper.

[Barbie Anne]

Doesn't sound like you got nailed too awful bad hon.....Similar here but my wife's mischevious (so am I lol),..............I already told this story a few months ago in another thread but basically, the wife and I sometimes wear matching panties. We wear different sizes. The OH so helpful checkout clerk just happened to notice we were paying for two different sizes of the same exact brand/color/style panties and told my wife she thought she'd made a mistake......My dear wife bold as brass told her........"nope the other pack is his" and pointed to me. We walked out holding hands and giggling :)

[kymmieLorain]

Went to wally world on Thurs morning to get a new printer as ours crapped out. Got the printer and also a cute blue & white strip bikini bottom. Went through the self check outs as they are the only ones open at 6:30am. Being it had the security wire on it. the associate had to run it through the master register. No problems. Oh, Did I mention I have also worked at the store for almost 7 years. And knew the cashier.

Kymmie

[JenniferYager]

Megan, just because I love you...

225130

[lingerieLiz]

A while back I bought a bra at Stein Mart. The SA said I wish my husband would by a bra for me. There was a woman behind me and she looked at me like where did that come from. I started to say, does he buy his own? But, alas I just let her talk.

[leeannalee]

Well you could come up with some sort of excuse like 'oh I'm buying this for my wife or sister.'

[joanna marie]

The easiest answer is to look at them shake your head and say " Its a long story" and walk away

[texasm31]

That reminds me of the time I had to return a bra at Walmart.

When asked, I told them the bra didn't fit . . .

Lol...I did the same thing.

[newbiecdmd]

This wouldn't work if you were dressed of course, but during a couple purchases where I've noticed a glance from the cashier and it looks like they are thinking, "Why is he buying this?"
(Of course this is probably just in my head.), I have always responded, "The things you'll buy to be a good husband!" I think most are right, they usually could care less!

[Sarah Doepner]

It's a small step. The next time it will be a little easier and after that there will be nothing to stop you. We learn to deal with these potential calamities and become better and better at being honest with ourselves. Once that happens we can start being honest with others. I'm still working on that, but it gets closer each time I have to deal with something like your nail polish episode.

[CynthiaD]

That's not really being busted. Really being busted is being recognized while en femme by someone you know. That's no big deal either.

I often wear bright red nail polish at Walmart (and many other places) in male mode. So nobody needs to wonder if what I'm buying is for me.

[RebeccaShowers]

Eight hours of mind numbing cashier duties. They don't see you, what you buy, or care. They are thinking about cold beer and pizza.

Spot on. Besides, guys buy for their wives, girlfriends, and daughters all the time.

[julia marie]

I shop at Walmart on a regular basis (en femme and in boy mode). Let's face it you can pay $10-$15 for a bra there or $50 someplace else. At first I bought girl stuff when dressed in boy mode and felt like a criminal. Now, femme mode lets me buy anything and I'll pay at a cashier or self checkout (when it's available just to avoid lines). The easy path to comfort in girl mode was looking around at the people I saw and thinking of the People of Walmart website. There's always someone in the store who looks weirder than I do. Plus, if you are wearing fake boobs and a skirt, nobody is going to wonder who you're buying that bra for. Life goes on.

[LittleMissJoanna]

I would have been frightened too, looking at it in hindsight, it never is a big deal and there could be a very reasonable explanation else than shopping for yourself but it's the fear of being put on the spot, thankfully this time, no one you knew was there, but we've all been there, isn't it a little exciting too? It's like doing something naughty, we all like to play with fire every now and again, don't we? ;) xx

Joanna

[curiouslooker]

Had a female friend who worked at Victoria's Secret. She told me that the majority of their sales were to men for themselves.

[Angie G]

No big deal you don't know them and they don't know you! All is good.:hugs:
angie

[MsVal]

I read that nearly all the male underwear is purchased by women. (for their sons and husband I suppose) If a woman doesn't feel self conscious buying male undies, why should I feel self conscious buying feminine undies? - So I don't.

Best wishes
MsVal

[tightsplease1986]

This made me smile :) when I bought my skirts out of Oxfam yesterday I went to pay after pretending to look at men's stuff too...now the young lady behind the counter didn't say anything but I couldn't help but think she was giving me a funny look (probably just all in my head and in fact she was probably thinking something more like 'oh how nice, a guy buying stuff for his lady') though I didn't really care- I am actually in love with the tiny pink bodycon skirt I bought :D

[CONSUELO]

You can go to a store and buy anything that you like without it becoming the business of a store clerk or another customer.
I used to feel a little afraid of being "embarrassed" when buying female items. Now I just do it without thinking. I am always pleasant and chatty with the SA and I they always seem relaxed with me. What they think is of no interest to me whatsoever. I was recently buying my favourite perfume in a Dillards store and the SA said she hoped that my wife would enjoy it. I replied very straightforwardly and conversationally that the perfume was for me. She didn't blink an eye but continued the sale and handed me the goods. She made a sale and got commission and I got the perfume that I wanted and we had a pleasant transaction.

[sissystephanie]

I go to Walmart at least twice a month wearing a skirt and a feminine top, but looking like the man that I really am! No one ever says anything about how I am dressed, unless it is to compliment me on what I am wearing. The skirts aren't really swishy, so they could be shorts when people look at them! Most people don't pay attention to what you are buying, or what you are wearing unless you are really trying to attract attention! I dress to please myself, not to attract attention! BTW, I have been a crossdresser for over 70 years, of which I was married for almost 50 before my dear wife passed away. She preferred me in feminine clothes!

[trisha kobichenko]

I can relate to what was going thru your mind. I have been in line at the store with 'questionable items' when dressed as male. As I look over my shoulder I ask myself how many of the people behind me know who I am, and how many care what I am buying vs how fast can I ring it up...shrug my shoulders and think to myself 'oh well'....
Hugs,
Trish

[rachael.davis]

I was at a Sears a couple of days ago - I had picked up a nice summer casual skirt & top, was waiting on line to pay, and the sales troll working the cash register looks over at me (I'm in jeans, a light sweater, I have posts in my ears, and a headwrap), and with all the venom she could muster announces "The lines at the MENS department are a lot shorter if you want to pay for your skirt there SIR"
I've had a grim couple of weeks, my sunny disposition is on vacation, I didn't need this - So my reply was "I'm fine thanks"
No really! Why not go pay on the other line.
I think for a minute and say "Sure, you win, would you please have your department manager excort me to the correct register? I'll wait here for her, or you can ring me up"

She changed her attitude, and ya know, the transgender police didn't show up

[Laurelanne]

HaHaHa I liked that, I would have also.. I returned some items last xmas to a local ladies shop one was mine one was my wifes, they were terrible fits, any way again the reason given was: wasn't happy with the gift

[KaceyR]

I was at a Sears a couple of days ago ...

Hmm. Actually that would be something reportable... Sears does have a real good internal transgender policy for employees (I work for them office-wise and one other transitioned here...doesn't really apply for CDers tho or I'd go ahead and dress for work :) but I'd think they'd like to make sure that the TG (or CD in this case) customers weren't being harassed this way. But that was a good response!

[TinaZ]

I was friends with a psychiatrist who treated people for "anomalous trauma." In lay terms, she helped people who believed they've been abducted by aliens. I remember asking her how she convinced people that the abductions didn't happen, and I'll always remember her answer: "I don't!"

She explained that it didn't matter whether the event actually happened, because what we know to be real and factual is the trauma that these people had. You have to treat what's real. And trauma can manifest itself in all kinds of ways - some quite serious, actually.

I know many of you are trying to be helpful by dismissing the panic Megan described, but please keep in mind these are very real and actual feelings and emotions. You can talk through the facts of the event all you'd like - and many of you bring up great points about cashiers not noticing or probably not caring - but please avoid telling someone how she SHOULD feel.

We're all different, and we're all in different place on this journey. I'm guessing I'm closer to where Megan is because I fight these panic moments a lot, and as someone near the beginning of the journey, it's always better to hear my feelings being validated (Oh! I remember not being able to leave the house, too! That can be scary!) rather than hearing I should have more confidence, and I shouldn't be afraid.

Sorry if I came off like I'm lecturing. I just wanted to offer that perspective to everyone, because I'm confident almost everyone here has the best intentions.

[Kaz]

Hi Tina,

What you say is very well placed. I was about to add the 'it doesn't matter just be yourself' comment, but in fact I go through so much angst over this. The reality is though that it shouldn't be an issue. In some countries CD is illegal and I have been to one of those several times. But I attended an equality and diversity course at work last week and realised that in the UK at least, CDing in public is perfectly acceptable and if someone gives you a hard time you can make a claim of harassment. But sadly the stigma remains and I would go through the same emotions if that happened to me. It is all about dealing with these inner issues that we have and confronting them positively.

[Diversity]

I understand your anxiety Megan. Once I was went to buy a bra and decided to buy one for my wife as well. At the checkout, the cashier asked me if I realized the sizes of the two bras were different? Mind you people were standing in line behind me. I said yes I did, and that one was for my daughter. while I was pleased with myself for my quick thinking, I must admit that I doubt the cashier bought it. Oh well. I loved my new bra and my wife loved hers as well. Still, to this day, she does not know anything about this.Doesn't want to know anything about me doing this CD thing. Oh, by the way, I am writing to you, and am underdressed with the very same bra. It's my problem, but also my enjoyment!
Good luck to you!
Di

[Diversity]

You're so right, TinaZ! Thanks for voicing your opinion. It is a sound one!
Di