Shop Owner Shames Customer for Her Size in Shock Southampton Rant
“You’re not trying that dress on – you’re way too large for it and definitely not a size 10-12. I don’t want my stock ruined by you!” barked the owner of Lillies in Southampton’s Marlands shopping centre at Sophie Roberts today.
Sophie and her friend Charlie Maidment popped into the store hoping to boost Sophie’s confidence with a new outfit. Instead, Sophie was left in tears after being publicly humiliated by the harsh words of the store owner.
Public Dressing Room Snub Sparks Fury
After selecting three dresses, Sophie headed to the fitting rooms – only for the owner to storm over and snatch a dress from her hands. He refused to let her try it on, insisting she was “far too large” and not a size 10-12 like the label claimed.
Charlie demanded he repeat the insult. The owner doubled down, blaming customers like Sophie for ‘ruining’ his stock and costing him money. When Sophie defended the dress as stretchy, he smirked
“You clearly aren’t a size ten love. It might fit your mate, but not you.”
He still wouldn’t let Sophie prove it by trying the dress on.
Security Threat & Public Backlash
Charlie demanded an apology, but instead the owner threatened to call security. Not stopping there, he fetched a staff member from the neighbouring Lillies store who joined him in lecturing Sophie about accepting her “true size” – offering to help find something “for a woman like her”.
The pair were then kicked out, with the owner telling them any store would treat them the same way.
Two women waiting behind them were disgusted. One snapped at the owner:
“Your attitude and customer service is absolutely disgusting. We won’t be coming back!”
Charlie called the owner “a silly man” for his size-shaming rant. The man’s attitude soon turned aggressive, raising his voice at Sophie and Charlie.
Bad Reviews Flood In
Google reviews paint a grim picture of Lillies’ customer service. One reviewer wrote:
“Absolutely awful shop. Managers are rude and harass you. They refused a refund blaming my size. Reported to trading standards.” – Emma Sutton
Another added:
“The manager called me a liar over a stained top and insulted my intelligence. Never shopping here again.” – Raquel Costa
A recent customer said:
“Manager was rude and impatient. Left immediately.” – Jessica Morgan
And another:
“The shop manager was on speakerphone, rude when we tried on dresses, and unfriendly when we returned items. Not recommended.” – Samantha Baker
Finding Confidence After the Nightmare
Despite the ordeal, Sophie and Charlie have now found an outfit elsewhere and are ready for their night out – hoping to shake off the shock.
We’ve contacted Lillies for a statement. The store is run by husband and wife team Lilly and Rajiv Arora, who describe their business as a “small independent company” specialising in quality European stock in Southampton and Poole.
One thing’s clear: Southampton fashion fans might want to think twice before stepping into Lillies.
