AJ
Avery Jackson
Jun 14, 2026
While shopping, I noticed a phone left behind in an unattended cart. Concerned that someone may have lost it, I asked my partner to check the lock screen to see if the owner had already gone to the front of the store before we turned it in. At no point did either of us attempt to take the phone or conceal it. Associate Xavier approached the cart and asked if we wanted it. We explained that we were trying to determine who the phone belonged to. Xavier immediately responded by saying, "That's not what it looks like. It looks like you're trying to steal it." In front of other customers, he publicly accused us of theft without any evidence whatsoever. Being falsely labeled as a thief by a store employee was insulting, degrading, and completely inappropriate. When I attempted to explain the situation, Xavier became increasingly argumentative and confrontational. Rather than de-escalating the situation, he continued making hostile remarks and creating tension. I asked him to get a manager because his behavior was unacceptable. When we approached Ashley, the manager, to report what had happened, Xavier continued interrupting the conversation and speaking aggressively. Ashley instructed him multiple times to go to the back, yet he repeatedly ignored her directions and remained in the area. It took several requests before he finally complied. His refusal to follow management instructions in front of customers demonstrated a shocking lack of professionalism and respect. Even after we attempted to move on and continue our shopping, the situation became worse. When we approached the checkout line, cashier Nate Robinson appeared to be laughing at us. After everything that had already occurred, this behavior felt mocking and disrespectful. When I asked for the other associate's name, Nate responded dismissively and referred to Xavier as "his boy" rather than addressing my concerns professionally. When I requested that he call the manager, he attempted to brush off my request by stating that she was in the office speaking with his friend. Throughout this entire experience, I felt ridiculed, disrespected, and treated as though I had done something wrong when, in reality, I was attempting to help return a lost phone. The conduct displayed by Xavier was especially concerning. No customer should ever be falsely accused of theft, publicly embarrassed, antagonized, or subjected to confrontational behavior by a store employee. What should have been a simple shopping trip became an exhausting and upsetting experience. I left the store with a severe headache, an upset stomach, and a negative impression of both the associates involved and the store's customer service standards. Customers should feel welcomed and respected, not harassed and humiliated.
The behavior displayed by Xavier and Nate Robinson fell far below the standards customers should expect from Food Lion associates and warrants immediate corrective action.