5 On Your Side

Cameras in the dressing room? Walmart reassures shaken shopper

Shoppers expect security cameras just about everywhere, but one woman was surprised to see one right above the dressing room at the Walmart on Main Street in Hope Mills.

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HOPE MILLS, N.C. — Shoppers expect security cameras just about everywhere, but one woman was surprised to see one right above the dressing room at the Walmart on Main Street in Hope Mills.

"I had took my clothes off, tried it on, and as I was hanging it up, I looked up, and I was like, 'I know that's not a camera over my head,'" she said.

Snow immediately complained to a security employee, who she says suggested she purchase the clothes then try them at home.

A shopper in a Michigan Walmart had a similar situation.

So what's the deal?

A security employee at the Hope Mills store says several customers have complained about the camera, but that it is no longer operational. She says it was disconnected during recent renovations that included moving the dressing rooms to the center of the store.

At Wal-Mart headquarters, a spokeswoman apologized for what she called "confusion" involving the "non-working camera."

5 On Your Side checked out other area Walmarts but didn't see any cameras or domes above the dressing rooms.

In Hope Mills, the camera dome is now down, but Snow is still uncomfortable with the entire situation.

"Even though it wasn't on, I don't think it should have been there," she said. "That'll make anybody feel like you're being watched and your privacy has been invaded, and I still feel invaded."

"We always want our customers to feel comfortable shopping in our stores. Privacy is a big part of that," said Erica Jones, of Wal-Mart's Corporate Communications office. "We're so sorry for the confusion that was caused by our recent remodel. The non-working camera that was left above our new fitting room has been removed. And we'll work hard to regain Ms. Snow's trust."

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