Brian E.

Today, August 1,2020, I visited the WSS located at 8236 S Gessner Rd, Houston, TX *******. As I walked in the store(with my 12 year old son), a staff member and a Harris County Deputy stood by the entrance. The staff member spoke and said "Welcome to WSS" and my reply was thank you. As my son I walked towards the Jordan brand items, I found a pair of all black Air Jordan 1 mids that I wanted to try on since I was interested in the shoe. I picked up my size, 10.5, and ventured over to the bench to try the shoes on. After pulling one shoe out the box and trying it on, I told my son next to me that the shoe didn't see good with the size I selected, and I turned my head towards the door, I see the Harris County Officer staring dead at me. After realizing in a quick second that officer had already stereotyped me, I continued to shop throughout the store. Like I ways do when visiting WSS i ventured to the back wall( discounted shoes) to see if they had anything in my size. As I looked around picking up a shoe or two that I thought was interesting, I turn my head to the left and the Harris County Officer is standing next to the Soccer gate looking dead at me while I shop. My son noticed and said" Dad, is that officer following us?" I took a moment and responded with I believe so. My son then asked could he go look at some airmax shoes... the officer followed my son from a distance and watched him but on the shoes. At the moment I decided that shopping at WSS right now is very uncomfortable. I told my son to put the shoes back inside the box and that we're leaving. I understand that people steal and having officers in stores just makes it more safer, but I am not one of those people and neither is my son. I work hard to shop when I want to and the experience and emotions I felt at WSS today was uncalled for. Today I am comfortable with saying WSS has loss my business for life. I will also tell my friends and family members this comfortable experience and encourage them to spend their money elsewhere when shopping for shoes.