@relocationtoronto
Instagram · One Shot
@relocationtoronto A few days ago, someone came into our store and stole a jacket off the racks. He waited until a customer was checking out so the attention was elsewhere and robbed us blind. After reviewing security footage, we posted this clip to our stories hoping someone might recognize him. Within minutes members of our community started reaching out. One follower recognized the woman he was with based on her tattoos and pointed us in the right direction. Because of that support, we were able to make contact and the jacket was eventually returned. When the jacket was returned I told him, “I don’t think you understand how hard I work on this store.” His response was, “no I totally get it.” I replied, “No, I really don’t think you do.” … cause otherwise you wouldn’t be stealing from me. Most people see the idiotic Instagram videos, the garments, the storefront… What they don’t see are the early mornings, buying trips, hours of washing and processing, the partnerships, events, payroll, rent, taxes, repairs, inventory costs, operating bills, and the years it takes to build something from nothing. Someone walked into our store this week and decided all of that hard work was worth less than a jacket. We’re grateful to have it back, but this is a reminder that stealing from small businesses isn’t victimless. It affects real people who pour everything they have into what they do. We’re also sharing this as a reminder to other small business owners. Don’t trust everyone.Trust your instincts. And don’t underestimate the power of your community. To everyone who messaged, shared the story, DM’d the girl, and helped us recover the jacket… thank you.
