I understand that small business owners can be devistated by shoplifting ... but I hate it when the owners/employees stare the entire time I'm looking at notions or fat quarters. I totally understand the reason why but it makes me very uncomfortable ... if you have to keep an eagle eye out ... strike up a conversation ... that way you can monitor and not make a customer uncomfortable. BTW ... I'm really not scary LOL ... think middle aged wearing office attire because I shop on my way home or at lunch <grin>. One shop owner did get shoplifted when her dad was minding the store for her for a few minutes and when I first started going there she was really bad about following people around but we've gotten to know each other (meaning I spend too much time in there LOL) and now she follows me around because neither of us can shut up LOL.
ETA ... I LOVE Doty's ideas too!
Susan