NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Zelda boutique has faced its fair share of COVID-19 challenges, but owner Kori Waldrop noticed something unusual in the last few months.
"There were a couple things that were really big- physically big- pieces that had been taken from the store and I was just so confused. I couldn't figure out how people could get away with it," she said.
In the store's 28 year history, she said it has never had so much merchandise go missing in such a short amount of time.
"Yeah, we've definitely been hit harder during this time than any other time."
After noticing a pattern of missing items, Waldrup did some investigating of her own and installed security cameras. What she caught next left her shocked.
"She rolls them all up together," said Waldrup pointing to one of the women in her security video, "she's got about five pieces, pulls up her skirt and then stuffs the clothes into this little Spandex contraption, lays her skirt back down."
It was the last thing Waldrup ever expected- two older women shoving about $3,500 worth of clothing in their undergarments and walking out the door.
"It was just unbelievable and I thought it was really disturbing and I just want other business owners to be aware of the way these people are shoplifting during this really tough time," said Waldrup.
Although she may never recoup her losses, Waldrup said she's found solace in her loyal customers. "I can't imagine not having such a strong community of customers and just people who care about small shops."
Waldrup asks anyone with information about the shoplifters to please come forward.
