So it’s been requested that there be a huge list of stores and the types of tags they use so here is kind of a first draft. I actually had a lot of this written down already so there’s also some general advice about each store. I’ve put down what I learned through research or experience so some stores may have less info than others. Remember this can vary depending on where you live and you should always check thoroughly for tags!
This is a guide on types of tags (with pics) and removal for reference:-)
If there’s a store left off that you want me to add or you have any corrections/additional info please message me so I can add it and this list can be more informative!
Abercrombie and Fitch/Hollister
Super tags that require a hook
Black dome cameras, mostly near register, but the separate rooms make for easy concealment
Aerie/American Eagle
Tags for items over $30-$40
In my experience the dressing rooms aren’t well monitored so I conceal there
Aeropostale
No tags
Personally I don’t shop here so I don’t have much advice about dressing rooms or cameras but as always scope out the store and leave if you’re sketched out!
American Apparel
RFID and pencil tags
Sometimes you can find things untagged. SAs count going into the dressing room but they don’t usually hover so you can conceal a few things
Bath and Body Works
No tags!
Few cameras (mostly by register) and easy to conceal; SAs will probably greet you but if you’re nice they’ll leave you alone
Barnes and Noble
NEVER try to lift medical textbooks. Paperbacks are hardly tagged, especially books that have been out awhile, but still flip through them. If you are lifting a moleskin journal or something take the plastic off first. The best method is taking a school backpack, picking out a few books, then sitting for awhile, reading/doing work/etc then just sticking your new books in your backpack
Charlotte Russe
I haven’t been in awhile so idk the tags but they do monitor dressing rooms. Once I went in an unlocked dressing room and an SA knocked and asked who gave me the room and why I didn’t have a card saying my # of items etc. However I don’t think they count coming out.
Claire’s
No tags
Lots of mirrors in Claire’s so watch for those when finding a blind spot!
DIck’s Sporting Goods
Tags require a hook I believe; almost everything is tagged in apparel
Someone has to unlock the dressing room but they don’t count items
Dillard’s
No tags from what I’ve heard
Forever 21
Dome ink tags; require a magnet
I don’t believe they use RFIDs, so if an item is untagged it’s probably good to go; However the dressing rooms are well monitored, so concealing on the floor is probably best
Francesca’s
No tags!
The stores are pretty small so concealing clothes can be a bit difficult, but if they don’t count in the dressing room you’re prob good to go. Jewelry is super easy though
Free People
Attentive SAs; they like to start rooms for you. Conceal on the floor and try not to linger
Garage
I believe some things have tags but I know there are things that don’t. Not many SAs in my experience so pretty easy to conceal if you find a blind spot. They also monitor dressing rooms pretty well
J Crew
Tag items over $30 and uses RFIDs
H&M
Not sure about tags
Stores are generally big and the SAs stick to the register area so concealing isn’t very hard
Hot Topic
Not exactly sure about tags but I don’t think they tag everything
Loft
RFID
Large store usually, and I don’t remember anyone ever monitoring the dressing rooms very much
Lush
No tags!
Small store and attentive SAs, so getting in out as fast as possible is best
Lululemon
Most things are tagged (I don’t remember what kind) and SAs count going into dressing rooms. You can conceal things like leggings and shorts pretty easily, but only if you find a good blindspot since there are cams
Old Navy
No tags
Generally few cameras and dressing rooms aren’t monitored
Pacsun
Ink tags or super tags, RFIDs inside cardboard tags. I’ve also seen gator tags that you can remove with a hair band
Generally inattentive SAs, few cameras (still scope out in advance), don’t count going in dressing rooms
Starbucks
No tags
This is one of the easiest stores. After ordering a drink just pick up whatever stuff you want and hold it like you own it. As far as I know employees don’t really do much when merchandise goes missing, but make sure no other customers are paying attention
Sephora
Some tags, likely RFIDs on palettes
I don’t really mess with Sephora; lots of cams and attentive SAs
Target
Black dome cameras all around the store. They count going into dressing rooms. Finding a blindspot is hard but can be done. Please be extremely careful here they have plainclothes LP that are generally pretty good and they really don’t fuck around lol
Urban Outifitters
Black square tags that require a magnet; RFIDs in price tags
I’ve heard they count going in and out of dressing rooms and that they use magnet sensors so be careful. I also believe they have LP but not much info on that
Victoria’s Secret
Pencil tags that require a magnet, but they sometimes use tags that require hook so be prepared; tag almost all clothes and bras and the occasional panty
Locations vary greatly, but employees can’t act on you unless they are sure you’re stealing. There’s a lot of advice about VS floating around, and most people conceal in the dressing room, using shopper bags to bring in a lot of underwear
Ulta
RFIDs on palettes
There’s usually a blind spot in the hair care section, but always scope out the area well. Pretty attentive SAs but just act like you know what you’re looking for
jacobvanloon
blakekathryn
areudirty
theartofmadeline
vaporwave
gummygunk
origamiaround
