No Pictures Please

'That's ridiculous' I said to a sales assistant, who literally ran with their hand in the air as if I was about to strip off (I would never inflict that painful sight on anyone but my boyfriend I promise you ha ha). To than loudly and pretty aggressively tell me and I kid you not ' No photos to be taken in store' note not even a please. Don't get me wrong, I know they were just repeating what they had been told are the rules. I won't name the store in question, but they have Instagram ...They do know what that's for right. 

Yes it's 2014, and apparently this silly rule still applies. So what is the reason for this,  because of course there must be some shred of logic. I was told it was to prevent people coping their designs, yes really. I was ready to stand on my soap box after trying to contain my laughter and point out the fact that a) they could google someones blog, newspaper and see photos of the collection there *right click screen shot. Or b) that they are already sharing everything with the world their supposedly 'secret' products *waves their Instagram page on iPhone for all to see before being dragged out.

Photo taken from New Look press day  (bag part of their A/W collection). Also not the shop in question, it's just how I feel about the no photo rule.


Instead I decided to let the person get on with their day, as once upon a time I use to be them and say this to people with a straight face everyday. This was before the whole instant sharing of photos, a time when sharing was not the thing to do. The real issue I have is that stores on the high street are 'inspired by the catwalk' can you imagine everyone heading to see a show at fashion week to be told no photos. I just found it so bizarre, maybe it's just me, maybe I've missed out on a more important point. In the end would you not want everyone taking photos and sharing them on social networks, showing that you have amazing products. I think Instagarm, and twitter are wonderful to lighten your purse or wallet and consume pretty much a whole time line of product. It's free advertising lets just face that fact, and you are actual turning this down.


Yes seeing your product being ripped off is awful, and I do feel for brands when it happens but that's even more reason to use these platforms so that people can get the real deal.  Also I think everyone is a tad guilty of having similar pieces, it's going to happen every now and than. Jumping in front of your customers, who actual support and love your brand is pretty rude and not very professional. Maybe I just have too much time on my hands to even let this get to me, I guess as someone who loves displays and wants to capture and share with others it's disappointing. I think it's positive and brands need to expect that it's only going to grow, and that they could possible be killing sales by not getting involved. I guess being a blogger I naturally want to snap things I see food, family, fashion, flowers and it's hard to resist. You can't make a visual haven of fashion, and not except people to want to capture that moment. I'm not hurting anyone, and I try not to have anyone in the photo (your not that special darling). It's like asking me not to buy more shoes, it will happen (I'm only human) but I'll just do it without getting caught next time. 

So is it just me or does this annoy you too? Or do you think they are right? Am I an awful human being, I would love to hear your side.

12 comments

  1. That is pretty ridiculous! Considering this happened in a shop, then they available to buy, and what is there to stop anyone from buying the item & taking photos of it later? Plus it would be on the brands' online shop too.

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    1. Such great points Jaime, glad I'm not the only one :)

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  2. I think it is ridiculous, many things I buy are from what I see on bloggers etc, as living in New Zealand, we don't get half the stuff you guys get, and now with online buying it opens up a whole new world for me. Anyway have a lovely weekend :)

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  3. Bizarre! But I admit I had similar reaction in a shop or two, where made me feel very guilty. It's not like I'm walking around and snapping everything like on some fashion press day! Plus what are they going to do with the people in the fitting rooms trying on the clothes and sending selfies to friends to comment on the attire? Will they introduce photo police? X

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  4. I always feel a bit awkward if I take a picture in store, but as you say- this is 2014 and in a real time world of twitter, instagram and blogging where brands pay and hand out freebies to people purely for their presence on social media, it seems a bit odd to say 'no pictures in store'. The copying thing seems a bit null and void too, you don't have to take a picture to copy something and with the way fashion forecasts so far ahead in time, if someone is copying your idea it's probably already happening, or more pertinently, the oriental/Asian manufacturer being used is already selling the factory outlet versions on eBay for a tenth of the price it retails for in the UK!

    I think I'm with you on this- life's too short to have been snarky with the shop assistant over this, even though they were super rude, and it's a really odd thing to take issue with!

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  5. No, I think that's quite a daft rule to be honest - why have IG if you don't want to interact with people through photos? I do prefer it when people ask if they can take photos in my shop, but they usually do and I'm totally fine with it. What does annoy me is when people pick up products and scan the barcodes to see if they can get them cheaper elsewhere (it's a private little gift shop, so some items may be available elsewhere but a lot are locally handmade items.

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  6. I've always thought this was a ridiculous rule - I haven't been stopped from taking photos in recent years but I still feel a little sheepish when I do it! Thankfully some shops are stepping into the 21st Century with regards to this though, I think places like Miss Selfridge and American Apparel are positively encouraging the 'changing room selfie' - hopefully it'll catch on!

    Hannah x
    www.hannahlouisef.com

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  7. THIS is something that I've been interested about for a while because as you know, us bloggers like to photograph something and share with our followers and fellow bloggers (and as you've mentioned, it's promoting a brand through our profiles. And word of mouth is invaluable!). I do wonder what shop assistants think nowadays what with instagram, twitter and facebook being so popular. I still feel like I can't take photos in store. I'd be so embarassed if i get told off. Actually, it would annoy me more than anything to be accused of ripping them off, when I'm doing quite the opposite! Your point is more than fair and I get where you're coming from x

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  8. I'm glad I'm not the only one that finds this annoying and I agree with anything that you're saying. It doesn't make any difference you taking a picture in a store because just like Jaime said it's on their online store and also people do hauls now where they film and take pictures of their purchases and share it on social media. Times are changing and that brand needs to move along with it.

    Mary

    popgoesfashion.com

    x
    x

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  9. Also, they are missing out on great advertisement. I've bought things I've fell in love with on blogs.


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  10. It's our rule at Miss Selfridge and it's so fucking stupid! If people want to copy clothes then there are pictures online! It's free promotion for us! x

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  11. totally nuts, i think of lot of store's rules need to be refreshed to reflect the nature of today's sharing culture. i've been stopped loads, but it doesn't stop me. usually in indi shops if you ask it's cool but i wouldn't ask in a larger know place, can usually take some unnoticed.

    Buckets & Spades

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Thank you for your comments, I really do love hearing from you x