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Tag: Shopping

  • I Tested the Viral Coach Kisslock Clutch That Sells Out in Minutes

    While each product featured is independently selected by our editors, we may include paid promotion. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission. Read more about our Product Review Guidelines here.

    As someone who works in New York City, I’m very particular about handbags. I’ve never been the stylish commuter who grabs a mini clutch and is off for a day of adventure from the office to dinner to cocktails. My work bag is essentially the equivalent of a car trunk for me so the more space, the better. That said, it’s no surprise I gravitated to Coach’s recent oversize bag offerings, particularly the Coach Large Kisslock Frame Bag ($695).

    Main Image

    But obviously, it’s not just about function. When I saw it on the runway, I immediately recognized the design inspiration: grandma’s coin purse. Coach actually cites the vintage Cashin Carry as its muse, the 1969 handbag conceived by Bonnie Cashin, the brand’s first lead designer. How innovative for Coach to reimagine that archival staple as an oversize It bag — I’ve never seen anything like it. I shared clips of the bag on TikTok and immediately the comment section was flooded with praise. It was clear Coach had yet another burgeoning viral handbag moment on their hands (viral is now an understatement: the bag sells out in a matter of minutes). While the teddy bear and dinosaur styles are also on my shopping list, the kisslock frame bag feels especially fun and versatile — and it comes in a bunch of bold and neutral colors.

    I have to admit though, I had my reservations. The models carried the bag hoisted under their arms on the runway and it was all very cool and effortless but I’m sorry — I need to be on my phone, grabbing my wallet, pulling out my emotional support water bottle, applying my lip oil, taking my supplements, finishing my coffee, and something else I’m forgetting. A hands-free options is needed! Fortunately, Coach planned for that and more.

    Keep reading for my full review of the Coach Large Kisslock Frame bag.

    What I Like About the Coach Large Kisslock Frame Bag

    The Coach Kisslock Frame bag is ludicrously capacious in the best way, to quote “Succession.” In fact, after the fashion show, I switched to flats and was looking for a tote to carry my knee-high boots. Imagine my surprise when they actually fit in the Frame bag — that’s how roomy it is.

    To my delight, it does have a strap so if you don’t feel like hoisting a huge bag under your arm, there’s another option for carrying it hands free.

    PS Photography | Jessica Andrews

    What’s Worth Noting About the Coach Large Kisslock Frame Bag

    It features an inside zip pocket so you don’t have to go deep sea diving to find your wallet. But if you prefer even more organization and easy access to your smaller items, I’d invest in a handbag organizer ($7, originally $10) you can throw inside.

    Main ImageMain Image

    It’s also a bold style that commands attention, which is further proof that the loud-luxury trend is having a moment. If you prefer a more understated, roomy bag, I’m equally in love with the Coach Soft Empire Carryall Bag ($695).

    Main ImageMain Image

    Who Is the Coach Large Kisslock Frame Bag Best For?

    This bag marries style and function in a way that’s truly unprecedented. If you need a spacious, go-with-everything carryall but are tired of being left out of the “It bag” conversation, this is the style for you. It’s the rare head-turning conversation starter that does double duty by holding all your essentials.

    The bag is perfect for everyone from a college student who needs to lug their computer back and forth to class; to a parent whose bag has to house all their kids’s snacks and toys; to a commuter like myself whose essentials need to be on hand at all times. But what sets this apart from your average roomy bag is you can tuck the handle in and be ready for any stylish event on your social calendar.

    PS Photography | Jessica Andrews

    About the Coach Large Kisslock Frame Bag

    • It’s available to shop in black, dark brown, and a rainbow logo style.
    • It’s 12.25″ long, 11.75″ high, and 7.75″ wide.
    • It has a detachable leather strap with a 9.75″ drop.
    • It features one inside zip pocket.
    • The exterior is made out of glove-tanned leather and features a leather inner lining.

    Where Is the Coach Large Kisslock Frame Bag Available?

    The Coach Large Kisslock Frame Bag is available on the brand’s website and Dillard’s.

    Rating:
    ★★★★★

    Jessica C. Andrews (she/her) is an award-winning editor and writer who currently works as the senior style director of PS, overseeing beauty, fashion, shopping, and identity content. With more than 15 years of experience, her areas of expertise include fashion, shopping, and travel. Prior to joining PS, Jessica held senior roles at Teen Vogue, Refinery29, and Bustle and contributed to The New York Times, Elle, Vanity Fair, and Essence. She’s appeared on “Good Morning America,” NBC, and Fox 5 New York and spoken on various panels about fashion, hair, and Black culture.

    Jessica Andrews

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  • Boston woman does last-minute shopping at T.J. Maxx. Too bad it’s the cashier’s ‘first day on Earth’: ‘He’s probably on his twelfth 10-hour shift’

    Life happens, and sometimes things like buying Christmas presents or last-minute holiday necessities get pushed right up to the wire, even to Christmas Eve.

    Luckily, plenty of stores stay open that day, including Target, Marshall’s, Home Depot, and more. T.J. Maxx is one of them. But when one Boston woman stopped in for some last-minute shopping, she says the checkout experience tested her patience.

    Commenters, however, didn’t fully side with her, with many stepping in to defend the possibly overworked employee.

    What Did The T.J. Maxx Employee Do Wrong?

    In the clip, which got over 10.9 million views, TikTok creator Abigail (@thenewpinkalicious) is standing at the T.J. Maxx checkout. 

    First, she films herself looking pretty impatient and frustrated, then flips the camera around to show the worker.

    The worker, wearing a holiday t-shirt, is holding a T.J. Maxx paper bag, opens it up a bit, then more forcefully opens it again, possibly ripping it, and sets it aside. 

    “Trying to be holly jolly but the TJ Maxx worker is experiencing his first day on earth,” she wrote in the video’s text overlay. 

    In the comments, plenty of viewers pushed back, arguing the frustration was misplaced and that retail workers deserve more grace, especially on Christmas Eve.

    “Yeah let’s humiliate the retail worker on Christmas Eve because we didn’t plan correctly,” one person wrote.

    Another echoed that sentiment, saying, “He’s overworked, underpaid, and dealing with ungrateful and impatient customers.”

    Someone who says they work at the store added, “I work at TJ Maxx. People are genuinely so rude it’s insane. They have no consideration for anything.”

    Others, however, said the situation sounded familiar, with some pointing specifically to their own experiences shopping—or working—at T.J. Maxx.

    “Legit went in a few days ago and the worker stopped to smell every candle I bought,” one person shared.

    Another former employee chimed in, writing, “Used to work at TJ Maxx. There’s something in the air in there that makes your brain absolutely refuse to function.”

    One commenter shared a similar checkout story, adding, “I too experienced a TJ Maxx worker’s first day on Earth. My total was $10.49 so I gave him $20.50 (you know to get a 10 back). He looked at the quarters VERY confused, rang up $20, gave me $9.51 plus my two quarters back.”

    Shoppers Are More Impatient Than Ever

    Research from recent years suggests shoppers value speed more than they ever have.

    According to a 2022 study by Jay Baer, two-thirds of American consumers say speed matters just as much as price. More than half say they’ve hired or chosen the first business to respond, even when it costs more. The study also found that many shoppers are less likely to spend money if a business feels slower than expected. The pandemic, Baer notes, marked a clear shift in consumer patience.

    @thenewpinkalicious

    like what???

    ♬ Sleigh Ride (Sped Up) – The Ronettes

    That trend shows up elsewhere, too. The State of Customer Service 2022 also found that impatience has grown noticeably since COVID-19, as reported by SkyBridgeAmericas. Based on a survey of more than 1,200 U.S. consumers, 39% said they now have less patience than they did before the pandemic.

    Retail and e-commerce data points in the same direction. One report found that 63% of shoppers will abandon an online cart after just two failed purchase attempts, suggesting tolerance for friction is increasingly thin.

    The Mary Sue has reached out to T.J. Maxx and Abigail via email for comments.

    Have a tip we should know? [email protected]

    Image of Ljeonida Mulabazi

    Ljeonida Mulabazi

    Ljeonida is a reporter and writer with a degree in journalism and communications from the University of Tirana in her native Albania. She has a particular interest in all things digital marketing; she considers herself a copywriter, content producer, SEO specialist, and passionate marketer. Ljeonida is based in Tbilisi, Georgia, and her work can also be found at the Daily Dot.

    Ljeonida Mulabazi

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  • ‘Try Costco. Not for the faint of heart’: Florida man says it’s ‘hell’ to shop at Walmart on the weekend. Here’s the best time to actually do it

    Shopping can be stressful. You’re browsing in a crowded store hoping to find all the items on your checklist, and there’s a line a mile long once it’s time for checkout. Of course, certain times and days are more hectic than others. In this Florida Walmart shopper’s opinion, weekends are the worst time to shop at the retail giant. However, not everyone is on board.

    TikTok creator Tyler Kemp (@tylerkempre) brings over 422,000 viewers with him to wander through Walmart. “If y’all wanna know what hell is like or what I believe would be the closest comparison,” he says, glancing around at shoppers walking through the store. “Visit Walmart on a weekend.”

    Then, he amends his statement in the caption, “Or any day of the week for that matter. Don’t get me wrong, I love keeping the price of my groceries as low as possible, and there’s no better way than by shopping at Walmart and Aldi.”

    On the other hand, the content creator shares his alternative for a quick shop. “But when I need convenience or just an all-around better shopping experience, you’ll catch me at Publix every time!!” he adds.

    Why did viewers disagree?

    Instead, viewers shared what they believed were the most miserable times to visit Walmart in the comments section.

    “Specifically on Sunday when old people school lets out for the day,” one viewer remarked.

    “Or during literally any holiday! Everyone wants to last minute holiday shop like me,” another commented.

    “EVERY day at WM is HELL!!!!!!! ( especially if you work at A one!),” a third said.

    Meanwhile, others completely removed the corporate giant from the equation altogether by arguing which store was more chaotic.

    “Walmart is light work, try Costco, it is not for the faint of heart,” one commenter wrote.

    “Kroger any day. Literally,” a second stated.

    When is the least busy time to shop at Walmart?

    If you want to bypass the crowds, Yahoo recommends grocery shopping early in the morning, around 6 and 7 am. During this period, the outlet reports fewer people, more stocked merchandise, shorter lines, and a quieter environment. Although this may be a drawback if you’re not an early bird, it’s a guaranteed way to avoid the commotion. Real Simple recommends visiting a store early in the morning, around opening time, when fewer shoppers are present.

    Moreover, there is a third option that doesn’t reduce customer numbers but can provide a more peaceful shopping experience: Sensory-Friendly Hours. According to the Cleveland Clinic, 1 to 3 out of 20 people suffer from a form of Sensory Processing Disorder (overstimulation) where their senses become overloaded, thus leading to feeling overwhelmed. To accommodate this, the retailer implemented hours from 8-10 am in all stores across the United States, during which lights are dimmed, radios are turned off, and TVs display a static screen.

    In addition to weekend afternoons, weekday evenings are equally bustling with shoppers. Because people are pressed for time, they may choose to shop after 5 pm, resulting in heavy crowds.

    @tylerkempre Or any day of the week for that matter. Don’t get me wrong, I love keeping the price of my groceries as low as possible, and there’s no better way than by shopping at Walmart and Aldi. But when I need convenience or just an all around better shopping experience, you’ll catch me at Publix every time!! #walmart #hell #help ♬ original sound – Tyler Kemp

    The Mary Sue reached out to Kemp via Instagram direct message and TikTok comment.

    Have a tip we should know? [email protected]

    Image of Melody Heald

    Melody Heald

    Melody Heald is a culture writer. Her work can be found in Glitter Magazine, BUST Magazine, The Daily Dot, and more. You can email her at: [email protected]

    Melody Heald

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  • ‘We won’t survive’: Small retailers missing out on Boxing Day sales

    Australian shoppers are splashing big cash in the post-Christmas sales, but some small businesses say they are not feeling the love.

    The week between Christmas and New Year is expected to generate $3.83 billion in spending nationally, up 4.4 per cent on last year, according to forecasts by the National Retailers Association.

    Demand is being driven by Boxing Day discounts and the redemption of Christmas gift cards.

    Diana Derek’s Canberra homewares store has been running at a loss since Christmas and she’s worried consumers have overlooked small businesses. (ABC News: Lily Nothling)

    But at Diana Derek’s Canberra homewares store and boutique Hive, sales have plummeted, and she has been running at a loss since Christmas.

    “There’s been a massive drop off … we didn’t plan for that,” Ms Derek said.

    “I assumed that it was just because everyone goes to the coast [after Christmas], but I went into the Canberra Centre and did see a lot of Canberrans shopping.

    “Unfortunately, it does look like they’ve chosen the malls over the little businesses.“

    Crowd of shoppers walking through a shopping centre.

    Canberra Outlet Centre was packed with shoppers searching for a bargain on Boxing Day.  (ABC News: Callum Flinn)

    Her small store is unable to compete with the sweeping discounts offered by large retailers.

    “People just get so overwhelmed with the word sale, [but] it doesn’t mean it’s quality — mainly what we see is quantity,” Ms Derek said.

    The Canberran took over the shop six months ago with the hope of keeping the almost 30-year-old independent business running.

    “You start wondering if you’ve done the right thing,” she said.

    “It would be great if people kept supporting it because we won’t survive and we will get pushed out by the big guys.“

    A woman shopping in a homewares store.

    Ms Derek says if shoppers always overlook small businesses, they will soon disappear. (ABC News: Lily Nothling)

    Sales a double-edged sword

    Canberra Business Chamber chief executive Greg Harford said big sales periods like Black Friday and Boxing Day could be a double-edged sword.

    “[They] can put real pressure on retailers,” Mr Harford said.

    “[There’s] an opportunity there of course, because customers are out looking for bargains, but every discount a retailer offers is money off the bottom line and at the small end of retail in particular, margins are really, really narrow.

    “The reality is for many small retailers, they’re never going to be able to compete with larger chains on sales — they’ll have to compete on service or range or offering.”

    A man wearing a suit and glasses.

    Greg Harford says small retailers can’t match the sales discounts of large outlet chains. (Supplied: Greg Harford)

    While Mr Harford expected this year’s local Boxing Day figures to be stronger than 2024, he said Canberra was grappling with a “two-speed economy”.

    “The best advice for retail customers is get out and support local businesses,” he said.

    “We really do need to support them, otherwise there’s a risk that they will disappear.“

    Making conscious choices

    A woman standing in a bookstore in front of shelves of books.

    Tayanah O’Donnell doesn’t offer Boxing Day or Black Friday sales at her Canberra bookshop. (ABC News: Lily Nothling)

    At Canberra’s oldest independent bookshop, owner Tayanah O’Donnell has resisted the temptation to provide discounts to compete with the major retailers.

    “We don’t offer Black Friday sales or Boxing Day sales or anything like that,”

    she said.

    “Occasionally you have those quiet moments late at night where you think, ‘perhaps we should this year succumb to offering a discount’, but it has been a deliberate choice.

    “We just operate on the basis that people coming into the store will get the best possible book at the best possible price and we really pride ourselves on the experience of people coming into the store taking as long as they need to browse.”

    Rows of bookshelves in a bookstore.

    Paperchain “will never replicate what the bigger stores are doing”, owner Tayanah O’Donnell says.  (ABC News: Lily Nothling)

    While the store is quieter now than during the pre-Christmas rush, the business is still thriving.

    In the face of rabid sales marketing, Ms O’Donnell encouraged shoppers to make conscious choices.

    She said choosing to buy one perfect book was preferable over madly purchasing 10 that may never be read.

    “There is something to be said for a slower, more thoughtful way in which we buy things, consume things, honour those things and pass them on to others,” she said.

    “We’ll never try to replicate what the bigger stores are doing.

    “We stick to our knitting, as my grandma would say.“

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  • Copy Selena Gomez’s Fair Isle Sweater Style on Sale for $39

    Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships. We receive compensation when you click on a link and make a purchase. Learn more!

    If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it a million times: everyone needs a fair isle sweater in their winter wardrobe. Selena Gomez is the latest A-lister to sport the classic style.

    She shared an Instagram post, decorating her home with her husband, Benny Blanco — and of course, she styled a cozy look. We swooned over the comfy style she wore while decorating and embarked on a search to find a lookalike. Thankfully, we found a style that mirrors her look at Urban Outfitters.

    See it! Get the Out from Under Hit the Slopes Sweater for just $39 (originally $59) at Urban Outfitters!

    Made with soft, fuzzy fabric that shoppers confirm feels amazing on the skin, this Out from Under Hit the Slopes Sweater features a wide, boat-style neckline and a slouchy drop-shoulder silhouette. With balloon sleeves and ribbed trim throughout, this oversized top is perfect for everything from tree trimming to ice skating.


    Related: Hold on, Reese Witherspoon‘s Classy Knit Top Has a $25 Twin

    Short sleeves? In the winter? Yes, it can totally be done when styled in a smart way — just take it from Reese Witherspoon! The actress recently wore a timeless short-sleeve sweater, reminding Us that we’re missing the rich mom-looking option in our wardrobe. If you’re in need of one, too, you’ve got to check out […]

    To copy Gomez’s look, snag the blue shade. It features a wintery mix of accents. From Cozy polar bears to an ultra-popular fair isle pattern, this style nails the seasonal look. If you prefer a hue you can sport long after the holidays, score the cream colorway, which features a cherry theme, or the brown shade that boasts a unicorn motif.

    Shoppers agree that this long-sleeve style is super cozy and perfect for winter fun.

    “This is actually the cutest and warmest sweater ever,” one five-star reviewer raved. “I bought all three of them and they are all so cute and comfy! I wish there were more designs.”

    Another raved, “I like how long the sleeves are. It’s a bit boxy, but I like that.”

    Since winter’s ushered in blistery temperatures, it’s only right to stock up on cozy styles, like this Gomez-approved sweater. Grab it while it’s still on sale for just $39.

    See it! Get the Out from Under Hit the Slopes Sweater for just $39 (originally $59) at Urban Outfitters!

    Jasmine Washington

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  • ‘What the hell?’: Charlotte woman tries on clothes at H&M. Then she notices a phone hanging above the door—and someone’s hand

    A woman sparked discussion on TikTok after she shared a disturbing experience inside an H&M fitting room in Charlotte, North Carolina.

    In her video, she claimed someone recorded her while she was trying on clothes. As the clip circulated, many viewers shifted their focus to the mall itself, saying similar incidents and other crimes have been happening there for years.

    ‘I Look Up, and There’s a Phone…’

    TikTok creator Emily (@emmalee.richard) posted a storytime that has since pulled in more than 82,000 views. She explains that the incident happened during what was supposed to be a quick stop at SouthPark Mall.

    Emily says she went to H&M to make a return and ended up grabbing a few items to try on. She wasn’t in the store long and admits she wasn’t paying as much attention as she normally would. “Usually I’m hyper aware of people around me,” she says, explaining that she’s normally cautious in public spaces. That day, she was rushing and distracted.

    While changing, she says something alarming happened. “I’m in the changing room and fully unclothed, and I look up, and there’s a phone and a hand leaning over the stall into my changing room,” she says. The phone appeared to be actively recording her.

    She immediately yelled and turned to grab her clothes. By the time she reacted, the person had disappeared. She says she never saw a face, only a hand and a phone. “It happened so fast,” she explains, adding that she couldn’t even remember the color of the phone case afterward.

    Emily ran straight to the fitting room attendant to report what happened. The attendant checked the stall next to hers, but whoever had been there was already gone. When asked whether anyone had just left the fitting room area, the attendant confirmed that a man had exited moments earlier.

    At that point, Emily says fear took over. She describes standing in a crowded mall, knowing the person could be anywhere. “It could be anyone,” she says. “Male, female, literally anyone just in plain sight.”

    Mall security eventually arrived, took her statement, and escorted her to her car. While she says security staff were empathetic, she felt unsettled by how quickly the situation ended. “I don’t feel like enough was done,” she says, explaining that she plans to file a police report.

    In the comments, people shared similar concerns—both about H&M fitting rooms and SouthPark Mall as a whole.

    “The H&M dressing rooms are actually so unsafe. Curtains instead of a door should be illegal,” one person wrote.

    Emily herself commented that she had documented the incident with police, mall management, and H&M corporate. “I’m not sensing any urgency,” she wrote, adding that she planned to keep following up.

    Others claimed the mall has a pattern of incidents that don’t always make the news. “The news won’t report crimes that happen at SouthPark because they don’t want people to be afraid to shop there,” one person alleged.

    Another commenter shared a personal experience: “I worked at SouthPark Mall at Nordstrom. My last day was when a man pulled a gun on me.”

    What’s Going On at SouthPark Mall?

    Local reports show that police have made multiple arrests at SouthPark Mall in recent weeks, including several for theft-related offenses. Officers recovered thousands of dollars in stolen merchandise during a targeted operation at the mall earlier this month.

    The area has also seen more serious crimes in the past, including armed robberies that left shoppers shaken. Commenters noted that SouthPark isn’t alone; other Charlotte malls have dealt with similar issues, reflecting broader concerns about crime in the city.

    @emmalee.richard The thought of someone having pictures or videos of me will keep me up at night and truly makes my skin crawl. I’m sure I’m not this persons first victim but I wonder if the others are aware. Be safe everyone, and tbh just don’t go in changing rooms alone @H&M @southparkmall ♬ original sound – Emily not Richard

    What To Do If This Happens To You

    Recording someone without consent in a private space like a fitting room can fall under video voyeurism laws, which treat these incidents as serious criminal offenses. These laws exist to protect people from being secretly recorded while in vulnerable situations.

    If something like this happens, experts advise contacting law enforcement immediately and giving as much detail as possible. Many malls rely heavily on surveillance cameras, which can help investigators retrace what happened if action is taken quickly.

    The Mary Sue has reached out to Emily via TikTok messages and to H&M via email for comment.

    Have a tip we should know? [email protected]

    Image of Ljeonida Mulabazi

    Ljeonida Mulabazi

    Ljeonida is a reporter and writer with a degree in journalism and communications from the University of Tirana in her native Albania. She has a particular interest in all things digital marketing; she considers herself a copywriter, content producer, SEO specialist, and passionate marketer. Ljeonida is based in Tbilisi, Georgia, and her work can also be found at the Daily Dot.

    Ljeonida Mulabazi

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  • New York woman buys $500 Walmart gift card for neighbors in Tampa. Then they try to redeem it: ‘This is war’

    With grocery prices climbing year after year, a Walmart gift card can feel like one of the most practical gifts you can give a family.

    You can buy food, household basics, school supplies, pretty much anything under one roof.

    That was the thinking behind one New York woman’s Thanksgiving gift to her neighbors in Tampa. She wanted to help ease the pressure heading into the holidays.

    Instead, she says the gift turned into a weeks-long mess involving broken systems, endless phone calls, and a $500 balance that no one could actually use.

    TikTok creator Claire (@claireinnyc) shared the situation in a video that’s now passed 274,700 views, addressing Walmart directly and calling the ordeal “war.”

    What Went Wrong with the Walmart Gift Card?

    In the video, Claire explains that she bought her neighbors a $500 Walmart gift card around Thanksgiving. She says the family has several children living in the household and works hard, often helping her out by taking in packages and lending a hand when needed.

    Before buying the card, she asked where they usually shop for groceries. “Walmart would be perfect,” they told her.

    So she purchased the card electronically and sent it over. That’s where things started to fall apart.

    Her neighbor went straight to Walmart to use the gift card for Thanksgiving groceries and was told it wouldn’t work. The system rejected it, flagging the expiration date, which showed a year far in the future, something like 2037. According to store employees, there was a maximum expiration window that the register would accept.

    Stuck in line with groceries they needed for Thanksgiving, her neighbor paid out of pocket.

    Claire says she immediately sent money to cover the cost. “I’m not a complete a******,” she says in the video. “He went there because I provided a gift.”

    At that point, she figured it was a mistake Walmart could easily fix.

    Walmart Customer Support Allegedly Wasn’t Helpful

    Claire says she started calling Walmart customer service and was quickly bounced between departments. The general support line sent her to the gift card line. The gift card line sent her to Mastercard. Mastercard sent her back to Walmart.

    Eventually, someone told her the card was a Walmart Mastercard, not a standard gift card, and that incorrect information had been entered when it was issued. Because of that, the card could no longer be used online, added to Apple Pay, or used digitally at all.

    The only option, she was told, was to use it in-store. So they tried again, and it still didn’t work.

    The expiration date continued to block the card, and no store could override it. Despite the balance still showing $500, no one could access the funds.

    “I can see the gift card. I can see the balance,” Claire says. “But no one can use it.”

    When she asked if the card could be reported as lost or stolen and reissued, she was told no. According to Claire, Walmart told her that once an electronic gift card is issued, the purchaser waives their rights to a replacement.

    “That cannot be acceptable,” she says. “You sold me something that cannot be used.”

    @claireinnyc @Walmart I’ve tried to resolve this amicably…. #walmart ♬ original sound – Claire in NYC ???????

    Viewers were stunned that a major retailer could let a situation drag on for so long.

    “Why can’t they just cancel the card and give you a refund?” one person wrote.

    Another added, “Surely they should just cancel the card and provide a replacement.”

    Others focused on the bigger picture. “Imagine all the money they bank each year on unusable cards,” one commenter said. “They probably hope people give up.”

    Suspicious Activity Adds to the Frustration

    In a follow-up video, Claire shares another unsettling detail. While checking the balance on the unusable gift card, she noticed multiple attempted transactions, none of which she or her neighbors had made.

    She says the card showed declined attempts in St. Louis, Atlanta, two locations in California, and even Amsterdam. One charge for 99 cents appeared to go through.

    Claire says this raised even more questions, especially since the card was never physically lost and never worked in the first place.

    As it turns out, this isn’t an isolated incident. One Facebook user claimed their sister’s gift card was hacked, drained, and never refunded. Fox 4 Dallas–Fort Worth has also reported cases where customers never received their gift cards or their money back.

    Claire says that wasn’t ultimately her outcome. In a later update, she shared that Walmart eventually sent her a check for the full $500, resolving the situation after weeks of back-and-forth.

    The Mary Sue has reached out to Walmart via its contact form and to Claire via email for comment.

    Have a tip we should know? [email protected]

    Image of Ljeonida Mulabazi

    Ljeonida Mulabazi

    Ljeonida is a reporter and writer with a degree in journalism and communications from the University of Tirana in her native Albania. She has a particular interest in all things digital marketing; she considers herself a copywriter, content producer, SEO specialist, and passionate marketer. Ljeonida is based in Tbilisi, Georgia, and her work can also be found at the Daily Dot.

    Ljeonida Mulabazi

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  • Even Gisele Bundchen Uses the Owala FreeSip Water Bottle — On Amazon!

    Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships. We receive compensation when you click on a link and make a purchase. Learn more!

    If you’ve ever wondered how celebrities glide through airports, Pilates studios and paparazzi run-ins with an effortless, ‘I woke up like this’ glow, the secret might just be drinking enough water. We’ve spotted stars like Gisele Bündchen, Margot Robbie and Jennifer Lawrence all toting the same, now-iconic ‘rich mom’ water bottle: the Owala FreeSip. It’s equally chic and practical, and quickly becomes an everyday essential that goes everywhere with you!

    Here’s the best part: you don’t need an A-list bank account to snag it. This water bottle is sleek, durable and surprisingly affordable at $30 on Amazon, complete with features that make hydration feel like a mini luxury moment. From its insulated stainless steel build to that cult-favorite FreeSip spout (yes, you can sip or swig depending on your mood), this celeb-approved bottle is quickly becoming the go-to accessory for anyone who wants to look stylish while quenching their thirst.

    Get the Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle for $30 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

    The Owala FreeSip gives everyday hydration a major upgrade. It’s made to keep your water icy-cold for up to 24 hours, so it’s perfect for long days out, nonstop errands or back-to-back workouts. The wide opening makes it easy to toss in extra ice cubes or give it a quick clean, while the cup holder-friendly base means it slips seamlessly into your car, stroller or treadmill. It’s BPA-, lead- and phthalate-free too, so you can sip confidently from sunrise to sunset.


    Related: Gisele Bündchen’s $340 Woven Tote Look Is Just $38

    Gisele Bündchen probably has a million bag options in her wardrobe, but she reaches for a woven tote on repeat. This $340 Naghedi St. Barths Tote is her longtime favorite, and we found an exact lookalike hiding on Amazon — for just $38. Nobody would ever know the difference between Bündchen’s bag and this Amazon […]

    Of course, the real showstopper is the brand’s patented FreeSip spout. Instead of locking you into one style of drinking, it gives you options: sip upright through the built-in straw when you’re multitasking, or tilt back for a more traditional swig when you need a big refresh.

    The push-button lid pops open with one hand and stays tightly sealed when it’s closed, keeping the spout protected from gym-bag grime or on-the-go spills. Even better, the carry loop doubles as a lock — a lifesaver when you’re tossing it into a tote or rushing into a meeting.

    Shoppers are just as obsessed as the stars. One reviewer raved that the bottle’s “gorgeous” color and “super high quality” construction made them reach for it constantly — exactly what they wanted to help boost their daily water intake. They added that “the lid never fails” and the ice stays frozen “24 hours or more,” calling the bottle “super cute, practical and totally worth it — 100/10 recommend.” Honestly, we couldn’t agree more. It’s our go-to water bottle, too — high praise from people who write about products all day!

    The Owala find is available in 16, 24, 32 or 40 oz. sizes and comes in over 20 colors, so you’re bound to find an option that’s just right for you. Get on top of that New Year’s resolution by investing in this bottle now, then carry it everywhere for some stylish sipping wherever you’re headed.

    Get the Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle for $30 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

    Looking for something else? Explore more from Owala here and more insulated bottles here! Don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

    taylor swift phone case


    Related: Taylor Swift’s Chic Phone Case Is Hiding at Amazon

    Although there is no shortage of phone cases, a few stand out for offering both style and protection. If you’re looking for a case that makes your phone unique and different from others, we have just the thing. We spotted Taylor’s phone case at Amazon, and it’s on sale now! The singer was spotted with the […]

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  • Georgia woman asks man to reach item on top shelf at Kroger. Then his wife intervenes. And just like that, she becomes the ‘Kroger lady’

    A woman has gone viral after her Kroger-based rant didn’t land exactly as she expected it to. In the clip, which has amassed 1.3 million views, Keiosha (@keiosha016) shops in Kroger alongside her husband and baby.

    “You would not believe the audacity some people have,” she begins.

    The TikToker then explains how she was shopping with her husband when a woman asked him to reach something for her from the top shelf.

    “I look at them. I look at him. He looks at me. He said, ‘Boo!’ The fact that he knew he needed permission, and the fact that they thought they could just ask him, and he was gonna move for them, the audacity,” she said.

    Keiosha continued, “If you are in the store, married or single by yourself, and you need help, and you notice that the man that you got to ask help from is with a woman, he correct thing to say is, ‘Excuse me, ma’am, is it OK if your husband can help me get something from the shelf?””

    She then claimed that, by asking him, the shopper put her husband in a “weird situation.”

    “He didn’t flinch, he didn’t move. He looked at me, ‘Boo,’ and we both knew what that ‘Boo’ meant, so… But have a good day,” she said.

    @keiosha016

    Ask the wife!

    ♬ original sound – Queenbee016

    However, commenters didn’t agree with the TikToker’s approach.

    “Both of yall goofy!” one wrote. “And you bored. This the highlight of your goofy ass day.”

    “May my self-esteem never get this low,” another added. While a third quipped: “You definitely pay every bill.”

    A fourth remarked that “this level of insecurity is so unhealthy,” while a fifth concurred: “He was scared because he know you insecure.”

    Elsewhere, a sixth asked whether it’s “really that serious,” to which Keiosha replied, “It may not be to some, but to us…. it’s EVERYTHING! We respect each other and create boundaries for others.”

    Several other commenters also mocked Keiosha and her husband’s appearance.

    Keiosha didn’t immediately respond to The Mary Sue’s request for comment via TikTok comment.

    Other TikTokers shared their takes

    Keiosha soon became immortalized as the ‘Kroger lady,’ with several TikTokers stitching or otherwise posting their hot takes on her situation.

    “I pray that I never be or become that insecure,” TikToker Danni (@dannirokz) said. “If I’m with my husband in a store and somebody comes up and says, ‘Oh, can you reach that?’ He doesn’t got to look at me Good. That’s the kind of man I know he is. I know he’s gonna help. You know, you need to reach it. Like, that’s fine. That’s the kind of man he was raised to be.”

    “If his mama found out he didn’t help and it was that, it would be a problem. No,” they continued. “But you thought people were gonna agree with you. And now they’re chewing you up. And, you know? I’m kind of with them.”

    In her own video, fellow TikTok user Candi (@candi3_commentary) added, “Lady, you know how goddamn insecure you have to be? Nobody wants your man but you: it’s a box of cereal. It’s just like a given rule that when someone is taller, they assist people. It’s just called being. A nice person. It has nothing to do with wanting your man. Y’all gotta stop.”

    Some defend her

    However, not all TikTokers disagreed with Keiosha. Some, like Hailey (@haileystel), adopted a middle ground.

    “All I know is that, if I’m in the grocery store with my man, and someone taps me on the shoulder and says, ‘Ma’am, is it OK if your man helps me get something off that top shelf?’ Why the [expletive] are you asking me? You don’t see this grown-[expletive] man standing right next to me? Do I look like his mother? His caregiver? His timekeeper? No. I barely know that I’m at a grocery store, OK? I blindly follow wherever that man leads.”

    “If you do ask my man, and he declines and says that he cannot help you, we still gonna have a problem,” she added. “Because why are you not helping this lady get something off the higher shelf at the grocery store?”

    However, at the same time, she noted how “that man knew that if he did not acknowledge his wife when that lady acknowledged him, that it was going to be a problem. He knows his wife. He knows the boundaries that she has and that’s OK.”

    Danni, Candi, and Hailey didn’t immediately respond to The Mary Sue’s request for comment via TikTok comment.

    Have a tip we should know? [email protected]

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    Charlotte Colombo

    Charlotte is an internet culture writer with bylines in Insider, VICE, Glamour, The Independent, and more. She holds a Master’s degree in Magazine Journalism from City St George’s, University of London.

    Charlotte Colombo

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  • New York Lululemon customer tries to exchange pants she bought in Louisiana. She wasn’t expecting worker’s response: ‘He definitely think it’s stolen’

    A customer went inside a Lululemon store to exchange some leggings she purchased in Louisiana. Then, the store’s employees refused to process the exchange, telling her, “ We can’t do an exchange for this one.”

    In a video with over 581,000 views, @bebelewiz exposed her recent experience inside a Lululemon. Despite bringing a receipt with her, store associates continually told her they could not make a return. 

    Many commenters wondered whether @bebelewiz’s encounter with store employees was racially motivated, especially considering how employees discussed her return in person. In subsequent follow-ups, employees also allegedly commented on her post, adding more fuel to the fire. 

    What exactly happened in Lululemon? 

    @bebelewiz went inside the American Dream mall to return some Lululemon leggings she purchased “a few days prior.” She had just wanted to exchange the extra-small leggings she purchased for small ones.  

    On her receipt, she saw that Lululemon stores accept returns countrywide. When she got in-store, however, the employee let her know that they didn’t want to make the exchange. The associate told her she would have to return it with “the person she bought it from in Louisiana.” 

    The situation continued escalating, with more employees coming out to explain that they wouldn’t be processing the exchange for her. Store employees eventually told her that she was not allowed to record the encounter and asked her to leave the property. 

    @bebelewiz later posted the situation online. But many commenters simply claimed she had created a “fake receipt” to return stolen leggings. 

    @bebelewiz later clarified in a comment on her follow-up post, “The comments about it being a fake receipt or fake products are insane and only furthermore proves my point of being profiled as a black woman that simply wanted to SHOP. Not looking for sympathy, just raising awareness to show the conduct of the employees and the fact that they feel comfortable lying about policies because of their own emotions, not the company policies.”

    Store employees also apparently commented on her follow-up post. An employee with the TikTok handle @lexitorres996 wrote, “I love how you don’t record the entire reaction. Like for example you snatching the receipt out of his hand but you wanna record when you decided to be calm.”

    Did the store employee think her pants were stolen?

    Based on some of the employees’ language in-store, it’s possible that they thought the leggings were stolen. Lululemon generally does allow customers to return items purchased in-store at any location across the U.S., but returns are made on a case-by-case basis. Stores have the right to refuse returns according to their online policies. 

    Commenters urged @bebelewiz to take the issue further, saying, “He definitely thinks it’s stolen; ‘the person you bought it from in Louisiana’ vs the store you bought it from is extremely telling! Definitely take this up with the corporate and file a written complaint including his name and the other employee.”

    To many, it was a profiling incident rather than a chance exchange. “He thinks it was stolen,” said another viewer. “They need to stop profiling people.”

    Does Lululemon have a problem with People of Color (POC)?

    Many commenters also discussed the idea that Lululemon is not supportive of People of Color (POC). Multiple viewers added their thoughts in, saying that the company actively engages in bad rhetoric toward POC.

    “Lululemon has made it clear time after time after time that their company isn’t meant for people that look like us,” said one POC commenter. 

    Another commenter referenced an interview that Lululemon founder Chip Wilson did with Forbes while criticizing the company. In the interview, the founder criticized the company’s DEI efforts. To a degree, the commenter’s understanding of the situation is true. But the commenter misattributed something Wilson stated during said interview. The former CEO claimed that men in Lululemon ads looked “sickly,” not that DEI efforts were. Wilson had a number of other complaints, including the company’s recent ventures into men’s apparel.

    Lululemon apparently distanced itself from Wilson’s comments, saying that they did not reflect the current company. “Chip Wilson does not speak for Lululemon, and his comments do not reflect our company views or beliefs. Chip has not been involved with the company since his resignation from the board in 2015 and we are a very different company today,” a Lululemon spokesperson said to Forbes via email. 

    But, POC have felt unwelcome, with many people’s personal experiences echoing that of @bebelewiz.

    @bebelewiz @lululemon ♬ original sound – BeBe

    Many people take Lululemon’s side, despite the store’s return policies 

    Despite some support from commenters, many people thought that Lululemon was in the right. 

    As one person said, “You bought the clothes in Louisiana. They do not sell those products in that store so they will not return it. He works there for far less than listening to you yell at him. He doesn’t make the policies, he just follows the rules.”

    Others criticized the fact that @beblewiz continued recording the employees without their permission. The situation’s generated some controversy and back-and-forth, with viewers ultimately divided on how they approach the situation. 

    We’ve reached out to @bebelewiz and Lululemon for comment.

    Have a tip we should know? [email protected]

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    Rachel Thomas

    Rachel Joy Thomas is a music journalist, freelance writer, and hopeful author who resides in Los Angeles, CA. You can email her at [email protected].

    Rachel Thomas

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  • ‘Invest in a Speed Queen’: Texas Lowe’s customer is willing to spend $2,098 on all-in-one washer-dryer. Should she get Samsung, LG, or GE?

    A Texas woman is debating between buying her all-in-one washer-dryer from either Samsung, LG, or GE. However, commenters are enthusiastically throwing in an alternative option.

    On Sept. 29, a TikToker (@Mrs_Tink) posted a video sharing her thought process for buying a new washer-dryer. “I’m considering paying $2,000 for an all-in-one washer-dryer,” she tells viewers. 

    “Three companies make all in one: LG, Samsung, and GE,” she says. While these aren’t the only options, these are among the most common. 

    The TikToker is largely leaning toward the Samsung option. We broke down why and did research to see if her reasons are backed up. 

    Why is she leaning towards the Samsung all-in-one washer-dryer?

    She mentions that the LG and GE washer-dryer units are $2,098, compared to Samsung’s unit being $1,998. 

    She also mentions that Samsung has the shortest cycle time. “Here’s my selling point,” she says. “[Samsung] has a 68-minute wash and dry cycle. This is the problem with the GE one. If you look, there’s no vent on either of these. Same thing with the LG one. If you look at the back, no vent. Samsung’s the only one using their noggin.”

    She goes on to say that Samsung’s use of its vent is why the wash time is so much shorter. “The Samsung has a vent, she says. “This is why it cuts down on the drying time.”

    SH 2:How accurate is her reasoning?

    While LG and GE sell ventless all-in-one washer-dryers, meaning none require an external dryer vent and rely on condensation or heat-pump drying rather than exhausting moist air outside, Samsung’s shorter advertised wash-and-dry cycles are partially because there is a vent, as vented dryers do typically work faster and have higher heat capabilities.

    Reviews note Samsung combos can finish faster than LG or GE models, but real-world times still vary significantly based on load size and fabric type, and none function like a traditional vented dryer.

    It’s also important to note that higher heat settings can generally have certain drawbacks, including risks of clothing wear and shrinkage. Ventless, heat-pump systems dry more slowly and at lower sustained temperatures than vented dryers. Some owners report clothes still feeling damp or needing extra time, especially if overloaded, mixed with bulky items, or set on incorrect cycles—which can compound heat exposure if repeated runs are used to compensate. 

    @mrs_tink #lowes #samsung #lg #ge #allinonewasheranddryer #washerdryer #samsungbespoke #laundry #adulting #over30 #homeowner #appliances #allinone #homedecorideas #laundryhack #laundryday #laundryroom ♬ A Happy Farm – codemusic

    By far and away, the comments were suggesting the Speed Queen. “Speed Queen or buy again in a few years,” wrote one comment. 

    “If you were going to spend that kind of money, invest in a Speed Queen,” added another. 

    “I just bought Speed Queen, I’ll never buy any other brand!!!!” said a third comment. 

    The many comments raving about Speed Queen are not coming from nowhere. Even though the upfront cost is high, Speed Queen has a strong reputation for durability and owner satisfaction, often outperforming mainstream brands in long-term reliability. 

    Consumer-oriented testing shows Speed Queen earned top marks for owner satisfaction and a robust build, whereas GE is middling and Samsung/LG can lag in reliability. However, Speed Queen’s emphasis is on simple, rugged performance over smart features or all-in-one convenience. Additionally, Speed Queen does not offer the same type of all-in-one unit in the US, and instead offers a stacked unit. 

    Have a tip we should know? [email protected]

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    Adrienne Hunter

    Adrienne Hunter is a Brooklyn-based writer who has written for Smithsonian Magazine and the Austin Chronicle.

    Adrienne Hunter

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  • Atlanta man walks into Hermès. Then he tries to buy a Mini Kelly: ‘You gotta play their game’

    Walking into Hermès and asking for a Mini Kelly like it’s a latte order is apparently the fastest way to get laughed at. An Atlanta man went viral after calmly requesting the elusive bag—only to be met with polite chuckles and a firm “no” from the sales associate. 

    He asks again, and she insists there was no possibility of buying one that day. Cue the internet, now convinced the store definitely had Mini Kellys tucked away in the back. Because, according to them,  Hermès is all about hierarchy.

    What’s a Mini Kelly?

    Luckily for those who aren’t aware of this brand or item, Love Luxury posted an article talking all about Mini Kellys, from design to prices.

    “The story begins in 1930…the bag was intended for independent and elegant women of the time, which is why it fell into the hands of pregnant Grace Kelly in 1956. In order to hide her blooming belly from the eyes of the public and paparazzi, she held the Kelly bag in front of her… and just like that, the Hermès bag had a namesake.” The article also states that prices usually start from around £7,000. Of course, that might be subject to change considering if it has different features. 

    Is Owning a Mini Kelly a Status Symbol?

    This is where some of the discourse comes in. Many know how exclusive it is to buy any Hermès bag. That’s why it is assumed that they don’t sell it to the general public. Baghunter released an article about the exclusivity of these bags. “These bags are undoubtedly a symbol of wealth. This is due to their high prices, which can range from as low as $10,000 to as high as $150,000. They are used as a status symbol and are typically bought by celebrities and super models that represent the exclusivity of the bag.These bags are exclusive, meaning they are only available to a small group of people who have the right connections and can afford to spend so much on a bag.” 

    The Interaction at Hermès

    @TheDivineDaddy videoed his short interaction at Hermès as he was seeking to buy a Mini Kelly bag. The clip is 17-seconds long and has almost 10 million views. He starts the video by walking up to the counter in the Hermès store and saying, “Hey I got a question. Can I get a Mini Kelly?” The sales associate chuckles and says, “Sorry, I don’t have any available.” It seems he asks a question off-camera and she replies, “No wish list basis.”

    He then asks, “I can’t walk out of here with a Mini Kelly?” She responds, “No.” This time, he says, “Any color? Could be the ugliest color.” The sales associate once again chuckles and repeats, “I’m sorry, no.” The clip ends.

    @thedivinedaddy I guess my mom isn’t getting a birkin this year.. #hermesbirkin #hermesbag #hermeskelly ♬ original sound – DIVINE DADDY?

    How hard is it to buy a mini Kelly?

    Many viewers are convinced that the sales associate was lying about not having any bags to sell. One shares, “she 100% has a mini kelly back there.” Another says, “The way she said “no” let me know she has them but won’t give it to you.” 

    One viewer even says, “They have shelves of them. This gatekeeping is insane. I wish people would just stop buying them and let Hermes sit there with a pile of bags that aren’t selling.”

    On the other hand, some viewers wonder why anyone would want to buy an Hermès bag to begin with. One says, “People still buying at this store is WILD TO ME.” While another shares, “Hermes never gotta worry about me.” 

    Other viewers refer to the Hermès ‘game.’ One viewer states, “not knowing the hermes game in 2025 is crazy.” Another says, “They would deny anyone who comes in, even if they visibly look rich. Hermes has this stupid process where you have to build a relationship with 1 sales associate and buy over 20k worth of stuff before they will put you on a wishlist for a Kelly bag. Then you get whatever color they offer you once your name on the wishlist comes up.” 

    The Rome Station posted an article detailing the Hermès process when looking for a specific bag. “Getting offered a Hermès bag is a process, never a guarantee. We can’t just ring up an order and stroll out with a Birkin. Instead, the waitlist system rewards consistent clients who have built trust and purchase history with a boutique.” They even have a handy table as an outline.

    The Mary Sue covers a similar story about a woman who went shopping in Cartier. It seems that it’s a common occurrence for luxury brands to gatekeep their products. We’ve reached out to the creator and Hermes via email.

    Have a tip we should know? [email protected]

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    Gisselle Hernandez

    Gisselle Hernandez-Gomez is a contributing reporter to the Mary Sue. Her work has appeared in the Daily Dot, Business Insider, Fodor’s Travel and more. You can follow her on X at @GisselleHern. You can email her at [email protected].

    Gisselle Hernandez

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  • ‘I thought stuff like this went to Marshalls’: Mississippi Ulta worker shows what they do with unsold product. Then he demonstrates with Wyn Skin Tint

    The way beauty companies handle unsold inventory has become one of those things customers are only learning about because workers keep filming it.

    Over the past year, Ulta employees have posted videos showing returned makeup being destroyed, often because of contamination concerns.

    Once a product has been opened, tested, or tampered with, stores usually can’t resell it.

    But according to one Mississippi Ulta worker, contamination isn’t the only reason perfectly packaged makeup ends up getting trashed.

    In a recent TikTok that’s now pulled in more than 116,900 views, creator Camdeion (@realcamdeion) showed what happens when a product simply doesn’t sell. The product in question: Wyn Beauty Skin Tint, the complexion line backed by Serena Williams.

    ‘We Told Y’all to Come and Get It’

    In the video, Camdeion sits on the floor next to a co-worker named Bella. In front of them are two boxes. One holds unopened Wyn Beauty Skin Tint still in its original packaging.

    The other is filled with empty containers that have already been poured out.

    “So this is what we do when y’all don’t buy the products,” Camdeion says. “We have to damage it out.”

    He gestures between the two boxes as he explains the process.

    “Y’all do not come here and buy this Wyn Beauty,” he says. “Because, like, it’s still here. Why is it still here?”

    Camdeion explains that the product had already been marked down and put on sale, but even that didn’t help.

    “So me and Bella, we’re gonna basically skin this out,” he says. “Because, like, girl, y’all not coming to buy Serena Williams stuff.”

    As Bella pours the skin tint into the discard box, Camdeion keeps talking through it.

    “And it’s on sale to the first of the year, honey,” he says. “And this is a skin tint. That’s what it’s giving.”

    He adds that while some people said the formula was good, he had heard complaints about oxidation.

    “I’ve heard that it oxidizes really bad,” he says. “So, um, no thank you.”

    For a lot of viewers, the most shocking part wasn’t the review. It was the fact that unopened makeup was being destroyed instead of being sent somewhere else.

    What Do Shoppers Actually Think of Wyn Beauty Skin Tint?

    The product never reached full viral status, but it did find an audience. On Reddit, shoppers who tried Wyn Beauty Skin Tint had mixed but detailed opinions, especially around oxidation.

    One person wrote that they loved the formula but noticed a clear shade shift. “It’s really pretty. I bought the concealer and tint yesterday,” they shared. “Tint oxidizes quite a bit, like two shades deeper.”

    They added that choosing a lighter shade helped offset the issue, and they didn’t mind the oxidation because they liked how the product wore.

    Another shopper echoed that experience. “Love the finish. Love the buildable coverage. It totally oxidized on me though.”

    Others said oxidation wasn’t an issue for them at all. “I have extremely dry skin and it works beautifully on me,” one person wrote. “No oxidation on me.”

    So while the product wasn’t universally disliked, it also didn’t catch on in a way that kept it from ending up in Ulta’s damage bin.

    @realcamdeion I told y’all to come and buy some of this @WYN BEAUTY it’s literally 75% off ? #workvlog #ultaemployee #wynbeauty ♬ original sound – Camdeion | Beauty Enthusiast

    Why Unsold Makeup Doesn’t End Up at Discount Stores

    A lot of viewers had the same reaction: Shouldn’t unopened makeup like this end up at places like Marshalls or TJ Maxx?

    In reality, many brands—especially those positioned as luxury or prestige—avoid that route on purpose. According to industry explanations from retailers like Darveys, dumping unsold inventory into off-price stores can hurt a brand’s image. Luxury and prestige brands rely on scarcity and exclusivity. If products start popping up everywhere at steep discounts, that perception falls apart fast.

    There’s also the issue of gray markets. Once products leave official channels, they can end up resold through unauthorized sellers. That creates problems for brands trying to control pricing, distribution, and authenticity.

    Counterfeiting plays a role too. The global fake goods market is massive, and makeup is no exception. If unsold items circulate too freely, it becomes easier for counterfeiters to study packaging and formulas, making it harder for customers to tell real from fake.

    All of that makes destroying unsold product, as wasteful as it looks, a calculated decision for many companies.

    In the comments, viewers didn’t hold back.

    “I wish Ulta and Sephora had a donation program,” one person wrote. “They could give stuff like this to local women’s shelters.”

    Others shared their own experience with the product. “I bought it on the clearance and still returned it,” one commenter said.

    Another added, “Ulta marked that way down. I got it and it wasn’t bad but a little drying. You need good skin prep.”

    Some focused less on the formula and more on marketing. “I’m sad,” one person wrote. “She had decent products but she never advertised it.”

    And a few comments turned more personal. “Even if the product was good, Serena and her makeup choices have always been questionable to me,” one viewer said. “Therefore I’ve never been interested.”

    The Mary Sue has reached out to Ulta to ask about the handling of unsold inventory shown in the video. We’ve also contacted Camdeion via email for additional comment.

    Have a tip we should know? [email protected]

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    Ljeonida Mulabazi

    Ljeonida is a reporter and writer with a degree in journalism and communications from the University of Tirana in her native Albania. She has a particular interest in all things digital marketing; she considers herself a copywriter, content producer, SEO specialist, and passionate marketer. Ljeonida is based in Tbilisi, Georgia, and her work can also be found at the Daily Dot.

    Ljeonida Mulabazi

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  • Angelenos Have A New Way to Shop Local: Giftphoria.com – LAmag

    A new website makes it easy to shop local to support small L.A. businesses

    Need a last-minute gift, and don’t want to be something impersonal or imported from overseas and help Los Angeles small business owners at the same time, faster than Amazon?

    Local startup Giftphoria.com has Angelenos, at least on the east side for now, covered with fun and niche gifts from Los Angeles small businesses that are curated for the recipient. The one-stop marketplace uses an AI quizzing system that helps you figure out, find, buy, and wrap the perfect gift for any person, powered by gamified quizzes connected to their AI recommender.

    The company was cofounded by Californian Anthony “Tony” Dikran Abaci, an Armenian-American businessman, and his partner, Nic Clar, who personally delivers the gifts for a just $7 fee. The small businesses right now are centered in Silver Lake, Hollywood, Echo Park and other area shops, but the partners plan to expand across Los Angeles, and maybe even nationwide.

    “Tony came to me with a niche idea: helping people find & buy gifts. He had a hypothesis that people who were ‘bad at gifting’ was more so a lack of convenience. People didn’t know where to find gifts, and they didn’t think far ahead enough to get them in time. As we began hacking a solution, another opportunity made itself clear: local stores were suffering due to poor online visibility, and no one was tapping into the huge inventory they offered,” Clar wrote in a LinkedIn post.

    Clar and Abaci spent roughly two months “building a marketplace that helps people to find & buy gifts from local independent stores and get them delivered within 2 hours,” he wrote. At least one terrible gift-giving staff member at Los Angeles plans to put it giftphoria.com to the test as early as possible.

    Michele McPhee

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  • A Collector’s Edit of Covetable Luxury Gifts

    John Baldessari’s Nose/Silhouette: Green, 2020 Screenprint

    Last month, my friend Laura hosted a Dalí-themed dinner party at Main Projects, the gallery she owns with one-half of the Icy Gays duo, Eric Thomas Suwall. Between courses, an artist asked what kind of art I like, and I wasn’t sure whether he meant the art I like to see in museums, or put on walls, the art I like to experience, or simply like to think about. Whatever he meant, it didn’t matter because it was a question I have no interest answering—which I was polite about, of course. Defining art by style, medium, subject, school, technique, color or artist has always felt like a list-buiding exercise rather than providing another person with a greater understanding of who you are, which think is generally the purpose of any such question. I appreciate art that evokes an emotional response. It doesn’t need to be a fuzzy or inspiring feeling; art that makes me uncomfortable is often more compelling. With that, I’ll try to articulate how John Baldessari‘s Nose/Silhouette: Green, 2010, makes me feel and why I love it.

    My eyes like following the irregularities in the circumference of the green blob encompassing the nose—a facial feature that, unlike eyes or smiles, no human in the history of the world has ever held responsible for being the cause of love at first sight. And yet that is what Baldessari forces us to see when we aren’t doing laps around a face we’re trying to imagine. Baldessari died on January 2, 2020, and I can’t help but wonder how the generation-defining pandemic that unfolded three months after he passed would have shaped later works, had he lived through it. Baldessari’s legacy is multilayered, but the part I return to the most is that his art pushed thinking about how the meaning of an image shifts depending on the context. The world didn’t see noses for nearly year after Baldessari died (give or take, depending on your politics), which may have made some of us realize how much a nose can tell you about a person.


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    Merin Curotto

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  • Walmart customer orders delivery. Then she notices something strange about how the driver bagged her items: ‘Technically that’s against the rules’

    Decorating a Christmas tree is a popular holiday tradition. When you think of this custom, lights, inflatables, garlands, and ornaments may pop into mind. Instead of the usual plastic or glass ornaments, some are resorting to online DIY methods and buying products for it from stores like Walmart. Across social media, people are turning to Grandma Betty to liven up the festivities.

    Who is Grandma Betty?

    Grandma Betty Conley (@bettyconley602) is a craft specialist with 45 years of experience and a Christmas enthusiast. Recently, her work has gone massively viral on social media for her homemade salt-dough ornament tutorial.

    Step by step, she demonstrated how to create her handmade gingerbread ornament bears using key ingredients such as polyurethane spray, ribbon, instant coffee, and flour. Because of its simple, long-lasting designs, social media users are rushing to their nearest stores to purchase the ingredients needed to replicate her holiday creations. 

    It appears retail workers are also catching on to this trend.

    What did this Walmart customer notice?

    “I just got a grocery pickup, and I think my Walmart worker knows about Grandma Betty’s Ornaments,” Stay-at-home mother Chelsea (@lifeofamother) begins her video, standing in her kitchen.

    What led her to suspect this? “I got normal groceries. Then, I threw in Polyurethane Spray, ribbon, and instant coffee. This was in a bag together with my flour,” she explains, unveiling each item.

    Those not actively on TikTok may not notice anything unusual about these product combinations. However, anyone who has viewed the viral grandma’s videos may recognize the iconic recipe. So, the content creator believes that all of the items bundled together aren’t a coincidence.

    “There’s no way out of all of the stuff that they bagged these items together. I think that’s so funny,” Chelsea explains. “Grandma Betty is taking over the internet.”

    What did viewers think of this Walmart bagging assortment?

    Chelsea’s video amassed 1.1 million views. Many found the arrangement of Grandma Betty’s Ornament ingredients in the same bag humorous.

    “That’s hilarious. I was going to try my hand at making some Grandma Betty ornaments too,” one viewer commented.

    “It was definitely intentional because those were separate pick walks altogether lol,” another stated.

    A Walmart employee echoed the same sentiment, writing, “As a Walmart digital shopper, we do know. I love seeing people buy stuff for TikTok crafts and meals!”

    On the other hand, some felt the opposite, stirring panic and condemnation of the bagging.

    “Technically that’s against the rules,” one commenter remarked. “You dont bag chemicals with food.”

    “They never should have put food with that spray,” a second echoed.

    Why shouldn’t chemicals and food be in the same bag?

    In a nutshell, it’s a lethal form of cross-contamination and a health hazard. If there are any leaks or spills from the chemical, they can contaminate the food, posing a significant safety risk. Instead, it must be sorted into different bags. Furthermore, it can violate a grocery store’s policies, including Walmart’s, which instruct associates to bag chemicals separately from food, according to the company’s website.

    @lifeofamother We’re about to be snowed in for the weekend so i had to grab supplies to make @bettyconley602 ornaments! #grandmabetty #christmasornaments ♬ original sound – chelsea | SAHM & TT finds

    The Mary Sue reached out to Chelsea via TikTok comment and direct message as well as Walmart via media contact form.

    Have a tip we should know? [email protected]

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    Melody Heald

    Melody Heald is a culture writer. Her work can be found in Glitter Magazine, BUST Magazine, The Daily Dot, and more. You can email her at: [email protected]

    Melody Heald

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  • Missouri woman goes to Ross. Then she spots a pair of $18.99 Levi’s jeans that leave her flabbergasted: ‘They’re getting desperate’

    They say that at Ross you “dress for less,” but when it comes to this pair of Levi jeans, “less” seems to be the operative word. TikTok user Debbie Aubuchon (@debbieaubuchon) has gone viral after showing viewers a pair of Levi jeans she found in Ross. But these weren’t ordinary jeans.

    In a now-removed 32-second clip, which has amassed 4,295 views, Aubuchon held the $18.99 pair of Levi’s to the camera while repeating: “Oh my God.”

    Adorned with the iconic Levi’s label, the jeans featured several holes along the edges, giving them an almost ‘scooped’ appearance. The holes went from the very top to the very bottom of the jeans, to the point that the outside was extremely holey.

    “Look at those pants,” Aubuchon gasped, as she continued to examine the garment. “Are you kidding me?”

    “$19… there’s nothing left to these pants,” she added.

    Aubuchon didn’t immediately respond to The Mary Sue’s request for comment via TikTok comment.

    In the comments, TikTok users were equally as incredulous.

    One wrote, “My dog can do that for anyone in 5 minutes for free with any pair of jeans.”

    “Absolutely not!” a second declared. “Someone used all their scraps.”

    “Someone took scissors to them,” a third suggested. “Thats why you haven’t seen them.”

    A fourth quipped that the garment looked “a little drafty.”

    “I feel cold just looking at them,” they noted.

    While a fifth was more direct, simply stating, “Those are ugly [in] my opinion.”

    Ross didn’t immediately respond to The Mary Sue’s request for comment via contact form. Levi’s didn’t immediately respond to The Mary Sue’s request for comment via email.

    Are ripped jeans still in fashion?

    While ripped jeans feel more like an artefact from the ’90s, a trend expert told InStyle that this controversial twist on the denim classic might be making a return.

    “Distressed jeans could be making a comeback in 2025 as we saw on the spring/summer runways, including Ralph Lauren,” fashion expert and stylist Naina Singla told the outlet.

    “This time around, the look feels more effortless and intentional rather than overly ripped and casual.”

    But where does this leave the Levi’s jeans? While there’s no question about it being an intentional look, it definitely errs on the casual side—meaning that this trend might not be making it out of Ross anytime soon.

    Goodwill shopper receives an unwelcome surprise from Levi’s shorts

    Either way, this isn’t the first time that a shopper has gone viral after being disappointed with a Levi’s item.

    The main difference is that, this time round, the Levi’s came from Goodwill rather than Ross, meaning that they are second-hand.

    The six-second clip, which was shared by Sierra Davis (@sierradavisdaily), insisted to viewers that they should “check items carefully at the thrift” before buying.

    She then panned the camera to a pair of Levi’s shorts before showing viewers the inside. On the crotch area, there is a noticeable brown stain.

    In the caption, Sierra simply asks: “Buy or bye?”

    Have a tip we should know? [email protected]

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    Charlotte Colombo

    Charlotte is an internet culture writer with bylines in Insider, VICE, Glamour, The Independent, and more. She holds a Master’s degree in Magazine Journalism from City St George’s, University of London.

    Charlotte Colombo

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  • Tariffs Have Forced Costco to Make a Huge Pivot for Holiday Shoppers

    For shoppers browsing the aisles of Costco this holiday season, the product selection in stores may appear a bit healthier. That’s because the $378 billion big box chain, which consistently ranks as one of the most popular retailers among American consumers, is betting on the wellness boom, swapping out traditional holiday items, such as artificial Christmas trees and toys, for more health and beauty products, including indoor saunas. The company says that change in assortment stemmed from President Trump’s tariff policy. 

    “We still have plenty of Christmas trees, just a smaller range,” Costco chief financial officer Gary Millerchip told the Wall Street Journal. “There are certain items that we just felt like, if we continued to sell them with the impact we’d have seen on tariffs, the value would not have been there for the member.”

    Unlike artificial Christmas trees and toys, the vast majority of which are manufactured in China, health and beauty products tend to be made in the United States. Plus, the demand is there.

    2025 became the year of self care with wellness ballooning into a $1.8 trillion industry, according to Forerunner Ventures. When the San Francisco-based, consumer-focused venture capital firm, which has a portfolio that has included Warby Parker, Away, Glossier, and Hims & Hers, released its annual consumer report back in March, it predicted that wellness, along with personal security, would be the two trends powering the consumer sector this year. 

    That turned out to be a pretty prescient calculation. This past year, investors have piled into the sector. Daniel Lubetzky, the founder of Kind Healthy Snacks and one of the stars of Shark Tank, added Barry’s, the global fitness studio brand, to his portfolio. Venus Williams backed WeWard, an app that calls itself the Duolingo of walking. 

    Within this space, saunas have been especially popular. Sun Home Sauna, a direct-to-consumer sauna maker, has grown revenue by 8,821 percent over the past three years—a rapid enough pace to surpass $25 million in sales in 2024 and land at number 20 on this year’s Inc. 5000. The San Diego-based company expects to hit more than $50 million in sales by the end of this year. 

    Costco, which has been selling other brands of saunas online for years now, has approached Sun Home Saunas multiple times, according to co-founder Tyler Fish, who says that the company has declined for now.

    “We’ve intentionally chosen not to pursue that channel,” Fish tells Inc. “Our strategy is to sell direct-to-consumer so we can fully own the customer relationship, education, and long-term ownership experience.”

    Ali Donaldson

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  • Best Christmas gifts for tried and true friends: Shop our top picks that’ll stand out from the rest

    As a participant in multiple affiliate marketing programs, Localish will earn a commission for certain purchases. See full disclaimer below*

    Show your lifelong friends how much they mean to you with our top picks for Christmas gifts in 2025! Shop our gift guide to make them feel truly celebrated.

    Christmas Gifts for Best Friends:

    Williams Sonoma Home Monogrammed Soap & Towel Set

    Give them this gift for the home, a lovely pairing of monogrammed soaps with monogrammed guest towels. The disposable towels are custom-embossed with gold leaf. This set will add a nice touch of flair to their bathroom. The set includes 3 monogrammed guest soaps and 12 matching guest towels.

    This UGG fleece scarf will make your friend feel extra special. The scarf features scallop-stitched edges and makes a standout fashion statement.

    Le Creuset Stoneware Mini Round Cocotte

    This mini cocotte is perfectly sized for creating delicious meals, whether you’re preparing a single serving or a side dish. Its vibrant colors will add a cheerful touch to the table, making it stand out as both functional and stylish. It maintains food temps for serving.

    This mini cocotte is just the right size to create a delicious meal. The bright colors offer just the right amount of pizazz to make this piece stand out. The stoneware maintains food temperature for serving.

    Rustic Framed Wood Wall Decorative Sign

    This decorative piece will remind your best buddy daily how much their friendship means. It features, “The Best Times are Always Found When Friends & Family Gather Round” in black script on a striped white background, and comes ready to hang.

    Keurig K-Mini Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker

    Give a single-serve Keurig, so your friend can enjoy fresh coffee every morning, even on the go. Its compact size-less than 5 inches wide-fits any small space. Choose from vibrant color options for added flair.

    Monopoly Personalized Vintage Bookshelf Edition Board Game

    Make game nights more exciting with this personalized Monopoly set. Add up to 2 custom lines printed on the book cover. The linen book box stores the game neatly and can be proudly displayed on any bookshelf.

    How to Make a Name-tini Personalized Book

    This custom book turns your friend into their very own signature drink! The specially customized book will include 29 recipes to delight the sipper in your life.

    This is the world’s smallest instant camera. But it can play a big role in your friendly escapades. Make fun memories together with the included built-in selfie mirror, a self-timer, and double-exposure modes.

    30 Reasons Why You’re My Bestie Fill-in-the-Blank Gift Book

    Create a personalized keepsake for your best friend with this fill-in-the-blank book. Express why you appreciate them and share your favorite memories in a unique, heartfelt way.

    Whiskey Smoker Kit with Torch

    This Cocktail Smoker kit comes complete with everything your friend will need for a perfect smoking experience. The kit includes six natural wood-chip flavors. To add a special touch, it will arrive in a beautifully presented gift box.

    Custom Best Friend Dog, Cat, or Pet Photo T-Shirt

    So you may actually be the ‘second’ best friend. Your buddies’ dog or cat may come first. And that’s okay. Gift them a custom ‘best friend t-shirt’ with a photo of their pet and score points for highlighting the true bestie of the bunch.

    Teabloom Complete Glass Tea Set

    What a beauty! This Teabloom tea set will make them feel truly special. The set comes with all the essentials for an elegant tea party, with its blooming flowers making an eye-catching presentation.

    This Nekteck neck and shoulder massager will NOT sit in the box. This gem provides a deep tissue massage experience at home. It’s designed to follow the body’s contours, allowing it to focus on specific target areas to relieve pain and tension in the neck, back, shoulders, trapezius, and waist.

    Bedsure Wearable Blanket Hoodie

    Give a cozy blanket hoodie, if your buddy seeks comfort and warmth. There’s plenty of wiggle room and pockets for toting the things they’d like to keep close. This hoodie will be delivered in an elegant gift box.

    Your friend can enjoy a garden that is always in season with this AeroGarden kit that makes gardening easy. They can grow up to 6 of their favorite herbs, veggies or flowers, with no sun or soil needed. A simple indicator light shows when it’s time to add water and plant food.

    Personalized Luggage Tags

    Does your bestie love to travel? A personalized luggage tag could be a game-changer. Choose from multiple tag patterns for a look that fits their style. If their luggage is lost, a personalized tag may help them recover it.

    European Solid Cashmere Throw

    Give them the gift of comfort with this 100% cashmere throw. The throw can be decoratively tossed over a chair or sofa so it’s easily within reach when it’s time to wrap up in luxury. Choose from a variety of colors. Each throw is finished with fringe on both ends.

    Olive oil easily lands at the top of the list as one of my favorite gifts. This set is the ultimate kitchen-to-table olive oil, with a robust, medium-fruity flavor. This oil is bottled in a hand-painted ceramic container that can be enjoyed as a vase or serving vessel after the oil is finished.

    DEARFOAMS Asher Marled Knit Clog Slipper

    Your friend can kick back and enjoy these cozy faux shearling slippers while relaxing at home, no matter the weather. They feature an anti-sweat design and a machine-washable material, ensuring their feet always stay fresh!

    * By clicking on the featured links, visitors will leave Localish.com and be directed to third-party e-commerce sites that operate under different terms and privacy policies. Although we are sharing our personal opinions of these products with you, Localish is not endorsing these products. It has not performed product safety testing on any of these products, did not manufacture them, and is not selling, distributing, or making any representations about their safety or caliber. Prices and availability are subject to change from the date of publication.

    Copyright © 2025 KABC Television, LLC. All rights reserved.

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  • Sarah Jessica Parker Uses Google’s Try-On Feature—So I Had To Try It

    While we all may have very clear visions of Carrie Bradshaw running around Manhattan in Manolo Blahnik heels and spending hours playing dress up in luxury stores, the real life style icon Sarah Jessica Parker, today, is opting for quick and efficient online shopping with the help of Google.

    “I don’t consider myself a very good shopper because I’m seduced by imagery and what looks great on somebody else. But there’s a truth about my size and what colors look good on me,” Parker exclusively tells Refinery29. And thanks to Google’s “Try On” feature, Parker can actually envision herself in pieces before hastily carting them up. “I think this is one use of [AI] that feels not only benign, but potentially quite helpful. It creates clarity about how things may or may not look on you.”

    While I’m personally quite weary of AI in general, as I was speaking to SJP, I knew I had to try this feature for myself. Because although I wax poetic about all the best fashion to shop online, I find myself gravitating more towards in-person shopping because I’m unsure how many pieces will fit my petite-yet-curvy body. With that, I used some of SJP’s best holiday season dressing advice to see how her favorite styles actually look on myself through Google Try On.

    The technology came out earlier this year, but it’s just gotten a refresh with SJP’s new holiday campaign. According to Google’s blog, the virtual try-on technology allows “shoppers to try on billions of items of clothing from our Shopping Graph. It’s powered by a new custom image generation model for fashion, which understands the human body and nuances of clothing — like how different materials fold, stretch and drape on different bodies.”

    Again, I was skeptical but excited at the same time.

    Self-declared “lousy shopper” Parker explains: “I just think it’s really helpful and really user-friendly, and I’m hoping it kind of cuts out some of the chaos and hysteria around shopping,” adding: “I think this idea of Google Shopping with the ability to actually see it on your person takes some of that intimidation away, but also you feel more assured that you’re purchasing something that will likely really suit the occasion and your person.”

    Victoria Montalti

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