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San Francisco, CA--Luxury retail employees have shared their eye-opening experiences working with a wealthy clientele, offering a glimpse into the world of the "ultra-rich." From entitled attitudes to bizarre behaviors, their encounters shed light on the dynamics within the industry.

[Photo by Andrea Piacquadio]

In a Buzzfeed report, one employee from an affluent women's boutique near San Francisco highlighted the stark contrast between the rich and the truly wealthy. The rich customers were often the rudest and most demanding, with incidents including shoe boxes being thrown and designer handbags ruined without an apology. On the other hand, the truly wealthy proved unassuming and appreciative.

BuzzFeed's collected stories from individuals who have worked in luxury retail revealed surprising and sometimes unsettling encounters:

• A boutique employee shared an anecdote about a customer who brought her 80-year-old "sugar daddy" to the store, only to return later with her husband, acting as if they hadn't met before.
• An ex-employee of Michael Kors reported rampant theft in the store, recounting an incident where known offenders brazenly stole thousands of dollars' worth of handbags while intimidating employees and customers.
• Another worker detailed encounters with prominent individuals, including weekly visits from Bam Margera, a famous skateboarder, and his then-girlfriend, in a high-end chain retail store.
• A former employee of a luxury department store confessed that questionable practices were commonplace, ranging from marking down items "accidentally" to engaging in illicit activities such as drug use and stealing.
• A sales associate at a high-end home decor retailer highlighted the entitled behavior of customers, including demands based on job titles, berating associates for issues beyond their control, and exploiting manufacturing loopholes to give an illusion of exclusivity.

These stories shed light on the complexities of luxury retail, with pleasant and unpleasant experiences shaping employees' perspectives. While encounters with demanding customers and unscrupulous practices were prevalent, some individuals were genuinely appreciative and respectful.

Learn more in the entire Buzzfeed report.