Arcadia H.
Hostile
Hostile, Intimidating, and Unacceptable Conduct I had a deeply unsettling experience at this store after being approached by a man identifying himself as the owner. Unprovoked, he began imposing his political views—extolling his support for right-wing Australia First ideology and the Liberal Party. When I called out his racist, fascist rhetoric and repeatedly asked him to step away and give me physical space, he refused. He defensively claimed he could "do whatever he wanted" in his own shop. When I challenged him directly on whether that included assaulting a woman in his store, he stood completely silent—a refusal to say "no" that spoke volumes. A man refusing to step away from a woman shopping alone after being repeatedly asked to do so is fundamentally threatening and misogynistic behaviour. He eventually asked me to leave, which I was glad to do. This owner cannot tolerate a woman standing up to him or calling out his toxic ideology and intimidation tactics. I strongly advise shoppers—especially women—to avoid this business. No customer should be subjected to political harassment, physical intimidation, or misogyny simply while shopping.