Is loss prevention able to enter a dressing room while someone is changing?

Question

I am a a fashion stylist in Los Angeles, CA. I often go to stores and shop for clients (and myself). Last year, I spent 100k at a Neiman Marcus.

Recently, a loss prevention person and an over zealous female salesperson entered my dressing room before I was finished trying on clothes. The male accused me of stealing, which I did not. Even with that, I attempted to make a $7500 purchase and they denied my purchase. I contacted the store manager. At first, she seemed shocked. Then she must have talked to someone, because she called me back and said, “loss prevention is allowed to enter dressing rooms”.

How can they get away with this? This is, at the least, defamation and at the most, bias. What do you think?

Answer 1

I would ask the manager to "see the tape" (recording). If there is indication that a device was used to observe you in the fitting room and come to the conclusion that you were engaged in theft, then there may be a case of invasion of privacy:

1.1. Penal Code 647(j)(1) – using a device to look through a hole or opening

It is an invasion of privacy under Penal Code 647(j) (1) to:

Look through a hole or opening into, or otherwise view: The interior of any area which someone is occupying with a reasonable expectation of privacy, including any:

• bedroom,
• bathroom,
• changing room,
• fitting room, <=======================
• dressing room, or
• tanning booth

By means of an instrument such as a:

• periscope,
• telescope,
• binoculars,
• camera,
• motion picture camera,
• camcorder, or
• mobile phone;

With the intent to invade the privacy of a person or persons inside.

An exception is areas of a private business used to count currency or other negotiable instruments.