My Work Is Forcing Me To Buy Merchandise For A Corporate Visit

Location: Florida

Hello, I work in retail and I was told today by my manager that I am required to buy new items on the floor set in preparation for a corporate visit. I always wear clothing from our store but I’m in severe financial hardship and usually buy clearance or use my discount on already discounted items.

I am being told that not only do I have to buy and wear items that are currently on the floor, but they must be from a select number of items that have just come out (most of which are not on sale and would only be applicable to my employee discount). This would be one thing if I had money to spare, but I don’t get scheduled more than a couple shifts a week on a good week and I don’t make enough to pay my rent let alone buy clothing I don’t want or need.

Our dress code as explained by managers and training videos is as follows:

- Must wear store clothing or similar items to what is currently on the floor

- No logos from other companies

- Must be clean and presentable

I always follow these rules and do my job exceptionally well. I even got a compliment from a higher-up when they visited, which I have been told is the reason I am being scheduled during these upcoming visits.

Furthermore, the next visit in a couple months I am also going to be scheduled for (I have been given a heads up about this). For this visit the company is requiring employees to purchase an entire outfit worth of clothing to be worn on the visit day.

I have had past conversations where I have expressed concern about dress code and if I had to buy certain new items and was told by a manager that “we cannot force you to buy anything”. I admit i do not have a copy of my contract so I don’t know if I signed something that said otherwise.

I want to know if this is legal and if I can fight this in any way. I feel i’m being punished for being a good employee and even being targeted because I avoid confrontation and just do my job with little complaint.

Thank you in advance for any advice or solution