Ms Anderson said when she questioned the policy the staff member was quite aggressive and continued to "harass" her, so much so that another shopper stepped in and asked why she had not been asked to hand over her handbag.
"I told them I wasn't happy to do that considering I am 45, and not a kid, and I had $1000 worth of valuables, including my cellphone, iPod and $180 cash in it ."
Ms Anderson said she had been a regular customer since the store opened seven to eight years ago, and was disgusted at being treated like a "potential thief".
"I wouldn't be offended if they wanted to check my bag as I left the store because I have nothing to hide, but this approach is really invasive and a horribly aggressive welcome to customers. I was shaking when I left the store. What a vile place and I definitely won't be going back."
I'm a regular op-shopper and this has never happened to me at any other store before.
Ms Anderson questioned whether stores were within their rights to adopt this policy, and said she would be complaining to SaveMart's head office.
Ms Anderson posted comments about her shopping experience on her Facebook page.
Avenues mother of three Jannine Bishop, who had also been another regular customer at this store, said it was "totally unreasonable".
"I'm a regular op-shopper and this has never happened to me at any other store before."
Mrs Bishop said she usually goes into the store with just her wallet, but she would strongly object to handing over her handbag, particularly if her bag was going to be left behind an unattended counter.
As well, leaving valuables in your vehicle was contrary to what the police advised, she said.
She described the handbag rule as "ridiculous and invasive" and suggested the store management employ more security guards or invest in lockers for shoppers if shoplifting was so bad.
"Harassing people to hand over our handbags as soon as you walk in the store is completely unreasonable and an over-the-top way. I will never shop there again."
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment said shop owners can make conditions of entry as long as the conditions, or the way they were applied, did not amount to "unlawful discrimination".
If the shop only requires this of customers of a certain age or ethnic group they may be in breach of the Human Rights Act. Otherwise yes, they could ask for people to hand over their bags, but they need to make this requirement clear for customers to see before they enter. This is so customers can choose whether or not to accept that condition."
The spokesperson said the shop would also be required to take reasonable care of the bag while in its possession and the customer could claim compensation for any losses from the store.
SaveMart's general manager failed to return the Bay of Plenty Times Weekend messages asking if he could explain the store's security policy and to comment on the backlash.
