I WAS recently approached in a store and told: "This is not the sort of shop you can browse in."

So what kind of shop is it? Why would a shop manager come out with a comment like that?

I thought all stores were there to be browsed in. Am I not a customer and 'always right' at that?

Very few people have mastered the art of browsing. It is something that takes years of dedication and plenty of spare time to fully master.

For some people it has a become a pastime and hobby.

As a child you pick up the first colourful thing and scream the shop down.

In your 20s it has to have buttons. In your 40s your wife picks it for you. And in your 70s you don't buy anything unless it is REALLY useful.

I would call myself a GCSE level browser - someone who thinks he knows it all but has yet to cut his teeth in the real world.

But I was still pretty annoyed when the manager told me I was not allowed to browse in her shop. Maybe I had got my tactics all wrong, or had a funny odour perforating from my Shalwaar.

I decided it wasn't the odour and it must have been a new policy.

A policy that discriminates against the browser and those like myself who have no intention of buying anything but just want to get out of the rain - a 'dent in our profits' as we were described in the latest edition of Shop Managers Monthly.

IT wasn't the first time I had been insulted in a store. Years ago I was told to leave a jewellers shop because I 'looked a bit dodgy'. I eventually recovered but it took three therapy sessions, two jugs of mango lassi and a trip to Pakistan.

There is nothing better than shops with that wonderful sign in their window - 'BROWSERS WELCOME'.

What a great idea.

Only small village shops tend to have that up nowadays. The high street shops could learn a thing or two. 'Come in browse around and we won't make you feel cheap if you leave not having bought anything' they could say.

There should also be seats for customers who have got tired of browsing and just want to put their feet up for five minutes. And maybe some tea.

THERE'S more chance of a sale too because the customer feels welcome.

It would be so much better than having to explain to the shop assistants that you're 'just looking'.

I know they are only being courteous but I hate that line. I shouldn't have to explain that I'm 'just looking'.

If I want something I'll get it. But for now I intend to browse.