Yunnan store temporarily shuttered after worker verbally abuses tourists

A drum store has been forced to close for 30 days after video surfaced of a female assistant insulting tourists who refused to buy anything in the store.

A statement released by the Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture Culture and Tourism Bureau in Yunnan province, where the store is located, confirmed that it was closed for 30 days for improvements to be made.

Meanwhile, the store operator was required to strengthen customer service training, said an official from Shuanglang township of Dali who did not want to be named.

"The store can be allowed to resume its business only when it has received the green light from relevant departments," the official told media on Thursday.

After disappearing for a few days, the female shop assistant finally resurfaced and apologized.

"My inappropriate words have hurt tourists, the feelings of netizens, my boss' business and the image of the city," she said on short-video platform Douyin on Thursday.

"I am so afraid. I don't even know how to face my family, the public and future life, but escape is not the way. So I should come out to apologize," she said.

The woman, who was identified by her red clothing, quickly attracted criticism from netizens, who saw her verbally abusing tourists who refused to purchase drums in the store.

"Poor wretch, don't go out to travel if you don't have money," she shouted at one man.

According to the official from Shuanglang township, the man, who said he was tired of encountering such unpleasantness while traveling in Dali, has been informed about the punishment the store received. The man had hoped the woman would apologize publicly, the official said.

Fang Lin, 32, and three friends visited Dali in Yunnan province, one of the major domestic tourist destinations during the National Day holiday that ended on Thursday.

Fang, from Beijing, said the woman's words and deeds were inappropriate. Some businesses in scenic spots need to improve their professionalism, and store employees should provide better service, she added.