I can totally relate to a TikTok user’s post about the sudden urge to use the restroom in stores. In fact, it happens to me every time I visit my local Target at Boca Park, and I was starting to think I was the only one experiencing this peculiar phenomenon!
A TikTok video has gone viral featuring a woman walking into a T.J. Maxx and suddenly needing to relieve herself. Surprisingly, many others can relate to this peculiar experience.
It Has a Name
The comment section is flooded with thousands of responses about the “laxative effect” of stores like these, with some employees even acknowledging its existence due to having to share restrooms with customers.
It’s not just Target
Interestingly, it’s not limited to just T.J. Maxx and Target. People claim it happens in various stores including Ross, Barnes & Noble, Macy’s, HomeGoods, Michael’s, and many others.
So why does this happen when many people typically try to avoid using public restrooms? Myself included.
Several theories have emerged.
Some speculate that it could be the adrenaline rush triggered by being in their favorite stores. Others attribute it to the coffee they sip while shopping. There are also guesses that it might be due to the combination of walking, or the effect of fluorescent lights.
Dr. Supriya Rao, a gut specialist, highlights that there is not enough definitive research on the connection between T.J. Maxx and sudden bowel movements. However, she suggests that it could be linked to heightened emotions. Entering a new, large space may induce feelings of anxiety, excitement, or over-stimulation, which in turn can stimulate movement in the digestive tract. Alternatively, it might simply be the coffee at play.
So, if you’ve ever found yourself dashing to the restroom immediately upon entering your local Target (like the one at Boca Park), rest assured that you’re not alone. The “laxative effect” remains a fascinating and shared experience, sparking conversations and curiosity among shoppers.
