Bluffton boutique gives the person who stole a $200 silk tunic 48 hours to make it right

Let’s hope the shoplifter who was caught on video stealing a silk tunic from a popular boutique in Old Town Bluffton has a watch because time is a-ticking, girl.

Eggs N Tricities has given the thief 48 hours to return the Johnny Was “busy pattern” Pavo Tunic with a “subtle color scheme” and a “crisp and feminine look that is great for every wardrobe” (you don’t know what my pants look like!) before the business turns over video footage of the crime to the Bluffton Police Department, according to a post on the store’s Facebook page Wednesday.

“We have your FACE on camera and are giving you an opportunity to return it — no questions asked. You can put it on our porch when we are closed or on the empty hanger outside on the Sale rack,” the post reads, noting that Bluffton can be a very small town.

Which is true.

It can also be a very unique town — as evidenced by the store’s firm but compassionate approach to loss prevention: You stole from us, but we’re giving you an opportunity to make it right.

The tunic, which retails for $210 and was the only one left in the store, was discovered missing Tuesday by Eggs N Tricities manager, Betsy Webster, who found an empty hanger in a bucket at the back of the store. She knew the blouse was missing because it was no longer where she had hung it earlier in the day.

She was able to pinpoint when it was taken, and the theft was confirmed on camera.

Eggs N Tricities is owned by Nancy Golson. The store just celebrated its third anniversary in its Lawton Street location, but the quirky shop, which sells clothing, art and other novelites, has been a mainstay in the Old Town shopping scene for 28 years.

“That’s the thing,” Webster said. “If anybody ever needed anything, Miss Nancy is so generous, she would give you the shirt off her back.”

Almost literally, as it turns out.

Commenters on Eggs N Tricities’ Facebook page commended the store for allowing the shoplifter to return the item before going to police.

“It’s very nice of you to handle it this way.”

“You are being more than lenient so whomever better take note and respond accordingly!”

“If returned, it will sell in a min. Everyone wants it.”

“Seriously. Bring it back bc I want it!”

No really.

Bring it back — not only because stealing from a small business is a very dirty deed and we all hate to see that happen, but because I want there to be a happy ending with this one.

We don’t see this kind of thing every day.

In a way, it is kindness personified.

“Well,” Webster said. “That’s Nancy ...”

This story was originally published February 22, 2018 at 4:18 PM with the headline "Bluffton boutique gives the person who stole a $200 silk tunic 48 hours to make it right."