Norris v. BELK'S DEPARTMENT STORE OF DUNN, NC, INC.

Plaintiff appellant asserts that the “sucker stick” covered by tissue paper constituted a hidden danger, this condition had existed in the aisle for thitry-five minutes at least, defendant in the exercise of reasonable care should have discovered and removed the hazard or warned plaintiff of its existence, and by failure to do so defendant is exposed to liability for damages.

It is axiomatic that storekeepers are not insurers of the safety of their customers while on store premises. Copeland v. Phthisic, 245 N.C. 580, 96 S.E. 2d 697. Customers are invitees and the law imposes on storekeepers…