A Personal Account of Racism and Discrimination in Retail: A Customer’s Perspective

Introduction

Have you ever encountered racism or discrimination in a retail setting? If so, your experience may resonate with thousands of others, as discrimination can manifest in subtle ways that deeply impact the shopping experience. In this article, we explore a firsthand account of such an incident in a sports store, highlighting the affect on a customer and the implications for businesses and society.

Unwind at Hibbett Sports

One particular experience in a sports store stands out vividly in my memory. It was an early afternoon in a sporting goods store, a place where athletes and sports enthusiasts usually converge. As a young East African man of 19, I stepped inside with the intent to inquire about a newly-released pair of Jordans. Little did I know, my encounter would mirror a complex intersection of racism, social biases, and the ever-present eras of subversion and prejudice.

The Encounter

I approached the sales clerk, a young man, who was engrossed in his work. Leaning on the counter to get a better view, I asked about the latest Jordans. He looked up, perhaps discerning something familiar about my appearance or age, and responded with a mixture of surprise and skepticism. His tone conveyed a sense of incredulity:

"The price is quite steep, sir. Is there anything else you are interested in looking at?"

The sales clerk's words were not only matter-of-fact but also subtly dismissive. This reaction, though brief, quickly revealed a layer of racial bias that he sought to conceal behind a veneer of helpfulness.

The Unspoken Prejudice

My interaction with the clerk quickly turned into a dialogue of unspoken prejudices. He continued:

"Sure, let me get that for you, but I doubt you can afford them. Why not take a look at some of our clearance items?"

His words were a subtle combination of condescending and dismissive, an attempt to steer my attention to less desirable options. However, as someone aware of the common challenges faced by minority consumers, I understood his subtext. He was implying that I, a young black man, was not a viable customer, a discussion that, in reality, wasn't about the merchandise but about my supposed inability to pay for it. This disheartened me and highlighted a troubling aspect of retail discrimination.

A Slight Detour, but a Sound Decision

I paused, weighing my options. The clerk's behavior left me feeling dismissed and undervalued. Yet, rather than confronting him or the store for an aggressive response – an action that could have resulted in a negative outcome – I took a different course of action. I responded succinctly:

"No, but you can get me a size 13 1/2 in the shoes I asked about."

My response was designed both to address his query and to shut down the conversation in a polite manner. It was not belligerent, angry, or aggressive; it was grounded in a desire to be treated with the dignity and respect I genuinely deserved.

Secure My Shoes, Then Seek Other Outlets

With my response, the clerk appeared taken aback for a moment, perhaps realizing the unspoken biases he had just displayed. Realizing he couldn't continue the charade, he turned to locate my size. It wasn't long before I had a pair of the coveted Jordans in my possession. However, the decision to leave the store there and then was not rooted in frustration but in a desire to avoid further encounters with discriminatory behavior.

The Long-Term Impact

Though I managed to secure my purchase, this experience left a lasting impression. It has since highlighted the impact of retail discrimination and the importance of addressing it. For the retailer, this small action—a bungled interaction with a Black customer—could be indicative of larger systemic issues within the business. For me, it reinforced the need for conscious consumerism and the importance of choosing businesses that treat all customers equally.

Conclusion

Experiences like these are not isolated incidents. They are a testament to the persistence of racism and discrimination, particularly in consumer-oriented environments. It is crucial for both businesses and individuals to recognize and address these issues to foster an inclusive and respectful society. Every consumer has the right to a positive shopping experience, and every retailer has a responsibility to ensure it.

Key Takeaways

Recognition of Retail Discrimination Impact of Disrespectful Customer Service Importance of Choosing Business Ethos

About the Author

The narrator relates from their own experience and stands as a reminder of the lived reality for many retail customers, particularly those from marginalized communities.