Barneys and Macy’s do not care about your little race-themed feelings. Despite facing harsh criticism for showing signs of racial-profiling in their loss prevention practices, both retailers completely blew off a hearing in NYC on Wednesday evening meant to tackle the issue head on. The stores were among 17 retailers previously accused of racially profiling customers, currently under investigation by the City of New York for their loss prevention practices. Neither store bothered to send reps or any requested documents for review.
From The Associated Press:
The City Council tackled the emotional issue on Wednesday at a hearing that included statements from Macy’s and Barneys New York denying allegations by customers that they had been singled out and followed.
City Council member Jumaane Williams calls the problem “staggering.”
The stores did not send representatives to the session in the City Council’s main chamber.
“I’m offended that Barneys New York and Macy’s is not here. I think it’s insulting, not just to the City Council, but to the City of New York and the people who shop there,” Williams said.
The NYC Commission on Human Rights has sent letters to 17 retailers — including Macy’s and Barneys — requesting the following information: loss prevention policies; procedures for approaching and detaining individuals suspected of theft; records regarding all individuals accused of theft in the past two years; and what, if any presence, NYPD officers have in the retail locations.
The stores are: Century 21, Loehmann’s, Sephora, Target, Bloomingdales, Bergdorf Goodman, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Sears, Lord & Taylor, Neiman Marcus, The Gap, CVS, Saks Fifth Avenue, Barneys, Macys, Bath & Body Works/Limited Brands/Victoria’s Secret.
Letters may be sent to additional businesses, but “we selected these locations based upon previous discrimination complaints against these stores, and the size and prominence of the stores,” said Patricia Gatling, the city’s human rights commissioner. “This is only the beginning of our investigation.”
If they refused to show up and explain themselves, they either truly aren’t concerned with the comfort of their Black customers, or they must REALLY have something to hide. All the rapper-collab merchandise in the world won’t cover up a culture of racism engrained in their stores’ policies. So what do you think? Will this attitude from these corporations effect where you spend your dollars this holiday season?
No comments:
Post a Comment
What's Your Thoughts?