A recent incident at an H&M store in New Mexico has sparked outrage and calls for a boycott after a viral video surfaced showing two Black sisters being asked to leave the store without a clear explanation. The video, which has garnered significant attention on social media, highlights the ongoing issue of racial profiling in retail environments.
H&M employee: ‘We don’t have to have a reason’
The video begins with a security guard escorting the sisters out of the H&M store located in Coronado Center shopping mall in Albuquerque, N.M. The store employee informs the girls that they are being refused service, stating, “There’s no reason, that’s what we’re gonna go ahead and do today.” When the sisters question this decision, they are met with vague responses, further fueling their confusion and frustration.
One of the sisters asks, “So, why do we have to leave the store?” to which the employee replies, “Because we’re just refusing service, we don’t have to have a reason.” This exchange escalates as the sisters attempt to clarify the situation, pointing out that they were merely shopping and had not engaged in any wrongdoing.
Public reaction and calls for boycott
The video quickly went viral, accumulating more than 15,000 comments on TikTok, with many viewers expressing their outrage and calling for a boycott of H&M. Prominent voices, including Sunny Hostin from “The View,” chimed in, stating, “Racial profiling is illegal.” The incident has been perceived as part of a troubling trend where Black shoppers are often unfairly targeted and accused of theft.
Social media users have taken to various platforms to voice their support for the sisters, urging others to contact H&M management and demand accountability. One user claimed to have filed a complaint, stating that H&M had already taken action against the employee involved. The sentiment among many is clear: They believe that such behavior should not be tolerated and that companies must be held accountable for their employees’ actions.
Racial profiling in retail: A broader issue
This incident is not an isolated case. Numerous reports have surfaced in recent years detailing similar experiences faced by Black shoppers. A 2023 report published by the Racial and Identity Profiling Advisory Board in California found that 15 percent of Black shoppers and 42 percent of Hispanic or Latino shoppers reported experiencing racial profiling while shopping.
In September 2024, another viral incident involved a Black man at a Ross Dress for Less store who was accused of stealing shoes, only for the employee to later deny he’d ever made the accusation. Similarly, a Wisconsin woman went viral after alleging that she and her boyfriend were racially profiled at a TJ Maxx store, where they were followed by multiple employees.
Moving forward: The need for change
The recent H&M incident underscores the urgent need for retailers to address racial profiling within their stores. As consumers become more aware and vocal about these injustices, companies must take proactive steps to ensure that all customers are treated fairly and with respect.
Many advocates are calling for enhanced training for retail employees to recognize and combat their biases. Additionally, implementing clear policies against racial profiling and ensuring accountability for employees who engage in such behavior are crucial steps in fostering a more inclusive shopping environment.
