My friend and I stopped by Boulevard Liquor in Jersey City after doing some grocery shopping. We were carrying our groceries in tote bags, not plastic shopping bags. As soon as we walked in, we weren't greeted -- instead, the man behind the counter immediately stared at us and told us to leave our bags at the front.
I've shopped in plenty of places with totes before and have never been treated like that. It was obvious we were being profiled. The man, an older Asian gentleman, watched us like a hawk the entire time we were browsing, making it clear we weren't welcome.
It became so uncomfortable that my friend didn't even want to spend his money there. As we left, I told the man directly that it's wrong to assume the worst of people and that he should do better.
Whether they want to admit it or not, Boulevard Liquor clearly profiles customers based on how they look. I will never go back -- and if you value being treated with basic respect, neither should you. read more