Moschino has been accused of using the code word "Serena" to refer to black shoppers

[Judi Lynn]

Several retailers have allegedly used racial code words or otherwise profiled black shoppers.
By Nadra Nittle Jan 16, 2019, 5:00pm EST

“No dogs, Negroes, Mexicans.”

During the Jim Crow era, racist signs in store windows made it clear to people of color when they weren’t wanted. But today it can be much harder for customers to spot racial bias in retail establishments. Shoppers of color may suspect a salesperson is following them or, alternatively, ignoring them in favor of other customers. Such shoppers, however, aren’t likely to be told outright that they’re not welcome.

But while overt racism in retail is rarer today because it’s not legal for businesses to turn away patrons based on skin color, biases against black and brown consumers remain. A 2015 Gallup poll found that more African Americans felt discriminated against while shopping (24 percent) or dining out (20 percent) than during police encounters (18 percent). Contemporary retailers have been accused of relying on covert racism, including racial code words, to profile customers of color stereotyped as thieves.

A racial discrimination lawsuit against the high-end fashion brand Moschino accuses staff of using code words for black customers. The lawsuit, filed by a black former employee last month, alleges that staffers referred to these shoppers as “Serena,” in a veiled dig at tennis star Serena Williams, who herself has been the target of ongoing racial microaggressions. The allegations are the latest example of “shopping while black,” the colloquialism that describes how black customers are routinely profiled or mistreated in retail establishments.

The fashion brand is not the only one to be accused of using discriminatory code words in recent years. Similar allegations have been made against the brands Versace and Zara. These stories indicate that the racial microaggressions black shoppers face are widespread, even in the face of research showing that African Americans have a buying power of $1.2 trillion and make up a higher share of customers in many sectors than their 14 percent share of the US population. African Americans are also not more likely to shoplift than other groups. But such findings have done little to shift the perception that black shoppers are undesirable customers, and thus, the complaints about retail racism mount.

More:
https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2019/1/16/18185696/moschino-code-word-serena-black-shoppers-racism

[flibbitygiblets]

1. Which is why I don't shop at any of those racist establishments.

I would be so wonderful if there was a TV show that put hidden cameras on POC shoppers and then exposed the racism exhibited toward non-white shoppers, restaurant-goers, coffee-getters etc. It would go a long way toward opening the eyes of whites, particularly those suffering under the delusion that we live in a post-racist society. Nothing could be further from the truth. Daylight is the only answer.

[Judi Lynn]

2. That would be an outstanding idea for a TV network or whomever to accomplish.

It would be such a great event to expose these bullies hiding inside department stores, restaurants, etc., etc. I'm certain skillful people could pull it off perfectly, and it would be a total public service. They shouldn't be able to hide and plan attacks on unsuspecting customers, to harass and intimidate them, to make them feel unwanted. The people who are unwanted, as far as I can see, are the ones who live for a chance to ruin someone's day, and make the person a little bit sadder, a little more depressed, feeling more alienated, helpless.

[Haggis for Breakfast]

5. There was a show on that did something like what your describe.

It was on ABC and called, "What Would You Do ?" hosted by John Quinones. They had episodes just like this. Hidden cameras and exchanges with professional actors, they put people in situations to see what they would do when they observed racism and intimidation of others. It was very eye-opening - in a good way.

[Judi Lynn]

7. So sorry to have missed it. Hope someone might try it again.

The public has probably changed by now, more people becoming socially aware, I hope. It would be great to see it.

[dalton99a]

4. +1

[akraven]

3. My. Gawd.

I worked retail for nearly 40 years. Not high end, but downtown boutiques, etc. The only code words we ever used was to indicate a really dumb tourist!

Of course, we sold a lot of "local" (i.e., Native Alaskan, local Black culture) stuff. But "roll eyes" usually worked on the worst of 'em. And most were from back east.

[MurrayDelph]

6. I remember hearing Roy Wood Jr from The Daily Show

on Fresh Air, where they played and discussed his routine about buying a cellphone case at a Best Buy in a mall. The sales clerk was giving Roy grief about wanting a shopping bag for such a small purchase, and Roy telling him that me not only needed the bag, but wanted the clerk to staple the receipt on the outside of it.