Social media lit up in recent days with accusations about employees of Urban Outfitters regularly using code names such as “Nick,” “Nicky” and “Nicole” to racially profile Black customers who are considered shoplifters “most of the time.”
When confronted with the allegations, the popular retailer immediately issued a lengthy statement apologizing.
While the company confirmed that its shoplifting policy instructed store associates to use the nicknames to identify potential thieves, it also acknowledged that workers had “misused” the discretion to disproportionately target Black people.
"Our shoplifting policy previously instructed associates to use the code names "Nick"/"Nicky"/"Nicole" to identify potential shoplifters," Urban Outfitters said in a statement, according to a report by TODAY Style.
“It has been brought to our attention that this policy was misused. We are deeply saddened and disturbed by the reports of racial profiling in our stores, and we profusely apologize to each and every customer who was made to feel unwelcome. Urban Outfitters absolutely rejects racism, racial discrimination, and profiling of any form, and we have revised our shoplifting prevention policy to eliminate the use of any code words.”
The controversy began after several Twitter users made the allegations and identified themselves as former Urban Outfitters employees, according to TODAY.
"I worked at Urban Outfitters, the same company that owns Anthropologie and Free People, for 3 years," one person, Talia, wrote in a recent post, according to TODAY. "I worked mostly at the Georgetown location in DC. The terms "Nick/Nicole" were used to specify someone who could be (shoplifting). Most of the time it was used for a Black person."
“Nick is a term they use to identify anybody who might be a thief,” another person wrote on Twitter, TODAY reported. “But to be nicked while black is definitely racial profiling a lot of the time and they DEFINITELY did that while I worked there.”
Another Twitter user who claimed to be a former employee at the store confirmed the accounts.
“I worked at urban outfitters and they would identify people whom they thought would be potential stealers as (usually young black or hispanic kids) Nicks !!!!” the person commented on an Instagram post from Diet Prada. “This is very true.”
Urban Outfitters is based in Philadelphia and has more than 200 locations throughout the United States. The store sells clothing, accessories, cosmetics, footwear, housewares and music, and its parent company owns other brands that include Anthropologie and Free People.
Black shoppers on social media also shared personal experiences of being racially profiled while in Urban Outfitters.
“Every time I step foot into their store with an Afro, or faux locks I get followed by their security and their staff. Literally annoying and unfair,” one person wrote on Instagram, according to TODAY.
“I’ve been followed in stores and then pulled out my discount card and met with shocked faces,” another person shared on Instagram, TODAY reported. “Needless to say I haven’t bought anything from them since I quit two years ago.”
The company’s statement acknowledged the need for change.
“Urban Outfitters was founded on the values and principles of inclusiveness and cultural understanding,” the company said. “We strongly believe that every customer, partner, vendor, employee, and associate should feel welcomed and respected when they walk through our doors. It is clear that there is work for us to do to make that a reality.”
The company also announced measures to improve diversity and inclusion at stores, including conducting a third-party review of store practices, conducting mandatory diversity training in stores and taking steps to attract a more diverse workforce, TODAY reported.
Earlier this month, Anthropologie addressed the same issue after former employees said the code names “Nick” or “Nicky” had been used to racially profile Black shoppers.
“Regarding allegations of racial profiling, we have never and will never have a code word based on a customer’s race or ethnicity,” the retailer wrote in a June 11 Instagram post, according to TODAY. “Our company has a zero-tolerance policy regarding discrimination or racial profiling in any form. Employees who do not adhere to this policy are subject to disciplinary action which may include termination.”
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