N.Y. Walmart removes locked glass doors from black hair care products case after complaints of racial bias

A shopper at a Walmart in Riverhead, N.Y., took to social media to voice her displeasure that the only products that appeared to be kept in a locked case were those specifically marketed to African-American customers.

Patricia Fulford shared an image on Facebook that showed that the black hair care products were kept in a locked case and that she was kept waiting for 10 additional minutes while an employee tried to track down a key to unlock the case.

Fulford told News12, “I went to the manager and I asked them simply, you know, ‘Why are the black hair products locked up?'” While the manager failed to give her an answer, an associate allegedly told her it was because the items were often stolen.

“I said, ‘Are you saying only black people steal, that white people don’t steal out of Walmart?'” Fulford questioned. “I said, ‘That’s discrimination.'”

Fulford was so upset that she returned her products, which she says only cost $1 to $5. The incident, she said, left her questioning the need to keep the products locked up. Next to a section labeled “Multicultural Hair Care” were other shampoos and conditioners that were not locked up.

Walmart released a statement saying: “We do not tolerate discrimination of any kind at Walmart. We serve more than 140 million customers weekly, crossing all demographics, and are focused on meeting their needs while providing the best shopping experience at each store. We’re sensitive to this situation and also understand, like other retailers, that some products such as electronics, automotive, cosmetics and other personal care products are subject to additional security. Those determinations are made on a store-by-store basis, using data supporting the need for the heightened measures.”

However, a day later, Fulford said she felt vindicated when the Walmart in Riverhead removed the locked glass from the case, according to Riverhead Local.

Despite some Facebook commenters telling Fulford to “get over it,” and to “stop being so sensitive,” she persisted, telling Riverhead Local, “I was fighting for everyone to have the same equal opportunity to shop at Walmart.”

A spokesperson for Walmart told Yahoo Lifestyle, “This store is looking at alternate ways of securing these items to ensure they are available when customers need and want them. This decision was made by the management team at this store.”

Walmart is currently facing a federal civil rights lawsuit in California over a similar incident, where hair care products marketed to African-Americans were located in a locked case. The case is scheduled for trial next year.

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