A Jacksonville Kohl’s store is facing backlash after a white employee was caught on camera confronting and searching a Black shopper’s bag in a now-viral TikTok video. The incident, which took place in the store’s parking lot, has many calling it a clear case of racial profiling.
The video shows the shopper leaving the store with her items when a Kohl’s employee, identified only as “Shelby,” followed her outside and began questioning her about her purchases. The worker then started digging through the woman’s shopping bag without consent, demanding to see a receipt for her items, which included pants and sweaters.
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Confused and frustrated, the shopper asked, “You’re saying I need a receipt for what? Why are you checking my bag?” The employee insisted, “Ma’am, I just need the receipt.”
The customer complied and showed her proof of purchase. She had paid for the pants, and according to her, also paid for the sweaters. Despite the receipt, the employee continued to press, saying, “There were sweaters, they said,” suggesting the woman hadn’t paid for all of her items.
“I paid them for the sweaters! I paid her! Do you see the sweaters on there?” the shopper shot back.
When the shopper asked for the employee’s name, the worker dismissed her, saying, “You’re good,” before walking off.
The video, which has now been shared across multiple platforms, has reignited conversations about how retail workers interact with Black shoppers and the need for stronger corporate accountability when profiling incidents occur. As of now, Kohl’s has not released a statement addressing the confrontation.
Stay tuned for updates.
