Chicago Walgreens accused of ‘racial profiling’ for removing most aisles from view.

Walgreens’ New Store Model Sparks Controversy

Walgreens recently introduced a new store model in downtown Chicago, featuring only two aisles where customers can grab items themselves. Everything else requires customers to use a kiosk to place an order that will be waiting for them at the counter. The company claims that this new design will increase customer service, mitigate theft, and increase safety for customers and employees. However, the new concept has already flunked the racism litmus test.

Chicago Resident Claims New Anti-Theft Walgreens Is “Racial Profiling, Why Don’t You Trust Your Customers”

READ MORE: https://t.co/MjvlhcGLW1

— Parker (@ucorio) June 2, 2023

Some Twitter users and a street cleaner and neighborhood peacekeeper with Readi Chicago, Jacoby Gunn, have labeled the new store model as racial profiling. Gunn said, “I don’t understand why they had to move everything to the back at just this store. … There’s crime everywhere. It’s racial profiling. Why don’t you trust your customers?”

However, not everyone is against the new store model. Mu Ergin, a resident of the South Loop area where the store is located, said the previous layout produced a store that was “dirty, smelly and not properly organized.”

Walgreens told CWBChicago that the company was “testing a new experience at this store with new concepts, technologies, and practices to enhance the experiences of our customers and team members.”

Twitter Reactions

• Damn straight it’s racial profiling. And a smart move by Walgreens.

  — The ghost of Dean Munson (@sandlewoodideas) June 2, 2023

• It’s corporate speak.
  If they told the truth, Mayor BJ would attack them the way Mayor Lightweight attacked retailers who told the truth.
  Walgreens should leave. All retailers should leave. They aren’t profitable in Chicago *because* of Chicago.

  — whoamI (@Jeffislouie) June 2, 2023

• 2/2 Walgreens in Chicago has to lock up most merchandise in store b/c theft is being allowed by elected officials

  People who don’t steal have to be inconvenienced to shop just to get their stuff outta lockup

  We MUST FIGHT BACK against this becoming ‘the norm’. #WakeUp #StandUp

  — WakeUP2022 (@WUp2022) June 2, 2023

• Let’s be honest. It’s not “anti-theft”

  It’s “anti-disinvested-traumatized-black-silly-youth”

  And while we’re at it…kinda seems like Walgreens is being a bit racist with this store layout, don’t cha think?

  — Chicago is Toast (@Chicagos_Toast) May 31, 2023

The new store model is still in the testing phase, and it remains to be seen whether Walgreens will implement it in other locations.