Accusation Prompts Sephora Shutdown
A recent accusation by a California artist has led to a nationwide shutdown of the chain.
June 3, 2019
Sephora will close all US stores on June 5 to host “inclusion workshops” after a racial profiling incident with R&B singer Sza in Calabasas.
The retailer announced on May 23 that every distribution center and corporate offices will be shut down to hold diversity training.
Back in April, Sza had tweeted about her experience in a Calabasas Sephora, saying that an employee had called security because she assumed the singer was stealing.
Sephora would later respond on May 1, stating “You are a part of the Sephora family, and we are committed to ensuring every member of our community feels welcome and included at our stores.”
In response, Sephora has also issued a statement announcing its new “We Belong to Something Beautiful” campaign, which focuses on inclusion between all staff and customers.
Sephora said on Facebook that they “will never stop building a community where diversity is expected, self-expression is honored, all are welcomed, and you are included.”
This reaction is very similar to Starbucks’ way of handling a very similar accusation. The chain closed down 8,000 cafes following an incident where a policeman was called on two African American men who were meeting at a Philadelphia location. Starbucks has since changed its policy so purchases are not required to work in the space or use the bathroom.
