Retailers have become an “easy target” for racism, as reported incidents of violent racist attacks in convenience stores increased annually by 7%.

Better Retailing’s sister title, Retail Express, analysed freedom of information (FOI) responses from 16 police forces outlining the number of reported racist attacks on convenience store owners and staff in England between 2022 and 2023. Although overall incidents in 2023 remained flat at 1,175, instances of physical racist abuse rose annually by 7% to 267 – 23% of total attacks that year.

In comparison, verbal abuse declined year on year by 29% to 177 incidents, making up 15% of racist incidents in 2023. It was unknown whether the remainder of instances were verbal or physical.

Of the victims who described their ethnicity to the police, those with an Asian background made up the highest proportion of all attacks in 2023 at 19%.

This was followed by white (12%), Pakistani (9%), black (8%), Indian (6%), African and mixed race (3%), and Chinese (1%). South Yorkshire made up the highest proportion of reported racist abuse in 2023 at 17%, followed by Greater Manchester (12%), Northamptonshire (11%), West Yorkshire (10%) and Lancashire (7%).

Triggers

Retailers stress that these incidents are often triggered by shoplifting or the refusal to sell age restricted products.

Anand Cheema, of Costcutter Falkirk in Stirlingshire, said: “I’m fortunate abuse has been more verbal than physical. However, I know many other retailers who have received physical racist abuse.

“It’s always a defence mechanism and triggered when they’re asked to leave the store, refused alcohol or when they’re asked for ID. It’s not just certain age groups, as we get abuse from young and old.

“During the incident, I try to keep staff out of harm’s way. If I’m not there, they know not to retaliate and show them out in a nonconfrontational manner.

“After, it’s about constantly communicating with staff to make sure they’re okay. Look at how they’re coping mentally and if they’re anxious to do a certain role.”

Read the full story, where more retailers share their experiences of racism, in the 16 July edition of Retail Express

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