Aqui Market Bridgeton — Local services in Bridgeton

This was only my second shopping experience at Aqui Market, and unfortunately, it will be my last. I am writing to express my deep frustration and disappointment after being racially profiled by your staff during my recent visit.

Upon entering the store, a young man politely informed me that I could not place items in my personal bag, and he offered me a shopping cart. I appreciated his courtesy and complied without issue. However, as I continued shopping, I couldn’t help but notice that I was being closely watched by multiple staff members as I moved through the aisles, simply looking for ingredients for dinner.

Things escalated when I approached the register. A short, bald Hispanic man suddenly appeared and monitored me as I prepared to check out. I couldn’t help but feel that he was there not for customer service, but to scrutinize me—possibly to see if I was using an EBT card or to verify my purchases. For the record, I used my TD Bank card.

This was a humiliating and hurtful experience. I am a hardworking woman with a Master’s degree in Social Work. I have no need, nor any intention, of stealing anything. It is offensive and wrong to assume that all Black people are thieves or scammers.

I make a conscious effort to support small businesses and minority-owned establishments. However, I refuse to support a place where I am made to feel unwelcome and criminalized for simply existing.

I hope this feedback prompts reflection and corrective action...

Let’s start with the positives. It’s very clean and organized inside the store. There are a lot of items to choose from about may take some time to find the exact item you’re looking for. They are very well staffed and stocked. I was excited to shop here as the other local grocery store is overpriced. Aqui Foods prices are just as high if not higher than their competition right around the corner. The owner is always there and she’s extremely pretentious and not really a joy to deal with. I purchased 2 lbs of chicken wings on Saturday the 22nd and cooked half. When I went to season and cook the remaining wings they were spoiled. That goes to show they sell the least quality...

Please be careful when using your cards here, especially EBT. My grandmother spent about 20 dollars here on her card and the following days, the whole balance got wiped away. I’m not placing the blame on Aquí but this has been a first for us and only happened after shopping here. Management wasn’t too helpful as they kind of just shrugged it off and the...