Adelante Boutique — Local services in San Antonio

I live in the downtown area but rarely get a chance to visit the cute shops at the Pearl. I went in after my massage which was probably about 11 AM on Tuesday, Aug. 2nd. I walked in very relaxed and ready to shop. The woman working behind the counter never acknowledged my presence after I was the one that said “hello.” Maybe she didn’t hear me? Or see me? I was the only one in the store.

However, shortly after an older blonde lady entered the establishment and the woman working behind the counter quickly walked up to her and said “Welcome. I love your dress.” She turned on her charm and was extremely welcoming to her. I made efforts for small talk but she never looked at me much less reciprocated.

I can’t help but think that my messy bun, brown hair, and brown skin were the reason she never acknowledged me. What I find ironic is that this store is selling Mexican heritage items. I’m a Hispanic American woman. I will never set foot in this store again (I’m sure they’re ok with that). I wouldn’t recommend supporting a business that promotes discrimination...

I visited Adelante today to return two items. During my return process I was helped by a very nice woman in a grey dress with black hair. She was really sweet. Two other ladies were pretty unkind to her. The first older, woman was extremely condescending telling her to credit my items at the sale price. She literally repeated it 5 times to the saleswoman as if she didn't understand the first time. The woman helping me had a hard time with the gift card for my credit. Another lady in a pink top came over and got visibly frustrated with the saleswoman helping me. I guess she had accidentally put the wrong amount on the card. The lady in pink threw a small tantrum. So, I picked up the items I was going to return and left. I won't be back. Not only do they repeatedly not acknowledge my presence when I go into the store, now I realize their employees are treated terribly too. See excuses for poor...

I had an extremely upsetting experience at Adelante Boutique. As a Hispanic woman, I was shocked and disheartened to be racially profiled while visiting this store. While white customers were treated with courtesy, my friends and I were looked down upon and followed around the store as if we were going to take something.

What makes this even more ironic and offensive is that this boutique sells Mexican heritage items. It's disheartening to see a store profit from our culture but show such a lack of respect for the very people it represents. I will never set foot in this store again and would not recommend...