Malik B.
Yelp
As a 6'2 320lbs Black Male in America, I have always had to deal with the uncertain, cautious, profiling looks/actions that many people, and in this case, employees give while in public. It will always be an underlying pain knowing someone genuinely hates and/or fears me for the color of my skin and how I appear. A friend and I recently visited the Legacy store in Glendale in hopes of trading and purchasing TCG cards (yu-gi-oh, NFL, and Pokémon). Upon arrival, we noticed a barricade in front of the entrance, urging people to be patient as there was a 2 limit customer capacity per room, which is understandable (COVID). *comic room, and TCG room*. Me and my friend, also a black male, patiently waited outside for around 10 minutes. After waiting, I noticed no one was in the comic area, so I asked if we could glance at comics while waiting to enter the TCG room. The employee at the register HESITANTLY gave us access in a very passive aggressive way. While browsing through comics, I couldn't help but feel the eerie presence of being overly watched. As I walked around, the floor employee made it an effort to show he did not want to come near me. Not 6 feet, but one of those "ewww", stay away vibes." I know customers who looked like Him didn't get the same treatment. I've read and compared reviews from all open card shops during covid and this one had the best reviews, and that's why I came. Unfortunately, I got a different experience. I asked questions about NFL cards, and all they did was show me what they had, which was a couple boxes. I came seeking knowledge and always got a dismissive tone and the vibe that I shouldn't even be talking to them. My experience, however, changed when I finally was granted access to the TCG portion of the store. The employee there was extremely patient, shared knowledge, took time to research some of our products, and I even bought quite a few packs from him. My experience in the TCG Part of the store is the only reason Legacy in Glendale gets 2 stars from me. The saddest part is even the employee in the TCG section was almost hesitant to ask the 2 in the front any questions regarding me and my friend. Wont be visiting ever again. I'm extremely tired of racism, especially racist employees.
*1/12/21 anywhere from 2pm-6pm