Unmasking Corporatized Racism in Retail

Unmasking Corporatized Racism in Retail pulls back the curtain on an industry that has long celebrated exclusivity while quietly sustaining systemic inequity.

Dr. Xavier D. Clark and Dr. Richard T. Craig trace the historical roots of luxury fashion-from brands founded in the shadows of colonialism to contemporary boutiques where Black shoppers are profiled, dismissed, or erased. Through research, lived experience, and cultural analysis, the book shows how corporatized racism thrives in luxury retail, simultaneously exploiting Black culture while excluding Black consumers. At once deeply personal and rigorously analytical, this work blends narrative and strategy, moving beyond critique to provide practical pathways for transformation. From boardrooms to boutiques, Unmasking Corporatized Racism in Retail challenges executives, educators, and consumers alike to dismantle the systems that devalue Black identity and to reimagine luxury as a space of belonging rather than exclusion. This is more than a book about fashion. It is a love letter to Black dignity, a testament to the resilience of consumers who refuse to be diminished, and a bold vision for an industry that must decide between performative gestures and authentic change.