MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – Management at a local Hispanic shopping center says they’ve seen a steep decline in business following accusations that the Memphis Safe Task Force is racially profiling members of the Latino community.
El Mercadito, a shopping center housing more than a dozen Latino-owned businesses in Hickory Ridge, has seen a dramatic decline in customers over the past two weeks. Owner Juan Hernandez says the current period represents the most difficult time for business in 20 years.
“This is a Hispanic place for the families coming here, for relaxing and shopping and food,” says Hernandez. “This is a bad, bad time.”
Alan Torres, co-manager of El Mercadito, said the change has been stark…