Illustration: Peter C. Espina/GT

A Chinese clothing store in Beijing has raised an uproar lately after putting a warning on its front door saying "No Chinese allowed." Located on Yabao Road, a major retail and wholesale hub of trade that attracts many foreigners, the owners explained that they import clothes from the international market and deal with wholesale business. Opening access to individual Chinese customers would increase the risk that their stocks and product list are poached by competitors. What's more, this shop has had some unpleasant history with some misbehaving Chinese customers. Back in 2003, some shops at Yabao Road turned their backs on their compatriots for the same reasons. Purely from a business perspective, shops can serve whomever they want, but their attitude, even if not actually discrimination, may still be a painfully negative one and cause unnecessary disturbances.