PetSmart Faces Boycott Calls Over Pride Collection: 'Unacceptable'
latest brand name to face calls for a boycott over its LGBTQ+ pride range, as conservatives continue to voice their outrage at companies offering products that appear to support causes contrary to their beliefs.It follows a similar backlash against Target for the retailer's LGBTQ+ range, which included childrenswear and clothing with slogans positive towards transgenderism.Several brands have been the target of condemnation from conservatives over marketing products for the LGBTQ+ community.
While experts have said such campaigns provide an opportunity for brands to appeal to consumers in new markets, critics have accused companies of alienating their traditional customer base.The controversies sit at the heart of a culture war, and feed into a broader debate about the acceptance of LGBTQ+ people in public life.PetSmart's You Are Loved collection, timed for LGBTQ+ Pride Month in June, includes a range of pet toys and garments styled with rainbow colors—such as a reptile tank top with the words "pride vibes" emblazoned on the back, rainbow aquarium ornaments, and a crown and cape two-piece set for small pets.Announcing the range at the start of May, the company noted that it had donated $200,000 to GLSEN, an organization "dedicated to ending violence, harassment and discrimination" against young LGBTQ+ people in schools, this year—part of $600,000 in contributions to date.Kristin Shane, senior vice president and chief merchandising officer at PetSmart, said the range was introduced "to help pet parents and their pets celebrate the spirit of Pride and share our values of inclusion and unconditional love.""PetSmart is proud to elevate the voices and experiences of the LGBTQ+ community—from our associates and the pet parents.
