Before the start of the Trump administration, shoppers used to think that a pair of shoes is just that and their choices only reflect their personal tastes. Now, shopping has become a political act as some people would gladly spend money on a retailer which has spoken out against the president, while others would buy any product by or endorsed by the Trump family.
Last week, it was reported that Nordstrom dropped first daughter Ivanka Trump’s line due to the brand’s poor performance. However, some of Trump’s supporters took this move as an attack on the current administration, with thousands of people lashing out at the retailer online, according to the New York Times.
The president also took to Twitter to say that his daughter has been “treated so unfairly” by Nordstrom.
“She is a great person—always pushing me to do the right thing! Terrible!” he continued.
As a response, those who are strongly opposed to President Trump have taken to social media as well to openly declare their support for Nordstrom. Celebrities such as Chelsea Handler, Rosie O’Donnell, RuPaul, Kristin Davis, Joely Fisher, and Mia Farrow, as well as directors Michael Moore and Judd Apatow, among others, have taken to the Internet to support the retailer and other companies who have spoken out against the administration’s recent actions.
Handler took to Instagram to post a photo of herself and two friends holding Nordstrom bags while standing outside the White House gates. The comedienne wrote, “A Jew and a Gay went to pick a Muslim up from the airport, headed straight to Nordstrom, and then headed over to @whitehouse to give our thanks!”
Meanwhile, CNN political commentator Ana Navarro took to Twitter and wrote, “Keeping track of what to support or boycott. Supporting @AnheuserBusch, @Nordstrom, @Starbucks…oh, & hoarding b/c of Mexico thing.”
Anheuser-Busch, makers of Budweiser, recently made headlines for debuting an epic immigrant story during the 51st Super Bowl, with many interpreting the ad as a protest against Trump’s executive order on immigration. Starbucks has also made a stand on the order as it vowed to hire more immigrants over the next five years.
According to NY Times, the reaction after Nordstrom’s decision has made companies think twice about their every move in today’s highly-charged political environment. Calls or emails were reportedly sent to a half dozen of the country’s largest department stores about how they are handling Ivanka Trump’s products, which resulted in either no comment or neutral statements.
It is unclear whether other companies will be speaking out against the new administration as President Trump and his cabinet’s actions grow from day to day. But for now, it is clear that apart from the growing divide in the country, politically aware consumers will now be thinking twice on where they shop over the next four years.
For more, check out Jobs & Hire’s report on Starbucks’ latest and most timely perk for its employees.
