Would you boycot a store?

[fire_breeze]

A little late in this discussion, but I avoid some large chain stores whose business and social ethics goes against mine. And yes, some of the smaller, local stores I've stopped going to because I found out that the store's profits goes to support a legislative change that I strongly oppose. If I was a loyal customer, I do let them know, firmly and politely, why I have taken my business elsewhere.

I acknowledge that not everyone's social and political slant is the same as mine. I'm okay with that - it's what makes life so interesting and I learn something new every time I'm there. What they do in their private lives does not concern me nor do I want to know. But the moment they start to publicly declaring their stance on issues, then it concerns me as their client.

While I am loyal, at the end of the day, I have to decide whether or not I can live with myself supporting a cause that I cannot agree with.

 

[babylondementia]

I have a dilemma and would like to hear other people's thoughts. I frequent a particular local small business. I like the owners, their products, and their staff. I have always wanted them to succeed. I've recommended the store to friends, and have even payed a premium for a product in their store rather than purchasing it at a discount at a “big chain” down the street.

i put my money where my morals, are, i not only avoid walmart, most businesses who sell outsourced or monsanto items and well Disney, long story on that one.

 

[Eilan]

I'm boycotting a local business owner because she was a cunt to me on Facebook.

 

[cuz cracker]

i'm more into bogarting than boycotting.

 

[StaciRay79]

I boycott Burger King. Haven't been to one in YEARS!

The reason is they did a commercial around 2006 or so advertising SpongeBob in their kids meals. I didn't really like the commercial because it centered on girls dancing to some rap-type song and they all had square butts (something shoved into their shorts obviously). I didn't like the commercial as it was, but then they ended it with the singer saying "I don't care, booty is booty!"

Why would you need to say that to sell kids meals? Certainly not appropriate to target kids with something like that!

That's why I haven't EVER been back!

 

[BertrandRussell]

I draw the line at the issue of consensual participation. If the business in question does something that I disagree with, but the alleged victim is not forced to participate, it is none of my business.

If I thought that a certain store did not pay their employees enough, or offer them decent benefits, I figure the employees can look for work elsewhere. It is not my responsibility to step in and try to help them.

The only time I have boycotted a business was a distincty non-consensual issue.

Back in the 80's, a guy in San Diego named Dale Akiki was unjustly accused of child molestation. He was incarcerated for 2.5 years, and the jury came back with a unanimous not guilty verdict in just 7 hours. They then took the highly unusual continuation of publicly criticizing the DA for what they saw to be malfeasance. (http://articles.latimes.com/1993-11-29/news/mn-62110_1_child-abuse-cases/3)

The DA, Ed Miller, was financially backed by, and apparently directed by Jackson R. Goodall Jr., the owner of Foodmaker, Inc. Foodmaker owns Jack in the Box. I - and a lot of other people - didn't eat at Jack in the Box for years until there was an ownership change.

 

[VladHarkonnen]

I've never boycotted a store but I did boycott Mentos after they started making those stupid ass "freshmaker" commercials. It took a few years but they finally bowed to the financial pressure I was exerting. After they stopped running them I went and bought some Mentos. I ate that first and thought, "Yes! The sweet taste of victory!"

 

[Eilan]

I've never boycotted a store but I did boycott Mentos after they started making those stupid ass "freshmaker" commercials. It took a few years but they finally bowed to the financial pressure I was exerting. After they stopped running them I went and bought some Mentos. I ate that first and thought, "Yes! The sweet taste of victory!"

I liked the Foo Fighters' video that was a spoof of the Mentos commercials.

 

[emanuellevinas]

I boycott Chic Fil A
and Wal Mart.
For a variety of reasons.
ROger

 

[VladHarkonnen]

I liked the Foo Fighters' video that was a spoof of the Mentos commercials.

Big Me. lol, yeah that was awesome.

I boycott Chic Fil A
and Wal Mart.
For a variety of reasons.
ROger

Yeah...I tried to boycott chickfila but...the shit just be callin' me.

 

[alwayswantedto]

<deleted>

 

[VladHarkonnen]

I've always thought it was a terrible mistake for businesses to become involved in politics/social issues. Individuals should have opinions...not businesses, especially a small business that, quite frankly, just can't afford to have an opinion. To do so is just asking for some kind of backlash. If they've attached a political/social opinion to their business then they themselves have opened the door to any repercussions. I do believe you should let them know that they've lost a customer because of their business public stance on a particular issue. (if you do intend to boycott)

 

[jon_rico]

Absolutely would boycott. Also tell friends and family.

 

[Eilan]

The local businesses that I'm boycotting won't suffer as a result of not getting my business because I'm the one with the "unpopular" beliefs.

Well...did you end up boycotting, ppl?

What she said.