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PetSmart facing backlash of their own over Pride merchandise

By Kimberley Spinney

LEVITTOWN, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 15: A general view of a Pet Smart store on September 15, 2022 in Levittown, New York, United States. Many families along with businesses are suffering the effects of inflation as the economy is dictating a change in spending habits. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
LEVITTOWN, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 15: A general view of a Pet Smart store on September 15, 2022 in Levittown, New York, United States. Many families along with businesses are suffering the effects of inflation as the economy is dictating a change in spending habits. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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Pride month begins June 1. And instead of a celebration, many companies are facing backlash over Pride merchandise, including PetSmart.

According to the Daily Mail, it seems like PetSmart is the latest company to garner the ire of conservatives. Many conservatives have taken to social media to voice their outrage at any company who even remotely supports LGBTQ+ individuals. They are calling for boycotts and expressing their distain for anything that even remotely appears to be pride related.

It is important to note that the pet store chain has been celebrating Pride month since 2019. However, despite that fact, conservatives are taking to social media to lament the fact that the popular pet chain has released their 2023 pride collection, “You Are Loved.”

Many critics have taken to social media to call the collection unacceptable. While still others are calling for a boycott of the company and talking about never wanting to go back to a PetSmart location again. Of course, we should note that some critics of the collection are actually not upset about the fact that it represents Pride, but rather the fact that the collection includes a bikini for dogs.

PetSmart is drawing conservative anger over Pride collection

Not everyone is calling for a boycott of PetSmart though. And there are those who have not only offered their support of the company, but are also pointing out the fact that Petsmart has been selling Pride merchandise for years.

The senior vice president and chief merchandising officer for PetSmart, Kristin Shane, said that as a company they are “proud to elevate the voices and experiences of the LGBTQ+ community.” She went on to explain that the collection was not only inspired by, but also initiated by their associate resource group team members. And with this collection, the company was hoping to promote unconditional love and inclusion (which makes sense since the title of the collection is You Are Loved).

It’s sad to see so much hate and anger in this country. And I can only hope that PetSmart continues to voice their support for inclusivity and love.

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