This issue, unfortunately, is too political and not enough business. Maybe this is not the forum for this topic.

I absolutely agree. Five years ago Walmart, Amazon, and others stopped carrying Confederate flags for a reason. This is no different. Unless, of course, you want to be associated with a man seen as treasonous by most of the world.

I am all for this decision as long as they follow through with all organizations that have an underlying theme of “threatening or condoning violence.” To pick the Trump stores alone is patently wrong. Be sure there are other organizations selling their wares that support and condone violence with their beliefs.

My personal concern is that those sites will morph into having more aggressive positions in the next four years (or more). It appeared to me that the rioters that Trump encouraged had no agenda but violence. They are chest-beaters and flag wavers (whatever flag that may be), and don’t propagate one iota of substantial belief or even opinion.

Additionally, there is always the First Amendment argument. But the First Amendment has two sides. A person can say or wear or show whatever they want in agreement or disagreement with anything. Similarly, an independent business can choose to sell whatever they want. The First Amendment has two clear sides to its coin.

It’s a tough one, for sure. I’m not a supporter of anything Trump but I’m also not a supporter of the far left “cancelling” people or organizations because they don’t agree with their stance. Ultimately, however, the line was crossed into violence and that was incited by Trump. Neither he nor his supporters should gain financially from that.

Free speech sometimes has unintended consequences. And then there’s consistent, on-going, malignant, malice-filled speech. Lines are crossed, frequently and egregiously. And bad outcomes predictably unfold. So yes, there comes a time when enabling and supporting platforms have an obligation to pull and disassemble that support. It’s long past time when some doors should be slammed shut on incendiary behavior.

Well, after my comments yesterday, I can hardly stay away from this one! It’s an easy move to make on January 7 and, in my opinion, justified. But now that Trump has put out a statement in effect conceding, Shopify is going to enter a gray area that will be very challenging – has the organization redeemed itself now in terms of their policies? If the organization or any of its representatives then reverse themselves and start repeating old debunked conspiracies (or starts spinning new ones), does that put these stores back in violation of Shopify’s policies? I think this is a bigger problem for retail, and it is remarkably similar to the problems facing social media platforms. Who ultimately bears responsibility for what individuals in the community do? Should Amazon be held accountable if a third-party seller is able to sell goods on the platform that are toxic or dangerous or that they are not licensed to sell? Should Shopify be held accountable if it enables sellers that support terrorist or seditionist organizations? I… Read more »

100 percent. This is a fundamental question of leadership and, actually, what should be a relatively easy decision. Haven’t we seen what happens when (some) people prioritize profit over democracy?

More specifically, Shopify needs to think about its customers – the businesses and their end-consumers, as well as their employees and other stakeholders. Good for them.

Shopify’s decision was right for Shopify.

Its Millennial and Gen Z audience seeks purpose-driven brands that take bold stances. These consumers speak up for diversity, equality and respect because they are the most diverse cohorts in history.

Without a doubt, retailers are weighing the costs and benefits of their next steps. Even Facebook now recognizes the purchasing power and social influence these consumers wield. Facebook just blocked Trump posts and it could extend similar measures to its growing shopping platforms.