Shopify dumps Trump’s stores from its platform


Shopify announced yesterday that the platform is removing all online stores affiliated with Donald Trump’s campaign for president and the Trump Organization for violating its policies prohibiting users that promote or support organizations that advocate violent activity.
The Canadian online platform took its action a day after Mr. Trump spoke to a group of supporters in Washington, D.C. and continued to promote allegations that the recent election was stolen from him and them.
Those listening to Mr. Trump’s speech near the White House moved to the Capitol Building where they overran police. Around 50 officers were injured as they sought to hold back rioters. One member of the Capitol Police, Brian Sicknick, lost his life while sustaining injuries received as he “physically engaged” with rioters during the melee.
Shopify issued a statement that it “does not tolerate actions that incite violence” and that Mr. Trump’s behavior had violated its policy, “which prohibits promotion or support of organizations, platforms or people that threaten or condone violence to further a cause.”
The Retail Industry Leaders Association and others have come out to condemn Mr. Trump for inciting the Capitol Building riot. The group, which represents the largest retail chain operators, said, “It’s time for men and women of goodwill in government to denounce the conspiracy theories and cancerous rhetoric employed by those cravenly attempting to capitalize on political chaos. All those trafficking in sedition must be rebuked.”
Trump merchandise is still available on other online platforms and marketplaces operated by Amazon.com, Target, Walmart and others.
- Shopify pulls Donald Trump stores off its platform – TechCrunch
- Shopify Takes Trump Organization and Campaign Stores Offline – The Wall Street Journal
- PayPal and Shopify remove Trump-related accounts, citing policies against supporting violence – The Verge
- Loss of USCP Officer Brian D. Sicknick – United States Capitol Police
- Retailers call on Trump to end the national chaos he created – RetailWire
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: Do you agree with Shopify’s decision to remove online stores affiliated with the Trump campaign and Trump Organization? Should other online platforms and retailers follow suit?
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40 Comments on "Shopify dumps Trump’s stores from its platform"
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Principal, Retail Technology Group
This issue, unfortunately, is too political and not enough business. Maybe this is not the forum for this topic.
Professor, International Business, Guizhou University of Finance & Economics and University of Sanya, China.
C’mon Bob, this is an issue that every retailer faces. Should we not be addressing the pros and cons? Maybe we can give some CEO some guidance in her/his decision.
CFO, Weisner Steel
EVERY retailer? C’mon Gene: 99% of businesses don’t (have anything to do with Trump … even at the vaguest level). As for Bob’s point, I think it treads the line: legitimate for discussion, but hardly essential.
Professor, International Business, Guizhou University of Finance & Economics and University of Sanya, China.
Craig, it is not a Trump issue. It is an issue of how far retailers should go in promoting or making available products that are connected to causes that support philosophies that are abhorrent to accepted civilized values.
CFO, Weisner Steel
Thanks Gene, it sounds like all three of us might have phrased our responses better (looking at the feedback I know I could have!) What I meant — and at the risk of putting words in his mouth, I think Bob did as well — was that while many businesses face the ethical issues you mention, very few actually deal with it in the context of dealing in Trump-related merchandise.
So addressing the general question would have been more useful than sticking with this specific situation.
Professor, International Business, Guizhou University of Finance & Economics and University of Sanya, China.
I agree. The issue is far reaching.
Editor-in-Chief, RetailWire
Research from Morning Consult finds that 63 percent of voters (85 percent of Democrats and around 40 percent of Republicans) blame President Trump for the events of Wednesday.
Fifty percent say they have a more favorable view of companies that have condemned Mr. Trump’s actions and 43 percent are more likely to buy from them as a result. The research also found that 38 percent of Republicans would have a more favorable view of brands denouncing those involved in the riot. Another 30 percent of GOP voters said it wouldn’t have an effect one way or the other.
All of the above suggests that there are clear business implications for companies that choose to say or do something or not. It’s up to our expert panelists, such as yourself Bob, to weigh in on the relative pros and cons of such actions.
Principal, Retail Technology Group
Boy oh boy! Did someone start something here today! I have never gotten so much attention from so many with so many comments (and negative votes). I cannot be lured into a political discussion although I have plenty to say about the recent events and none are complimentary.
Prime Grocery Shopper, Whole Foods
Prime Grocery Shopper, Whole Foods
I would like to add that “Ben & Jerry’s calls to ‘impeach’ Trump in forceful statement about Capitol riots.” Yet another company I have done business with because of their quality products and mission statement, but due to this announcement, I will now overindulge myself in a container of Chunky Monkey.
President/CEO, The Retail Doctor
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.
Professor, International Business, Guizhou University of Finance & Economics and University of Sanya, China.
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.
Chief Customer Officer, Incisiv
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.
Co-founder, RSR Research
And who the heck wants to encourage this kind of insanity in any way?
Founding Partner, Merchandising Metrics
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.
VP of Strategy, Aptos
Founder, Branded Ground
Well said Nikki. This is a big topic that is bound to play out this year.
Founder, Grey Space Matters
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.
Content Marketing Strategist
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.
Prime Grocery Shopper, Whole Foods
It isn’t just the Millennial and Gen Z audiences that seek purpose-driven brands, etc., it is us Baby Boomers as well. We may be old, be are not dead yet, and as we age we are forced to live on more limited incomes, and are much more aware of whom our dollars support.
Principal, Retail Creative and Consulting Agency
Yes. That’s all. Just yes.
Managing Director, StoreStream Metrics, LLC
I applaud their decision! I also read that Simon & Schuster cancelled a book deal with Hawley. There are, can be, and should be consequences.
Managing Director, GlobalData
Every retailer is entitled to determine what is sold in their stores and on their sites. And, equally, each retailer must make a judgment call as to what political causes or campaigns – if any – they wish to be associated with. That can sometimes be an extremely difficult balancing act: but there is a clear line between having different political views and denying democracy and promoting violence.
Principal, KIZER & BENDER Speaking
Actually any business has the right to carry/not carry anything. This conversation is so loaded with thoughtful comments, I’m sitting on the side lines and waiting for the best thought-through answers.
President, Rubinson Partners, Inc.
This is a business decision that is similar to the ones that advertisers make when they decide to not advertise on certain shows. Let business leaders make these decisions but I personally (and I’m sure many other consumers) reject working with businesses who wear their cancel culture mentality on their sleeve.
Director of Planning & Loyalty, Moosylvania
Very convenient that the day that it became apparent that the Dems would hold the majority in the Senate (and many of the committees that rule their regulations) businesses decide, “yup actually ya know what, there is more we can do to reign in the divisive impact this guy is having on America.” Same goes for Facebook indefinitely banning him and Twitter giving him a 12-hour ban.
Founder, Grey Space Matters
Not just businesses Evan! That said, violence and insurrection are and should be, at a minimum, tipping points.
Retail Transformation Thought Leader, Advisor, & Strategist
Strategy & Operations Delivery Leader
It was a clear business decision by Shopify, and all retailers have every right to sell or not sell particular products in their stores or online marketplace platforms. Considering the politically polarizing period we are living through, everyone has their own perspectives. The political discussion has become such a big part of our daily discussions, and it has to be addressed by all companies at a certain point.
Aside from their commerce platform, Shopify and others have an unwritten social stance that is reflected in the products and brands they sell. Violence, social injustices, and extremism on both sides have to be condemned and addressed by families, companies, and retailers. Once certain lines have been crossed there is no going back, and there are consequences for your actions.
Owner, Tony O's Supermarket and Catering
The last few days have convinced me to bow out gracefully from RetailWire. I need to prioritize my life and focus on the work that I do, and this no longer is fun anymore. I am grateful for the opportunity doing this for many years, and since the birth of my grandson in June he is now my focus, and working with young kids in the school systems as I have done for 30+ years. I will peek in at times, and I will continue to help other small Independents if they need me. I thank everyone and wish all of you good health and Happy New Year. God Bless America.
CFO, Weisner Steel
I — and I’m sure all of us here on RW — wish you well, Tony. I’ve always appreciated your contributions as a(n actual) retailer … one of very few here.
Strategy & Operations Delivery Leader
You will be missed, Tony. Having been an actual retailer before my consulting days, it was refreshing to hear your perspectives. Please peek in at times.
Retail Tech Marketing Strategist | B2B Expert Storytelling™ Guru | President, VSN Media LLC
Yeah, I get the argument about how there should be no place for political debate in a forum about business, but (sadly) the present moment is an unavoidable exception.
Social media platforms have awakened to the reality that they can be hijacked by bad actors into propagating dangerous, hateful and false ideas — including corrosive political philosophies, rumors, and myths. Under public pressure, several have declined to continue to provide a channel for those voices.
Shopify, it seems to me, has acted similarly by closing shops which traffic in hate symbols and dangerous politics. Justified and righteous in this extraordinary instance.
When platforms take these actions, however, they also take on an enormous and solemn responsibility to exercise their power transparently and based on consistent application of policies and principles. This is costly to implement; it will cost some profits; and it will surely create a backlash.
Retail Strategy - UST Global
Does Shopify (an online landlord) have a right to determine what gets sold in a store in their online mall? It’s a shade grayer than say Patagonia only selling environmentally proper products, that’s their choice as to what they put in their stores.
Personally I applaud their decision and it certainly looks like their “terms of tenancy” very clearly indicate the conditions that Trump et al violated.
Co-Founder & CEO, TakuLabs Ltd.
Nobody can ever please everybody, but you need to know who your customers are. In this case, there is good reason to believe that Shopify would have taken heat for doing nothing just as social media platforms have. After all, Shopify is an e-commerce platform with built-in marketing features so there is an amplifying factor.
At the same time, it wasn’t surprising really given how e-commerce platforms, ad platforms and payment gateways already restrict high-risk products or sectors these days.
Content Marketing Manager, Surefront
The concept of retail as an entity that operates separately from the rest of the world hasn’t had legs since the current administration took office. I constantly advise retailers to have a strong mission statement and take a stance on social issues to reach next gens. If anything, Shopify was late to the party.
CFO, Weisner Steel
How shall we judge this? I say at the most basic level: it’s a suspension for violation of the Terms of Contract. (Oh that “twitter” had only seen that obvious fact years ago….)
Editor-in-Chief, RetailWire
Agree on both points. Facebook and other social media channels also needed to do the same.
President, Humetrics
It all depends on your company values. Our company values say you do the right thing because it is the right thing to do. If you live your values, you make all of your decisions based on them. In the case of our organization, is would be to not sell or support items that try to destroy democracy.
Editorial Director & Co-Founder, Frozen & Refrigerated Buyer
“It’s a free country,” but … “you are judged by the company you keep.”