One other branded company is facing backlash against LGBTQ merchandise and promotions.
Some social media users have recently leveled their ire at PetSmart for boasting a brand latest “You Are Loved” is a clothing collection with the Pride 2023 themetoys and other articles for four-legged friends of animal owners.
The gathering, unveiled just ahead of June pride month, includes rainbow-hued pieces equivalent to dog bikinis, butterfly cat leashes and reptile cape costumes.
While PetSmart has been celebrating Pride since 2019, in accordance with a company press release dated May 2, some online critics criticized the corporate this month and called for a boycott just like that faced by other brands equivalent to Bud Light and Goal.
“From the Pride Shop at Petsmart. “You’re loved PRIDE Dog Dress and Bikini” That is unacceptable. I’m asking for a boycott,” one Indignant Twitter user.
“Add @petsmart to boycott list,” one other user tweeted with a photograph that appears to be of the in-store Pride 2023 pet gear collection.
“For @PetSmart – Congratulations! We have just added PetSmart to our everlasting boycott list.” another person tweeted.
And one other tweeted account, “Looks like we are able to add @PetSmart to the ever-growing list of places not to buy.”
Other social media users analyzed the outrage directed on the chain of stores, with one person calling the anger “pathetic”.
“How pathetic. PetSmart at all times has #Pride merchandise,” The the person tweeted in response for a Newsweek article on the dissent. “My dog’s favorite toy is a crinkled rainbow I purchased a couple of years ago.”
One other social media user praised the shop’s commitment to Pride Month.
“It’s good @petsmart that you just strongly support all people, whoever they’re and who they love” stated the tweet. “Our dogs will love the #Pride donuts!”
One other social media user he sarcastically tweeted, “Watch out for other cat owners – petsmart may turn them into weirdos during Pride.”
PetSmart is “proud to boost the voices and experiences of the LGBTQ+ community,” Kristin Shane, senior vp and director of merchandising, said in a May 2 statement.
“Our You Are Loved collection was initiated and inspired by our affiliated resource group team members to assist pet parents and their pets rejoice the spirit of pride and share our values of inclusion and unconditional love,” she added.
PetSmart also announced a $200,000 donation to GLSEN, an LGBTQ advocacy group that has also drawn criticism in recent days for pressuring school districts not to tell parents if their children discover with a unique gender.