Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1045322
44 • Textile Insight ~ November/December 2018 textileinsight.com TRENDINSIGHT consumer Doesn't change what that brand is. And how great their products are. Female / 27 I refuse to purchase items from politically affiliated companies, the world is saturated with politics. Female / 33 Why they want to publicly communicate their beliefs to target a certain group of people is beyond me. If you have a good product I'm going to buy it. If you are going to preach to me about your political views, I'm going to ignore it. I just want the product I like, not anyone's opinions. Female / 27 I think political stances are personal and don't need to be brought up as a retailer. Female / 22 I've stopped buying from several brands because of their aggressive political stances. I don't need a lecture with my gym shorts. Male / 50 I don't think a brand should take sides in an issue. I want their opinion on retail items, not politics. Male / 28 They sell something. No need to be political about it. Male / 31 No need to alienate customers. I don't need brands to be an authority in politics. Female / 39 I don't care what brands or retailers think, just make good stuff and stay out of it. Female / 47 Politics has nothing to do with clothes. Female / 32 I'm ok as long as they agree with me! Female / 42 Keep politics out of my fashion. Female / 37 Unless it's an issue of sustainability, I do not want to hear about political issues from brands and retailers. Male / 41 Businesses are run by people who have opinions and I believe if a consumer disagrees with an opinion then they can spend their money elsewhere. Nike has been especially visible lately and I honesty doubt their brand will suffer for it. Male / 27 It doesn't matter to me. But I believe it's all ultimately about publicity and marketing more than a great principled stand. Male / 34 Opinions are everywhere. Female / 35 I think you should always stand up for what you believe is right, even if that means you lose some business. Female / 31 I was once told, "How you spend your money is more important than how you vote" and I believe it. Female / 28 Sure, I'm ok if they make a stand on the environment, etc., but not on presidential candidates or political parties — that would be a turn off. Female / 34 It shows if they have good or bad values. Female / 18 As a company they are entitled to endorse any issue they see fit. It would be up to the consumer to decide if they wish to continue to do business with them. Male / 28 I think businesses are free to express their opinions. It doesn't bother me personally. They know when they do that it may affect their business in the long run. Female / 36 I don't see why free speech would be limited to individuals. I wouldn't necessarily buy something because I have the same political stance but on the other hand, I would stop myself from buying something I want if I don't agree with that company's stance. Female / 33 I've seen multiple brands in the outdoor industry take a stand for/against issues that impact the environment, and essentially impact their industry. These political stances are relevant to the brands' success and the brands' consumer, so I have no problem with them taking a stance in that instance. Male / 32 If it's a stand I support. In today's society where corporations are people and people have no voice, it's almost incumbent for corporations to take a position to support what is right for the environment, human rights, etc. Male / 34 I like when they agree with my beliefs. Female / 28 I'm much more apt to purchase from a company that aligns with my values. Brands and corporations have huge power and I like to see that power being used for good. Male / 35 I don't necessarily have to agree with their stance, but I do approve of them taking a stand of their own. Female / 40 Yes, it helps me to decide which brands I will invest my resources in. Female / 49 I like when brands take a stand on things that they feel are important — they have a platform and if they are willing to potentially lose (or gain!) by it, more power to them. Female / 31 It depends on the relevance of that stance to the company's business and mission (e.g., a mountaineering/ outdoor manufacturer taking a stand on environmental issues makes sense; other stances that appear purely political in nature are more suspect). Male / 45 Brands are like people with their own perspectives. Male / 45 Standing up for the environment, fair trade, and human equality/basic human rights is important. Male / 34 60% SAID YES 40% SAID NO We surveyed more than 130 consumers. Here is what they told us. Do you approve of brands or retailers taking a stand on political issues? See the complete list of consumer comments at textileinsight.com