Home Depot makes clear statement amid boycott threats (2025)

One of the hardest parts of being a retailer is pleasing all parties involved in the business.

Most retailers are primarily concerned with pleasing their customers first and foremost.

Then, a lot of them like to take care of their employees, shareholders, and other interested parties.

Nowadays, however, even folks who aren't regular customers or stakeholders expect to be pleased.

And if a retailer doesn't take these demands seriously, they risk igniting a serious firestorm on social media.

Take, for instance, the Bud Light drama that raged during 2023.

When Bud Light partnered with transgender activist Dylan Mulvaney for a promotion, not everyone was happy.

Everyone from Kid Rock to high profile comedians suddenly had an opinion about Bud Light, and the company experienced a massive boycott thanks to its decision to get involved in a hot button social issue.

And when Mulvaney expressed she did not feel supported by Bud Light amidst the controversy, things only got worse.

Sales continued to plummet, and Bud Light ultimately said it"never intended to be part of a discussion that divides people," and instead has been trying to recapture its previous customer zeal for cheap, unobtrusive beer.

Boycotts have outsized effects

The Bud Light drama is a gigantic example of a recurring issue many large retailers have either faced or dread facing.

While things have begun to cool down for Bud Light, few brands want to be at the center of a years-long national discussion about some of the current era's most divisive issues.

And plenty of retailers have had their turn in the hot seat.

Target, Amazon, Starbucks, and many others have all been the subject of boycotts thanks to groups accusing them of being too socially liberal or not labor-friendly enough, among many other accusations.

One of the most recent calls for a boycott has been against Home Depot (HD) , which recently changed its webpage that deals with questions about diversity and inclusion.

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As recently as March 2024, Home Depot had an entire dedicated page to DEI.

Now, however, that page has been quietly removed, instead replaced by one called "WeAreTHD."

It includes no references to diversity, equity, or inclusion.

Home Depot responds to boycott calls

SoJohn Schwarz, founder ofThe People’s Union USA, has called for a boycott of Home Depot thanks to his perception of a pivot away from DEI.

"They [Home Depot] quietly erased their diversity, equity, and inclusion page, as if standing for fairness or for equality or for representation was something to be ashamed of. That was a choice, and they made it loud and clear," he said of the decision.

Schwarz is calling for a customer boycott against Home Depot for the entire month of July.

But Home Depot has released a statement as it weathers calls for a boycott.

"For over 45 years, our business success has been driven by our eight core values, including respect for all people and taking care of our people," a spokesperson said, adding, "We believe it helps us achieve our business goals by supporting associates, building relationships and fostering innovation."

The spokesperson added that Home Depot is constantly working to improve its inclusion efforts.

"As we continually refine our communications, we have been using 'WeAreTHD,' which we have long used to represent the welcoming culture that we've built here."

Home Depot's "WeAreTHD" page includes a list of efforts it has been making toward improving the store for everyone.

"This includes investing in competitive wages and benefits while also providing the culture, tools, training, and development opportunities that make working at The Home Depot an enjoyable and rewarding experience," the page reads.