Winnipeg woman boycotts Ivanka Trump clothing line, urges others to do same

A Winnipeg woman is boycotting all Ivanka Trump clothing and fashion products after watching the U.S. presidential debate Monday night.

Susie Erjavec Parker purchased a dress at Marshalls near Polo Park last Saturday but she returned the dress to the store on Tuesday after she noticed on the label that it was made by Ivanka Trump.

"I do take seriously where I buy my things and what kind of things I support with my money and I just didn't feel good about supporting the Trump business," said Erjavec Parker who added the dress was nice but she couldn't bring herself to wear it.

"It was black with blue flowers on it but I would have felt guilty every time I wore it, and it's just another example of voting with my wallet. I can't vote in the actual election but this election has a lot at stake in terms of not just the U.S. but Canada and the world." 

The Ivanka Trump collection is sold in many stores across Canada including Hudson's Bay, Nordstrom and Winners. 

Erjavec Parker, who is also a marketing strategist, said she doesn't expect department stores in Canada to remove the Trump fashion line, but she plans to send an email to the store's head office to explain why she won't buy products made by the daughter of U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump.

She said after watching Monday's historic presidential debate she felt she couldn't support buying a product with the Trump name on it.

"It's been just an ugly election for sure," she said.

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"I wasn't trying to make some political statement but it's like one small thing I can do that might make a difference, it might make someone else think 'Maybe I'm not going to buy that dress this time,'" Erjavec Parker said. 

"We do vote with our wallets every day, everything that you buy and where you buy it from is a decision on how you want to spend your money and support certain businesses," she said.

'Illusion of control'

These kinds of boycotts won't necessarily hurt the Trump brand but it's a common way consumers can vent their frustrations in a public form, said Fang Wan, professor of marketing at the Asper School of Business..

"I call it the illusion of control," said Wan. "It may be not a right term, illusion, but it is about a way to exercise control."

"Because whether Trump is elected or not, in spite of a lot of people disliking him when people try this [boycott] behaviour they say 'You know what I may not stop you from being the president but at least I can choose not to buy your daughter's products.'" Wan said.

"Does it really cause a financial loss or a substantial financial outcome? I don't know." 

Erjavec Parker posted her views about the Ivanka Trump dress on social media hoping others might think twice about what they're buying and even refuse to buy Trump.

"I know that I would not be able to wear it with good feelings." Erjavec Parker said.

A spokesperson from Marshalls said in an email: "Although we appreciate your reaching out to Winners, it is our longstanding practice not to comment on vendors."