Macy's urged to 'dump Trump' from ads -- or else

A new Macy's ad mixes in footage from "Miracle on 34th Street" with cameos from several of the faces behind Macy's celebrity brands - including the controversial Donald Trump.

 

Snip snip snip. What's that sound? The sound of over 558,000 scissors at the ready.

If Macy's doesn't cut its ties to Donald Trump, over half-a-million signers of an online petition will be urged to cut up their Macy's store credit card, the creator of the petition, Angelo Carusone, told TODAY this morning.

Carusone, 30, said he started the petition on October 24th because he was a fan of the retailer and Trump's brand "doesn't reflect the magic of Macy's." He said Trump's brand was built on "consequence-free bullying," noting the birtherism controversy, and Trump's history of misogynistic comments.

After the petition started, things kicked up a notch when Trump tweeted calls for "revolution," following President Obama's re-election, and Macy's released a new ad featuring Trump. The new Macy's ad mixed in footage from "Miracle on 34th Street" with cameos from several of the faces behind Macy's celebrity brands. There's Justin Bieber, Martha Stewart, Taylor Swift, and then there's Donald Trump, skeptical that the old man in the stocking cap and suit is really Santa and tugging on his beard. Macy's sells a line of Trump-branded ties and fragrances. Stuart Elliot,  the New York Times' advertising columnist, remarked that the ad was a "clever twist" on Trump's notoriety for casting doubt on whether President Obama's birth certificate and college transcript were real.

But to Carusone, director of online strategy for the media watchdog group Media Matters, the ad struck him as a cynical "embracing" of Trump's brand.

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His petition urging the retailer to break up with Trump has been steadily gaining traction through social media channels and media pickup. In the past Carusone, working independently, spearheaded online efforts to get Glen Beck ousted from Fox News.

The ad also featured an appearance by Martha Stewart, who served time after being convicted for insider trading. But Carusone isn't going after her because that was "a one-time thing," he said. "Macy's isn't building a business on top of her insider trading."

The Donald appeared unfazed by the growing online uproar. Trump spokesman Michael Cohen told TODAY, "The Trump Organization values its long standing relationship with Macy's and looks forward to many more years of continued success." 

Macy's so far is not changing course. Reached for comment, Macy's senior vice-president of corporate communications told TODAY: 

"Macy’s marketing and merchandise offerings are not representative of any political position. Many of the individuals associated with products sold at Macy's – or at any retailer, for that matter – express personal opinions that are not related to the merchandise we sell or to the philosophies of our company. In our merchandise assortment, we strive to meet our customers' expectations for unique and interesting products across a broad array of styles, categories and brands. This allows our customers to choose what they prefer.  A longtime focus of Macy's holiday advertising has been to celebrate the season's spirit of generosity and goodwill through our ongoing "Believe" campaign, and that is the sole message of our holiday television commercials."

By Thanksgiving, Carusone said he planned on delivering the final petition to Macy's in-person.

Meanwhile he has already started building a sub-list of the petition signers who hold Macy's store credit cards, and if there's no action from the retailer, he will encourage them to start cutting up those cards. He got the idea after people started tweeting him pictures of themselves cutting up their cards.

It'll be just in time for Black Friday, one of the year's biggest shopping days.

Carusone said he emailed Macy's CEO, along with his executive personal assistant, repeatedly before beginning the campaign and throughout it and got "zero response."

"Next week is Macy's last chance," said Carusone.

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hypocrites drive me crazy. thank you for showing yourself comrade. this is how dictatorships come to power. power

  • 4 votes
Reply#23 - Wed Nov 14, 2012 11:42 AM EST

How does one individual creating a petition lead to dictatorship?

You really have no concept of anything, do you?

  • 4 votes
#23.1 - Wed Nov 14, 2012 12:12 PM EST

It is actually democracy in action

  • 1 vote
#23.2 - Wed Nov 14, 2012 2:37 PM EST

Those who flip out and are so fast to drop the word hypocrite are usually a kettle to the pot. Or sometimes they're both the kettle AND the pot. :)

  • 1 vote
#23.3 - Wed Nov 14, 2012 3:22 PM EST
Reply

Dump Trump! He crossed the line into dangerous when he advocated a revolution in our nation because he and the billionares club couldn't buy the office of POTUS.

  • 4 votes
Reply#24 - Wed Nov 14, 2012 11:45 AM EST

How come you are not signing a petition to not buy Jay Z's cd when he acted like a getto #####on stage while campaigning for Obama when he was singing his 99 women and put Mits name in, in place of ##### and how about Michael Moore with his tastless advertisement showing a senior citizen home and had two old ladies cussing out Romney? Gee typical liberals you can dish it out but cannot take it. Sick of all you jackass's.

    #24.1 - Wed Nov 14, 2012 6:14 PM EST

    Agreed. These libs are always shouting about women's rights, yet they won't boycott Jay-Z, who calls women B's and h&^% in his music all the time. And then we have President Obama hanging out with him! What hypocrites! These libs wanna say if you don't like his music don't listen. Well if you don't like Trump then don't buy his products! It's as simple as that.

    And let's not even start on Michael Moore. Talk about low class!

    I'm just sick and tired of people saying "Think like me! Think like me!" How about you think like you, and leave everybody else alone! The day that people can't be free to have their own opinions, whether it be religious or not, is the day that democracy is over!

    Carusone is just the latest whiney bullying liberal rearing his ugly head.

      #24.2 - Wed Nov 14, 2012 9:32 PM EST
      Reply

      How come there wasn't a Don't Shop At Macy's So Don't Give A @!$%# option on the poll of whether or not to dump trump? All it said was yes or no.

      • 1 vote
      Reply#25 - Wed Nov 14, 2012 12:11 PM EST

      Count me in! Can't stand the buffoon.

      • 1 vote
      Reply#26 - Wed Nov 14, 2012 12:13 PM EST

      Carusone needs to get a life ! Seriously, spend your energy on feeding the homeless or something ?? If you don't like Trump, don't buy his merchandise, but really.....put things in perspective.

      • 4 votes
      Reply#27 - Wed Nov 14, 2012 12:14 PM EST

      Babiesequalchecks...hmmm...what does your name even mean? I'm afraid to even find out the answer...

        #27.1 - Wed Nov 14, 2012 12:22 PM EST

        Why don't you try getting some of the welfare mexicans jobs, so they can work for a living. Put your stupidity to better use.

          #27.2 - Wed Nov 14, 2012 6:15 PM EST
          Reply

          I'm sure Macy's is laughing all the way to the bank just by the number of times their name has been mentioned.

          Nothing like free advertising to boost one's bottom line!

          • 3 votes
          Reply#28 - Wed Nov 14, 2012 12:21 PM EST

          Oh yea, they are "laughing their way to the bank" bc everyone is talking about MACY'S in such an enlightening way....LMBO!!! Like I said...they won't be gettin my dollars this year and probably never depending on the outcome of this petition. I won't miss them. I think Macy's has been going downhill over the past few years anyway. We'll see who's laughing then. Black folks boycotted Tommy Hilfiger too after he made that comment that he didn't make his clothes for black people. I don't remember him laughing his way to the bank. I remember he booking an interview on Oprah to try to "explain his statement." HA! Money does have power after all...imagine that! And I haven't bought a Tommy Hilfiger anything since I heard that comment over a decade ago. My black friends and family wouldn't be caught dead in TH for lest of all the other black people making a heyday of fun out of that person. Why buy something when people are only going to make fun of you? And trust me, I can spot a TH article of clothing a MILE AWAY!

          I wonder if old Tommy boy is doing as well as he could have today? Just wondering...:)

          Moral of this story? Being a bigot doesn't pay! Black people LOVE to shop and if people were smart, they would LOVE taking our money but their racists ways are so strong....it takes over then black people move on. Doesn't bother me either way.

          • 1 vote
          #28.1 - Wed Nov 14, 2012 12:26 PM EST

          What does FUBU stand for? Racism. No one buys that gotty crap anymore either.

            #28.2 - Wed Nov 14, 2012 5:36 PM EST

            JaevisMom

            Your village is calling you. There is no need for you to spread your hatred liberal attitude towards other people, your just envious of Donald Trump. Go get your welfare check and go chat on your Obama phone about it to your village friends.

            • 2 votes
            #28.3 - Wed Nov 14, 2012 5:37 PM EST

            Hairless Monkey, FUBU is better than stuffy Tommy Hilfiger clothes ANY DAY! And just for the record, you didn't see any FUBU designers trying to plead their case so white people would buy their clothes. FUBU designers created that name (FOR US BY US) for a reason, duh!

            Does it really-matter huh...stupid name for a stupid person. Is your comment supposed to be an insult? Am I ashamed now because my people came from a village or probably still live in a village...LMBO!!!! You are TOO FUNNY. Bitter much and ignorant much? Go back to History class, idiot. EVERYONE came from villages but your comment has already led me to believe that not only did you not know that but you probably didn't get past the 3rd grade. Are you smarter than a 3rd Grader? It's ok. While you spend your time coming up with grade school insults because your IQ is too low to say anything worthwhile, I'll keep LAUGHING MY WAY TO THE BANK.

            I have never even QUALIFIED for a welfare check, let alone spent one. But, that's OK I love your backwards way of thinking. Your backwards way of thinking will continue to keep you irrelevant to our country. Your backwards way of thinking will continue to elect a PERSON OF COLOR into the WHITE HOUSE. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! It's people like you who have made this election so very easy to WIN and will continue to do so.

            Oh yea, BTW, I "chatted" with PRESIDENT OBAMA and he said one word...FORWARD!

            • 1 vote
            #28.4 - Fri Nov 16, 2012 3:54 PM EST
            Reply

            I would not knowingly support Trump's ridiculous ramblings or his ability to make money to provide him a platform to spout his nonsense. Anyone with any intelligence would question why someone like Trump is supporting a particular politician. Certainly would make me take a hard look at that politician. I'm surprised that those of the republican persuasion haven't attacked Fox News and their talking heads for the fantasy that they perpetuated about Romney/Ryan winning by a huge margin (over 300 electoral votes according to one talking head). How wrong can a group be without being accused of making up all their facts and studies?

            • 2 votes
            Reply#29 - Wed Nov 14, 2012 12:23 PM EST

            And Macy's wonders why they weren't invited toWhite House CEO summit???
            OK, not really, but still.

            Macy's - it's a no-brainer - dump the ad, at least cut that part of the commercial out.
            Your reputation depends on it.

            • 1 vote
            Reply#30 - Wed Nov 14, 2012 12:25 PM EST

            Freedom of speech. As long as you agree with me, you can have that freedom.

            This is a bunch of crap. Since this guy has made it his life goal of crapping on others names and petitioning to have them removed from their jobs, I say he isn't that great of a person. So, why not petition to have his stop petitioning... Or at least stop taking this idiot seriously.

              Reply#31 - Wed Nov 14, 2012 12:26 PM EST

              Nah. I like his way of thinking. I haven't seen the commercial but Donald Trump is RIDICULOUS! Why put down someone as publically as Donald Trump has? What's his reason? Oh, who cares! Who am I kidding? I DON'T CARE! Donald Trump, continue to be a jerk and speak bad about MY President and Americans have EVERY RIGHT to speak out against Donald Trump. Welcome to the world as seen from the other side of the spectrum. I know the "conservatives" aren't used to it because things have been going their way for SO long. SMH.

              • 1 vote
              #31.1 - Wed Nov 14, 2012 12:34 PM EST
              Reply

              I gladly signed the petition. I have no problem with Macy's selling the trump brand (purposely didn't capitalize his name) as he is entitled to his stupid opinions. However to have him in the television makes me believe that Macy's agrees with his stance.

              • 1 vote
              Reply#32 - Wed Nov 14, 2012 12:36 PM EST

              Why is "consequence-free bullying" okay for Carusone and not for Trump. He's bullying Macy's to stop selling Trump's goods. If you don't like Trump, don't buy his stuff, but don't restrict his free speech!

              If your president obama is so great, why are so many states wanting to secede? There won't be anything left of this country after 4 more years of his socialist plan to bring down the US.

              Macy's has to look no further than Chick-fil-a to know they won't be hurt by libtards boycotting their stores.

                Reply#33 - Wed Nov 14, 2012 12:38 PM EST

                Wow. A person who cannot raise your taxes or pass any law that speaks his constitutionally protected mind around "diversity" and "free-expression" liberals is not to be tolerated. And because Trump dumps on democrats instead of hurling disgusting comments and accusations at Republicans, the way that everyone on MSNBC and the rest of the media and Hollywood do, then Trump and his interests must be boycotted. Go ahead, boycott Macy's - there's still repubs who will flock there the way they did Chick Fil A. Michael Moore, George Soros, Beyonce, Jay-Z, Bill Maher - sure, they are all just peachy; but Trump, no he can't have a contrary view.

                • 2 votes
                Reply#34 - Wed Nov 14, 2012 12:40 PM EST

                Trump called for revolution when a fairly conducted election did not turn out the way he wanted. That's beyond just having an opinion.

                • 2 votes
                #34.1 - Wed Nov 14, 2012 12:52 PM EST

                yeah.. we are learning m,ore and more each day about thiis "fairly conducted" election. ROTFLMAO.

                If liberals are so bent on being like Europe why do they distance themselves from Voter I.D.? Something that is required of every voter in France, Spain, Belgium, etc?

                • 3 votes
                #34.2 - Wed Nov 14, 2012 12:57 PM EST
                Reply

                The Donald, "One exit past relevant." Who really cares?

                • 1 vote
                Reply#35 - Wed Nov 14, 2012 12:51 PM EST

                well okely dokely, snip away i say, snip snip! watch that seasonal employment number 'snip snip' as well!! that should help the democratic cause lol.. talk about irrational behavior..

                • 2 votes
                Reply#36 - Wed Nov 14, 2012 12:54 PM EST

                Speaking of libel and slander, how is the obama Administration doing today?

                • 3 votes
                Reply#37 - Wed Nov 14, 2012 12:55 PM EST

                "Donald, you're fired."

                  Reply#38 - Wed Nov 14, 2012 12:56 PM EST

                  With or without Trump, it's a hideous advertisement and should be pulled.

                    Reply#39 - Wed Nov 14, 2012 12:57 PM EST

                    Why not boycott Starbucks for their anti-military statements and attitudes? The liberals like to call for a boycott of Walmart but you never hear them say anything negative about Target.

                    • 4 votes
                    Reply#40 - Wed Nov 14, 2012 12:59 PM EST

                    Whoa. Never heard that about Starbucks before. Guess I should look into that. Was going to take my (Korean War vet) dad to get a Frappucino there. Now I guess I gotta get one with an extra shot!

                      #40.1 - Wed Nov 14, 2012 3:27 PM EST
                      Reply

                      People, please. It's a Christmas commercial based off a classic Christmas movie. Someone had to be the cranky disbeliever of Santa and Macy's chose Donald Trump (like they'd really assign Queen Martha or loveable Taylor Swift to do it?) Why do people have to bring politics into everything? I don't like Donald either. I think he's crazy. If you don't like him, don't buy his crap.

                      • 2 votes
                      Reply#41 - Wed Nov 14, 2012 1:01 PM EST

                      Only Left Wing Loons may spout inane drivel in the NEW DARK AGE of Progressive America.

                      • 2 votes
                      Reply#42 - Wed Nov 14, 2012 1:02 PM EST
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