Bye Bye Buy: ANTHRO vs. ETSY
Bye Bye: Free People, Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, and Terrain
Buy: Etsy
Right-Wing Napkin Rings
If the anti-establishment vibe at Urban Outfitters or the whimsical, fairytale feel of Anthropologie ever felt a bit off, you’re not alone. In 2003, Richard Hayne, co-founder, CEO, and President of Urban Outfitters, which also operates Free People, Anthropologie, BHLDN, and Terrain, made headlines for supporting conservative causes, including a donation to Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum. Santorum's stances on abortion and LGBTQ+ rights led some to question the contrast between Hayne’s political affiliations and the more progressive image of Urban Outfitters. Following the media attention, the company and Hayne have since maintained a lower profile regarding political matters.
So. Many. Napkin. Rings.
But not to worry! There are currently 1,000+ other napkin ring options that most likely aren’t lining the pockets of anti-abortionists. Why not go straight to the source that Anthro is probably getting all their design ideas from anyway? Say what you will about their maker policies, Etsy has paved the way for artists all over the world to monetize their gifts. There is not one thing at Free People, Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, and Terrain that can’t be found on Etsy first. And there would be no BHLDN if Etsy hadn’t been paving the way with rustic and boho DIY weddings for years beforehand. It’s also a liberal supporter of democratic politicians at the senior level, including Joe Biden, Hilary Clinton, Chuck Schumer, and Bernie Sanders. Sellers can choose to donate between 1% and 100% of their sales to a nonprofit organization.
Sources:
https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/richard-hayne/
https://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/etsy-inc/summary?id=D000068027