»Mixing business with politics can cause backlash Article on A3
SPRINGFIELD — Bill Ardle knows he loses costumers every time he posts his political views on his flower shop sign. The sign has been egged more than once.
“The government can only give what it takes from you,” the sign in front of Schneider’s Florist on North Limestone Street declared earlier this month. It has also advertised Tea Party meetings and poked fun at the French.
But Ardle, who describes himself as an avowed capitalist, feels too strongly about the direction he thinks the country is going to stick to advertising petunias.
“I have put up a few things that have made people mad,” he said. “I realize that I can lose customers, but I’d rather lose customers than lose the country.”
Plus, he’s sure more people read the sign because of its occasional political tint — making them more likely to notice roses for sale — and he has had people call him and say they will support his business because of his message.
“I don’t put up signs just to tweak people,” he said. “I only put up signs I believe in.”
Taking a political stance is proving costly to some businesses. In Dayton, a shoppers card for Tea Party supporters fell apart when businesses received complaints. Big-box retailers such as Target and Best Buy faced boycotts for backing an anti-gay marriage candidate for Minnesota governor.
Businesses are gun-shy about getting involved in politics for fear of alienating their customers or shareholders, said Linda Woggon, Ohio Chamber of Commerce vice president.
“I think there will be a lot of caution and I think there has always been a lot of caution,” Woggon said.
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