Today marks 18 years since the devastating September 11th attacks that changed the country as a whole. Every year, most Americans honor the ones we lost on that fateful day, while others have managed to turn other people’s pain into profit.
https://twitter.com/TsunamiJaniLive/status/1160222497364676613
Even some of the most popular brands we know have been hit with accusations of using tragic events just to be apart of a conversation on social media. An article in Ravishly pointed out:
Co-opting one of our nation’s greatest tragedies to curry capitalism borne of people’s intense grief and pain is not in any way OK.
Check out these companies accused of using 9/11 for promo purposes only.
1. Frontline Cigars
Source:TwitterIn remembrance of 9-11 Frontline Cigars is giving you 10% off your order all day today. Just use the code 911 at checkout to receive this discount. https://t.co/uxFvUmyCbt pic.twitter.com/sASg99PLJc
— Frontline Cigars (@BlueLineCigar) September 11, 2019
Very subtle, guys.
2. Walmart
Source:falseFlorida c'mon man pic.twitter.com/HU4y2rxgFG
— pazuzu's petals (@online_shawn) September 6, 2016
Floridians, Yall tried it.
3. Build-A-Bear
Source:false.@buildabear deleted its 9/11 tweet, but the Internet #NeverForgets pic.twitter.com/6XbrPkxgET
— Neetzan Zimmerman (@neetzan) September 11, 2014
Remember this mishap?
4. Applebees
Source:falseWe will never forget. pic.twitter.com/7zJrh3ACWh
— Applebee's Grill + Bar (@Applebees) September 11, 2014
When opportunity knocks, Applebees answers.
5. Sherwin-Williams
Source:falseOut of respect for the victims of September 11, we won’t be tweeting tomorrow. We will be back on September 12. #neverforget
— Sherwin-Williams (@SherwinWilliams) September 10, 2013
Thanks for weighing in, Sherwin-Williams
6. Medieval Times
Source:falseWe Will Never Forget! #911Anniversary #NeverForget911 #September11 #NeverForget pic.twitter.com/AWL6P7dVJ6
— Medieval Times (@MedievalTimes) September 11, 2014
Who knew Medieval Times even had a Twitter account?
7. Waffle House
Source:falseIt's about America today pic.twitter.com/sOKZhZMTkU
— Waffle House (@WaffleHouse) September 11, 2014
Waffle House usually can do know wrong, so we may let this one slide.
8. Marriott Hotel
Source:falseWhat pic.twitter.com/L35ytAtCWP
— guillotease (@eclectrica) September 11, 2013
But what does….nevermind.
9. White Castle
Source:falseGod bless America. #NeverForget911 pic.twitter.com/NnfqnmsINg
— White Castle (@WhiteCastle) September 11, 2014
Thanks White Castle, but nah.
10. Bass Pro Shops
Source:falseWe will never forget. pic.twitter.com/H7KpEcqjPG
— Bass Pro Shops (@BassProShops) September 11, 2014
Nice sentiment, but it reeks of thirst.
11. CVS
Source:falseThe branding here really takes away from the sentiment.. pic.twitter.com/z1dXF8ivhL
— Seth Fiegerman (@sfiegerman) September 11, 2014
Really CVS? With the logo and all.
12. Vitamin Shoppe
Source:falseToday we pause and remember those we lost on this day 13 years ago. #NeverForget pic.twitter.com/xwORxCVRcJ
— The Vitamin Shoppe (@VitaminShoppe) September 11, 2014
Putting your logo on a memorial post — very classy VS.