Small businesses cut ties with Shop Local Raleigh

ZEBULON, N.C. — There is an emphasis on the importance of small businesses in North Carolina. The state is filled with many businesses that support inclusivity, diversity and the LGBTQ community.

But now, many of these businesses are calling for the leader of Shop Local Raleigh to step down after she allegedly posted an anonymous comment dismissing transgender youth.

“I immediately stop my scroll because it felt so unnecessary and unkind,” said Erica Vogel, owner of Be Like Missy online shop.

Vogel was scrolling through social media when she first saw a comment in a local community Facebook group on Dec. 21.

“I dug and read the responses because of course, I was not the only one that was upset about the comment. And then I ended up finding out who made the comment,” Vogel said.

The comment was allegedly posted by the executive director for the Greater Raleigh Merchants Association, which also operates as Shop Local Raleigh, a nonprofit dedicated to growing and promoting locally owned businesses.

Spectrum News 1 reached out to the executive director of the Greater Raleigh Merchants Association and Shop Local Raleigh for further comment on the situation. Spectrum News 1 has decided not use their name until they respond.

According to the Facebook group, the comment was made in response to another parent’s post regarding their transgender child. 

“At that point I immediately commented and said, ‘for real,’” Vogel said.

Even though it was posted anonymously, the page’s admins were able to see who made the comment.

Shop Local Raleigh said in a statement, in part: “The Board is currently addressing the matter. The comment made does not reflect those of the organization. Shop Local Raleigh is dedicated to a culture of diversity, inclusion and respect.”

Vogel said her business has been a member of Shop Local Raleigh for five years. She said she can’t do business with the organization any longer, if its leaders think this way.

“Being a longstanding ally of the LGBT community, I thought that would be disingenuous for me to continue with the status quo of, like, remaining in Shop Local Raleigh and continuing to be a part of their events,” Vogel said.

Be Like Missy is not the only business cutting ties with Shop Local Raleigh. 

Raleigh Downtown, an organization that helps promote events around the city, and The Night Market Company, a company that is LGBTQ friendly, took to Facebook to announce that it too will no longer be affiliated with the organization. 

“I’m so proud of my small business friends that have also stepped up, and, you know, taken back their support in solidarity with the LGBT community,” Vogel said. 

Vogel said her company will not be participating in Brewgaloo, the annual event held by Shop Local Raleigh that brings in vendors and breweries from around the state to Raleigh in April.

Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.