CVS Drops Obama Chia Pets
Daarel Burnett II, Chicago Tribune, October 8, 2009
CVS/Pharmacy said this week that it won’t be selling the popular Chia pets depicting President Barack Obama anymore, becoming the second major franchise to drop the product.
Joe Pedott, the owner of the Chia franchise, said he’s baffled by the drugstore chain’s decision.
Walgreens removed the terra cotta heads in April after some complained that the product was racially insensitive. {snip}
Walgreens’ decision cost him millions of dollars, Pedott said. Nevertheless, the product’s popularity has consistently grown–especially after the controversy, he said.
{snip}
A CVS spokesman wouldn’t give a specific reason for pulling the product. Pedott said his idea for the product was inspired by consumer demand. He said he has not received any complaints from African-Americans and even touts a picture of him handing the product to Obama in May.
{snip}
[Editor’s Note: See an earlier report on the Obama Chia Pets from April here.]
