Levi’s Criticized for “Putting Politics Ahead of Pants”

New Poll Shows That Anti-Gun Activism of Denim Icon Levi Strauss Pushes People to Shop Elsewhere

San Francisco, CA/Washington, D.C. – Levi Strauss & Co. executives were presented today with conclusive proof that their politics could hurt sales, and they simply dug their heels in further.

At the Levi Strauss annual shareholder meeting, the National Center for Public Policy Research’s Free Enterprise Project (FEP) presented polling data indicating across-the-board public opposition to the clothing manufacturer’s anti-gun activism. But despite proof that their politics could hurt sales in key demographics, leaders of the clothing manufacturer stood their ground, telling shareholders they would continue to risk profit and the company’s future by pursuing what they refer to as a “values-driven” business model.

“Levi’s is putting itself at risk of becoming a niche brand of the political left, like Smart cars and Boca Burgers,” said National Center Vice President David W. Almasi, who represented FEP at the meeting. “When consumers discover that Levi’s supports efforts aimed at restricting their Second Amendment right to own and use guns safely and legally, our polling suggests they are less likely to buy Levi’s products. The company only made this risk greater today by putting politics ahead of pants.”

At the meeting, Almasi presented the results of an FEP-commissioned poll that showed how Levi’s anti-gun activism made knowledgeable consumers less likely to buy its products.

According to the nationwide survey:

• An overall 89% total favorability rating for Levi’s, Dockers and Denizen clothing fell to 63% after those surveyed learned of Levi’s involvement in anti-Second Amendment activism. • The downturn in Levi’s popularity crossed all income and education levels, resulting in more than a 20-point drop among Millennials and Gen-Xers and more than a 30-point drop among Baby Boomers. • Upon learning of Levi’s opposition to gun rights and its participation in and funding of anti-gun activism, 63% of overall respondents said they were less likely to purchase Levi’s products. This included 71% of Millennials and 75% of those living in the Midwest.

Full results of FEP’s poll are available here. Summaries of the poll were given to the Levi’s board of directors at the shareholder meeting.

In his statement – addressed to Levi’s board, executives (particularly President /CEO Chip Bergh) and shareholders – Almasi said:

Levi’s Form 10-K contains 16 pages dedicated to risk factors including trade wars, intellectual property theft, earthquakes and pandemics that could threaten the company’s future profitability. Yet just 57 words are dedicated to a clear and present risk you’ve already assumed. It seems there isn’t an ample understanding of the risk when you, in your words, “take positions on social issues that may be unpopular with some customers.” You note these positions could “impact our ability to attract or retain such customers” and “reduce long-term demand” for Levi’s products. Since it appears the board has failed to effectively address this, I’m here to help with your due diligence… Mr. Bergh, in your letter to investors, you said you “can’t say definitively that leading with purpose has driven our business growth.” I’m telling you we have proof that it won’t when “leading with purpose” means seeking to deprive Americans of their civil rights.

Almasi then asked:

Some financial experts wonder if there’s any more room to expand. Is it wise to alienate core constituencies – like Midwesterners and Gen-Xers and even Millennials – by adopting political causes? Why can’t you simply remain neutral and just make clothing?

Almasi’s full statement, as prepared for delivery, is available here. The exchange between Almasi and Bergh and Levi’s Chairman Steve Neal is available on YouTube.

Earlier in the meeting, Bergh said the company is “not gonna change” and is “committed” to its political stances. In response to Almasi’s comments and question, Bergh stated that political neutrality is “not the kind of company we are” and that Levi’s is “proud to take stands on social issues of our time.” Later in the questioning, Bergh did push back when a representative from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) asked the company to “ditch cow leather” based in part on its environmental sustainability goals.

After Bergh and Neal cut off public conversation, Almasi was approached by a Levi’s employee with whom he stressed the importance of retailers remaining neutral in an increasingly polarized political climate.

“We are not asking anyone at Levi’s to change their personal opinions about guns. We are simply asking them to respect shareholders’ investments by not making the company a muscle for fringe politics,” Almasi said. “Financial experts worry about the ability of Levi’s to stand out and grow in a shrinking marketplace. Being seen as the company colluding with Michael Bloomberg to restrict gun rights is not the right way to gain favor with blue-collar workers and Walmart shoppers.”

Today’s Levi Strauss meeting marks the 29th time FEP has participated in a shareholder meeting in 2019.

Launched in 2007, the National Center’s Free Enterprise Project focuses on shareholder activism and the confluence of big government and big business. Over the past four years alone, FEP representatives have participated in over 100 shareholder meetings – advancing free-market ideals about health care, energy, taxes, subsidies, regulations, religious freedom, food policies, media bias, gun rights, workers’ rights and other important public policy issues. As the leading voice for conservative-minded investors, it annually files more than 90 percent of all right-of-center shareholder resolutions. Dozens of liberal organizations, however, annually file more than 95 percent of all policy-oriented shareholder resolutions and continue to exert undue influence over corporate America.

FEP activity has been covered by media outlets including the New York Times, Washington Post, USA Today, Variety, the Associated Press, Bloomberg, Drudge Report, Business Insider, National Public Radio and SiriusXM. FEP’s work was prominently featured in Wall Street Journal writer Kimberley Strassel’s 2016 book The Intimidation Game: How the Left is Silencing Free Speech (Hachette Book Group).

The National Center for Public Policy Research, founded in 1982, is a non-partisan, free-market, independent conservative think-tank. Ninety-four percent of its support comes from individuals, less than four percent from foundations and less than two percent from corporations. It receives over 350,000 individual contributions a year from over 60,000 active recent contributors. Sign up for email updates here. Follow us on Twitter at @FreeEntProject and @NationalCenter for general announcements. To be alerted to upcoming media appearances by National Center staff, follow our media appearances Twitter account at @NCPPRMedia.

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