Badge affair resolved
Kathmandu reinforced its uniform policy after a “Free Palestine” badge was worn in store.
Outdoor clothing and equipment retailer Kathmandu has told a staff member to remove their “Free Palestine” badge at its DFO South Wharf store and announced a refresher on uniform policy for all staff.
This follows a media inquiry from The AJN to the company’s head office.
The incident came to light when a young Jewish woman, who asked to be identified only as Liv, visited the store on Monday, January 12, with her boyfriend to purchase a duffel bag for her upcoming gap year trip to Israel.
“I saw that [the person behind the counter] was wearing a Free Palestine badge. And I felt quite uncomfortable because I was going to talk about my gap year trip,” Liv told The AJN.
“It made me feel very uncomfortable and targeted. I just felt like I didn’t have any right to purchase something that I needed.”
Liv said she left the store without making her purchase and bought the item elsewhere the following day.
Her boyfriend’s mother, who spoke to The AJN on condition of anonymity, subsequently lodged a formal complaint with Kathmandu asking whether employees are permitted to wear political symbols while representing the company.
Despite receiving an automated acknowledgement with a ticket number, she had not received a substantive response until The AJN contacted Kathmandu’s head office.
In a message sent to her following the media inquiry, Kathmandu stated, “The employee involved is a part-time member with limited shifts. As soon as we spoke to the individual, the badge was removed and we’ve reminded them of our uniform policy.”
The company told The AJN that Kathmandu’s uniform policy does not permit team members to wear political symbols or statements while representing their brand.
“On this occasion, that policy was not followed. The badge has since been removed, and our uniform policy has been reinforced across the business. We have apologised directly to the two customers involved and do so sincerely.”
The mother said she was concerned that political messaging is appearing in retail environments.
“Stores should be neutral. This isn’t about free speech, it’s about professionalism,” she said.
Liv said while everyone is entitled to their own opinion, staff should not wear political statements when representing a brand.
“In retail, it’s all about the customer’s experience. And they lost a buyer,” she said.