Office Depot Faces Boycott After Michigan Store Refuses to Print Charlie Kirk Vigil Poster

Portage, MI (Sept. 12, 2025) - Office Depot is under fire after a Portage, Michigan store declined to print a memorial poster for late conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, prompting calls for a nationwide boycott and swift corporate response.

In a widely shared video, a Portage Office Depot print supervisor informed organizers that the $56.17 poster order was canceled because the image constituted “propaganda,” fueling accusations of censorship and bias. The incident occurred on Friday afternoon when the Kalamazoo County Republican Party sought to have the poster ready for a vigil that evening.

The uproar gained momentum on social media, where activist Matthew DePerno criticized the chain and urged customers to take their business elsewhere. Within hours, Office Depot publicly apologized, confirmed the employee’s termination, and pledged to fulfill the order at no extra cost.

Nut Graf

The controversy highlights the delicate balance retailers face between content policies and customer service, as political polarization spurs intensified scrutiny of corporate decision-making. Office Depot’s rapid correction aims to stem reputational damage and reassure consumers of its commitment to impartial service.

Incident Details

  • Order placed: Friday at 2:24 p.m. by Kalamazoo County GOP
  • Refusal time: Approximately 5:30 p.m., citing policy against “propaganda”
  • Order value: $56.17 for a printed memorial poster

Corporate Response

  • Apology issued: Statement condemning the associate’s actions as “unacceptable and insensitive”
  • Personnel action: Termination of the print supervisor involved
  • Remedy offered: Reprinting of the poster at no charge and direct outreach to affected customers

Aftermath and Reactions

  • Online users on X (formerly Twitter) slammed Office Depot, with hashtags like #BoycottOfficeDepot trending regionally.
  • Competing print services, including FedEx Office, reported an influx of orders from displaced customers.
  • Michigan politicians and civic groups expressed concern over perceived partisan bias in service refusals.

Broader Implications

The episode underscores how retail print services navigate content approval amid political tensions. Companies must maintain clear, consistent policies to avoid alienating customers, while ensuring staff are trained to handle sensitive requests without infringing free-speech expectations.

Office Depot’s swift intervention may avert lasting harm, but the incident will likely prompt nationwide reviews of print-shop guidelines and employee training protocols. continuous vigilance will be essential as retailers adapt to evolving customer demands and heightened cultural scrutiny.