The Duck Dynasty controversy doesn’t appear to be affecting the show’s merchandising. Hanz Wilz of Ottumwa, Iowa and his company created the “Duck Dynasty Scented Candles” and reports their sales as a “huge success.” Wilz sells to large box stores like Bass Pro Shop, Hallmark and Gander Mountain.
“Most people like the fact that (the show) is real. Phil is real,” Wilz said. “Most people are OK with that.”
Show related merchandize is all over the Christmas retail market, “…Duck Dynasty bobbleheads, Chia pets, clothing, wine and, yes, hunting supplies.”
“Most people who are buying the brand, they are like-minded to Phil anyway,” Wilz said. “That demographic is not offended by what he said.”
Cracker Barrel pulled Duck Dynasty merchandise from their stores shortly after controversy erupted, but quickly reversed their decision after consumer outrage.
Duck Dynasty’s Phil Robertson came under intense fire for his biblically-based comments about homosexuality in an interview with GQ. A&E has placed Robertson on “indefinite suspension” after the remarks were published.