A woman surprised in front of a The Home Depot store in the United States.
CONSUMER AFFAIRS

Home Depot Confirms All Rumors in the United States: It Wasn't What Many Demanded

Recently, many customers have become angry due to rumors about a supposed $5 parking fee at Home Depot

In recent days, social media exploded with furious comments about a possible new charge at Home Depot. The news, which stated that the chain would start charging $5 to park in the parking lot, quickly caused a wave of outrage. Many users expressed their annoyance on platforms like X, where the hashtag #BoycottHomeDepot went viral.

The controversy began when Pro Tool Reviews published an article pointing out that, starting on April Fools' Day, Home Depot would implement this fee. According to this publication, the measure would be a way to address the chain's rising supply chain costs and labor shortages. Despite the details included in the news, which seemed very plausible, there was something consumers overlooked.

Facade of a home improvement store with a large sign, which is The Home Depot, above the main entrance.
The Home Depot has clarified the rumor | Google Maps

Home Depot Puts an End to the Rumors

Recently, a rumor caused a stir among Home Depot consumers. According to an article by Pro Tool Reviews, the home improvement giant would soon start charging a parking fee. The publication, citing a supposed company spokesperson, suggested that this measure would serve to mitigate the high supply chain costs.

The supposed Home Depot spokesperson claimed that the parking charge would help avoid price increases on products like lumber and tools. It even mentioned that, in cities like Los Angeles, the parking cost could reach $5 per day. This supposed surcharge provoked a strong reaction on social media, with many customers expressing their outrage.

However, Home Depot quickly clarified the situation. After being contacted by media like The US Sun, the company debunked the claims and explained that it was an April Fools' Day joke. "We don't charge parking fees and have no plans to do so," assured a company spokesperson.

Storefront with the sign
Allegedly, Home Depot claimed that the parking fee would help avoid price increases | Google Maps

Despite the clarification, the joke was quite elaborate, causing confusion. The Pro Tool Reviews article included an "April Fools' Day notice" at the end, but many readers didn't notice. Additionally, the link to the supposed press release about the fee redirected to a past April Fools' Day joke page.

This incident reveals how consumers are increasingly sensitive to any news about fee or price increases. In a year where many products remain expensive, any change, whether real or fictitious, generates an immediate response. Social media have become a thermometer where reactions multiply quickly to any kind of rumor.

Although the joke was debunked, it highlighted the pressure large companies feel amid rising costs. While the rumors quickly faded, the echo of this story still resonates, reminding consumers how small details can trigger big reactions. In times of inflation, customer expectations are higher than ever.

➡️ Consumer Affairs

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