Tattoo Shop Offers 20% Discount to Non-Military Customers, Sparking Debate
Tattoo shop doubles down with anti – In a recent social media controversy, a Florida-based tattoo parlor has taken a bold stance by introducing a 20% discount for customers who can demonstrate they are not affiliated with the military or law enforcement. This policy, which followed a viral incident where the shop initially denied service to active-duty personnel and veterans, has intensified public discourse over its stance on supporting those who serve. The decision has drawn sharp criticism from critics who argue it perpetuates bias against military and law enforcement communities.
Anti-Military Discount Policy and Public Backlash
The latest move came after a Facebook update from Revival Tattoo Collective in Largo, Florida, which stated: “I see a lot of shops supporting the military and law enforcement offering deals locally. I’ve got one as well, 20 percent discount on any tattoo if you can prove you’re not law enforcement or military.” The post, shared on a Sunday, emphasized the shop’s focus on rewarding individuals not associated with the armed forces or police. It also invited customers to engage with the comment section, dismissing those who claimed the business was “taking advantage” of its clientele.
“Don’t let the comments section get to you with phrases like ‘he really needs the work’—we’re here to acknowledge the value of people who don’t share your views,” the update continued. “This is just giving back to those who aren’t as biased as yourselves.”
Founder’s Rationale and Community Response
Revival Tattoo Collective, which was founded by Brady Martinson, had already drawn attention in June for a post that criticized military and law enforcement members. The original statement read: “Once again, for the slow ones, the military. Pretty simple—if you are ex-military or currently serving, just don’t come to the shop. You will be turned away.” This sparked outrage, with many accusing the shop of outright discrimination against those in uniform.
Following the recent discount announcement, the comments section on the Facebook post became a battleground for differing opinions. Some users condemned the shop for its perceived hostility, while others added a touch of sarcasm. One commenter wrote: “So the guy who spreads hate toward military and law enforcement is now trying to put others in their place. You can’t start sh– and then act like a victim.” Another user expressed confusion over the shop’s dual approach: “I’m so confused by the amount of hatred and hypocrisy. But since we’re all chasing clout, I’ll take your offer.”
A particularly humorous response came from a user who quipped: “Do I get an extra 20% off if I can prove I’m an illegal?” Another added: “If you served time with this guy, you get 20% off too.” These jokes underscored the polarizing nature of the policy, with some customers finding it amusing and others viewing it as a slap in the face to those who serve.
Support from Veterans and Local Business Owners
While the discount policy faced criticism, it also inspired a counter-movement from veterans and other service members. One commenter, who identified as a veteran, shared their own offer: “I’m a veteran and own a local handyman business. If anyone needs work done in the Tampa area, I’m giving 20% off for brothers and sisters in public or federal service uniforms.” They listed services such as painting, pressure washing, and gardening, emphasizing their gratitude for the military and law enforcement community.
“Anything from painting and pressure washing to weeding your gardens and hanging new blinds. I do it all. God bless our troops, God bless our first responders, and god bless America. Happy 250,” the user wrote, blending support for service members with a lighthearted offer of assistance. This response highlighted the divide in public sentiment, with some customers defending the shop’s approach and others rallying to support fellow service personnel.
Clarification on the Revival Tattoo Collective Brand
As the debate over the discount policy grew, Fox News Digital reached out to Revival Tattoo Collective in Largo for comment. However, the shop did not immediately respond. The situation was further complicated by the existence of a similarly named Revival Tattoo Collective in Hendersonville, North Carolina, which reported being inundated with negative Yelp reviews from individuals who mistakenly believed it was connected to the Florida location.
“We’ve been getting spammed with bad reviews from people who think we’re the same shop as the one in Florida,” a representative from the Hendersonville branch noted. “But we’re not related, and we’re not targeting military or law enforcement members.” This clarification aimed to separate the two businesses, though the similarity in names continued to fuel confusion among customers and critics alike.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Discussion
The Revival Tattoo Collective’s decision has reignited conversations about the role of businesses in expressing political or social views. Some argue that offering discounts to non-military customers is a way to support diversity in service, while others see it as a form of tokenism. “It’s about rewarding people who aren’t part of the system that’s been criticized,” one commenter suggested. “But isn’t that the same as saying you’re not loyal to those who serve?”
Meanwhile, the shop’s founder, Brady Martinson, remains a focal point of the discussion. His initial post in June had framed the decision as a necessary step to prioritize customers who “can see things for what they are,” but the 20% discount has since amplified that message. Critics accuse the shop of doubling down on its anti-military stance, while supporters claim it’s a stand against what they see as an overzealous culture of service-oriented discounts.
The incident also raises questions about the impact of social media on local businesses. With viral posts capable of generating immediate attention, the shop’s policy has become a case study in how branding and public perception can shift rapidly. “In today’s climate, a single statement can define a business’s reputation,” a local observer noted. “But it also means they’re under constant scrutiny.”
As the debate continues, the Revival Tattoo Collective in Florida remains at the center of the controversy. Whether seen as a bold statement or a public relations misstep, the shop’s actions have underscored the complex relationship between businesses, their customers, and the values they choose to align with. With the discount policy in place, the shop’s next steps will likely determine whether it can reconcile its stance with the broader community it serves.
