Celebrity Rally Sparks Debate Over PetSmart's Name Pronunciation

A recent rally outside a PetSmart store in Sherman Oaks, California, has reignited a long-standing debate over the proper pronunciation of the retailer's name. Organized by musical comedian Ben Lapidus, the event, dubbed the “Rally for the Truth,” drew unexpected celebrity appearances from John Legend and Chrissy Teigen, who attended with their dogs. The rally was inspired by Lapidus's viral song questioning whether the name should be pronounced "Pet Smart" or "Pet's Mart." The song, which features a blend of humor and sincerity, gained traction on social media after its release on Lapidus's debut album, *Deeper and Dumber*.

Newsweek

Lapidus's journey began in 2022 when he first posted a video on social media about the pronunciation issue. Although PetSmart responded at that time, the ambiguity surrounding the name persisted, prompting Lapidus to expand his comedic take into a full song. The rally attracted a crowd of supporters holding handmade signs, all eager for clarity on the brand's name. Lapidus expressed surprise at the celebrity turnout, stating he only learned of Legend and Teigen's attendance on the day of the event.

Newsweek

During the rally, Teigen addressed the crowd, urging PetSmart to clarify the pronunciation. She stated, "We will not give you one precious bite of kibble until we have answers!" This sentiment resonated with many attendees, some of whom expressed "authentic anger," believing the company might be concealing information. Lapidus emphasized that the event transcended mere humor, framing it as a political movement against corporate overreach and a call for transparency.

Newsweek

In response to the viral attention, PetSmart's senior vice president of marketing, Bradley Breuer, acknowledged the long-standing debate over the name. He explained that the company originally intended for the name to be pronounced closer to "Pets Mart" when it rebranded from PetFood Warehouse in 1989. However, a 2005 brand refresh shifted the emphasis to "Pet Smart." Breuer noted that the updated logo was designed to position PetSmart as a pet-care expert rather than just a retailer.

Newsweek

Despite the ongoing debate, Breuer stated that PetSmart is not overly concerned about settling the pronunciation issue. He remarked, "People have been calling us different things over the years, and that’s okay." To clarify once and for all, he concluded, "It's Pet Smart and the bouncing ball is just a bouncing ball, not an apostrophe. Case closed!"

Newsweek

Lapidus hopes to maintain the momentum generated by the rally and plans to release more music while potentially taking his act on the road. He believes the enthusiasm surrounding the song and the rally highlights a deeper connection between consumers and brands, reflecting broader sentiments about corporate transparency. As the debate continues, the intersection of humor, celebrity, and consumer engagement remains a focal point in the ongoing conversation about PetSmart's name.

Newsweek