Replacements, Ltd. Founder & CEO Expresses Deep Concerns over North Carolina’s House Bill 2

GREENSBORO, N.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Replacements, Ltd. Founder & CEO Bob Page is sharing the following
statement this afternoon with our millions of customers:

“Today, I take the unusual step of sending you a personal message.
Perhaps you, like millions of others, have heard that North Carolina’s
recent passage of House Bill 2 – which has been called the worst
anti-LGBT bill in the United States – has provoked an outpouring of
public concern. Among other things, HB2 bars cities, towns, and counties
from prohibiting discrimination of any kind and makes clear that LGBT
people may legally be singled out for unfair treatment in the workplace,
housing, and public accommodations.

What does this have to do with you? The reaction to North Carolina’s
passage of HB2 last Wednesday has been swift and strongly in opposition.
Calls for boycotts of our state have been answered by individuals and
businesses who will not attend the $5.38 billion, 600,000 visitor High
Point furniture market this April and, more generally, by the State of
New York, the City of Seattle, and others. Amidst this deep concern,
which I share, I want to make one thing clear: Replacements, Ltd.
affirms the dignity and beauty of each and every person. You will always
be warmly welcomed at Replacements, Ltd.

You may know that I’m gay. One year ago, I married Dale Frederiksen,
with whom I’ve shared my life for 27 years. Together, we have raised
twin sons we adopted as infants in Vietnam. In July, our boys will be
17. Last summer, we added another teenager, a Nigerian scholar-athlete,
to our household. Growing up on a small tobacco farm in rural North
Carolina during the 1950s and 1960s and during my three years of active
duty service in the United States Army, I never dreamt I could be openly
gay and successful, much less that I could have a family of my own. My
experience of feeling like an outcast opened my eyes and my heart to all
who have been judged for being different. While acceptance of people
like me and families like mine has grown – and I am grateful –
transgender people today face obstacles similar to those I saw
first-hand generations ago. At Replacements, Ltd., we are very fortunate
to employ a number of extraordinarily talented people who are
transgender. These people are like family to me. And having known and
worked with many transgender friends over the years, I see in each a
reflection of myself. The thought of being afraid to share space with
any one of those good people is hard for me to understand, based on my
personal experiences. If you had the opportunity to meet any one of
them, I bet you’d feel the same way.

Again, as long-standing advocates for fair treatment, diversity, and
inclusion, North Carolina-based Replacements, Ltd. will welcome you with
open arms.”

About Replacements, Ltd.

Founded by Bob Page in 1981, Replacements, Ltd. carries the world’s
largest selection of old and new china, crystal, silver and collectibles.
The company’s 500,000 square foot facilities house an inventory of
nearly 12 million pieces from more than 425,000 patterns. Headquartered
in Greensboro, N.C., Replacements, Ltd. serves over ten million
customers worldwide.

Contacts

Replacements, Ltd.
Lisa Conklin
Public Relations Manager
800-737-5223
ext. 2552
336-209-0951 mobile
lisa.conklin@replacements.com