This is due to the fact that major manufacturers- including Wal-Mart, eBay, Sears, and Target- stopped selling the flag when it’s controversy grew and multiple tragic events surrounding the flag occurred. According to an eBay spokesperson, they “decided to prohibit Confederate flags, and many items containing this image, because [they] believe it has become a contemporary symbol of divisiveness and racism.” This decision has been shown to have the opposite intended effect: after the removal of the flag from major retail stores, Amazon's sales of Confederate flags skyrocketed by more than 3,000% in 24 hours. The small, independent stores that can still be found selling the flag have reported an increase in their sales. Ackerman, an owner of a store that still sells this controversial item, said, “We need to get more flags,” following the Aug. 12 rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. Ackerman said his store experienced a quadrupled demand for the Confederate flag, an increase he likened to the surge in gun sales that occur whenever new gun control measures are