Walmart confirmed to CNN that they would remove all Confederate flag-related merchandise from their stock. The announcement is the latest indication that the flag has become unacceptable in the aftermath of the shooting last week at an historic African-American church in Charleston, South Carolina.
Nine people were killed.
Critics of the flag quickly called on South Carolina to take down what is widely viewed as a symbol of racism.
Following Walmart's announcement, Governor Nikki Haley (pictured) said she supports the removal of the Confederate flag from the state capitol grounds.
"This flag, while an integral part of our past, does not represent the future of our great state," the second-term governor said.
Walmart.com currently carries the Confederate flag and attire featuring the flag's design such as t-shirts and belt buckles.
"We never want to offend anyone with the products that we offer. We have taken steps to remove all items promoting the confederate flag from our assortment, whether in our stores or on our website," said Walmart spokesman Brian Nick said at a press conference.
"We have a process in place to help lead us to the right decisions when it comes to the merchandise we sell. Still, at times, items make their way into our assortment improperly. This is one of those instances."
CNN also asked Amazon and eBay if they will be following in Walmart's footsteps and removing all Confederate related merchandise. Neither company has responded despite repeated requests for a comment from CNN.
Gov. Haley has received support from many of the state's elected officials, including Republican Sens. Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott, Democratic Rep. Jim Clyburn and Republican Rep. Mark Sanford in her call for the removal of the Confederate flag from state capitol grounds.
Many of the 2016 GOP presidential candidates and likely candidates, including former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, voiced their support for Haley's decision following her speech.