Home Depot shoppers were sent into a frenzy this week over claims that the retail giant was about to introduce a $5 parking fee. Social media erupted, with outraged customers calling for a boycott—but was there any truth to the rumor? The answer might surprise you.
THE PARKING FEE PANIC
It all started when Pro Tool Reviews published a detailed report stating that Home Depot would begin charging for parking on April 1. According to the article, a supposed company spokesperson cited inflation and rising supply chain costs as the reason for the change.
“By implementing a modest parking fee, we can avoid passing these costs directly onto our customers through higher prices on lumber, tools, and gardening supplies,” the alleged spokesperson reportedly said.
In some areas, including Los Angeles, the parking fee was said to reach up to $5 per day. Outraged shoppers took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice their anger, with one user writing, “#BoycottHomeDepot @HomeDepot wants to charge you $5 to park!!”
HOME DEPOT SETS THE RECORD STRAIGHT
As backlash mounted, The U.S. Sun reached out to Home Depot for clarification, and the company wasted no time shutting down the rumor.
“This is not true,” a Home Depot spokesperson confirmed via email. “This was apparently an April Fool’s joke that Pro Tool Reviews posted without our knowledge. We do not charge parking lot fees and do not plan to.”
Home Depot even responded directly to customers on social media, reinforcing that the claim was entirely false. A closer look at the Pro Tool Reviews article revealed a subtle “April Fool’s” disclaimer at the bottom, along with a link to their April Fool’s topic page instead of an actual press release.
CUSTOMERS FOOLED BY ELABORATE HOAX
Despite the disclaimer, many readers were caught off guard by the realistic nature of the prank. The fake backlash from angry shoppers, combined with detailed statements, made the joke highly convincing.
In a time when prices are rising across multiple industries, consumers are understandably sensitive to potential extra fees. Just this year, major retailers like Costco, Walmart, and Trader Joe’s have had to implement purchasing limits due to supply shortages. Even egg prices have skyrocketed, with some areas seeing costs as high as $11.69 per dozen due to the ongoing H5N1 bird flu crisis.
GOOD NEWS FOR SHOPPERS
While Home Depot customers can breathe a sigh of relief about free parking, the retailer has recently made headlines for other reasons. Some bargain hunters were thrilled to find a gardening accessory priced $66 lower than at Target, while others were eyeing Home Depot’s latest offering—a tiny home getaway for just $24,249, complete with easy installation.
In the end, the viral parking fee rumor turned out to be nothing more than an April Fool’s prank—but it’s safe to say plenty of customers didn’t find it funny.
