JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The owner of Weston Print and Design defended his decision to make t-shirts honoring Trayvon Martin on Tuesday.
Leslie Weston called the 17-year-old's death a tragedy.
But Weston defended the shirts and hoodies he sells to critics angry with businesses who they say are profiting off the teen's death.
"This is a business, and the shirts of Trayvon are in demand. That's what business is about, supply and demand," said Weston. "So if those shirts are in demand, it's only right for me to supply them."
With rallies across Florida in recent weeks, Weston said he has seen a slight increase in profits, but was less than $500.
On average, he sells t-shirts for $10 and hoodies for $20. The clothing is printed to order.
"If they come here and want a Trayvon shirt, I will make it," he said.
Weston added that he doesn't advertise the production of Trayvon shirts. He only takes walk-in customers who want a custom t-shirt or hoodie.
But he fears some businesses are attempting to profit of the tragedy.
"I don't have anything on the window saying Trayvon shirts sold here, but when someone comes in here and asks me, 'Hey, I want a shirt with Trayvon put on it,' I would not deny them business," he said.
Weston said he's is not pushing his Trayvon merchandise, unlike some vendors he saw at rallies, including one in Sanford.