According to recent reports, Target is significantly scaling back the number of stores it will sell its LGBTQ-themed apparel following intense criticism from conservatives. Last year, the department store sparked criticism after it rolled out several pride-themed products marketed for the transgender community.
The retailer announced this past week that it would only be selling its Pride merchandise offerings in a select number of stores nationwide. Target noted that “historical sales performance” affected the decision. Furthermore, it is reported that the LGBTQ-themed items would only be designed for adults, not children.
Despite the scaling back of its Pride merchandise, a spokesperson for the company maintained that the retail giant will remain steadfast in its commitment to the LGBTQ community, not only during Pride Month but all throughout the year. According to the statement, Target prioritizes an inclusive environment among its ranks.
“Target is committed to supporting the LGBTQIA+ community during Pride Month and year-round. Most importantly, we want to create a welcoming and supportive environment for our LGBTQIA+ team members, which reflects our culture of care for the over 400,000 people who work at Target,” per the spokesperson.
Last year, Target found itself embroiled in controversy for several pride-related items it sold, such as children’s clothing items that contained pro-transgender slogans. The retailer also offered a “tuck-friendly” swimsuit bottom designed for a transgender wearer.
Leading Report broke the news on X, commenting that Target would pull the controversial merchandise from “most of its stores.” The post read, “Target has announced it will stop selling its ‘Pride collection’ in most stores after huge backlash over LGBTQ+-themed merchandise, including bathing suits designed for transgender people, harmed sales.”
Users on X commented under the post on the news from Target, slamming the company for its stance in the culture war. Many commenters alleged Target is attempting to push a woke sexual agenda onto children. “That’s yuge! LEAVE. OUR. KIDS. ALONE,” one user wrote.
Others pointed out that Target placed itself in a similar position as Bud Light, which faced extraordinary financial consequences last year when it collaborated with transgender activist Dylan Mulvaney. “Bud Lite all over again… You can’t blow up your company and expect t get customers back just by putting out the fire. It’s going to take a long time to rebuild,” one person wrote.
However, one user expressed skepticism that that conservative backlash led to removing the pride merchandise, suggesting that it was marketed to a small segment of the population that didn’t constitute a viable consumer base.
“Right, it was that backlash. It was probably the fact that there was no market for it in the first place. You don’t sell clothes or anything else where the consumer base is less than 2% of the population and expect everyone else to buy it. Target shelf space is expensive,” they said.
The American Tribune reported on other controversy surrounding Target and its woke practices, where the company is set to sponsor a race-based career fair designed for “people of color.” Other prominent companies joined Target in sponsoring the event, including Best Buy, US Bank, and more.
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