Target is analyzing store data to determine which stores will carry the items following the controversy.
Leaders of the national retailer based in Minneapolis are examining store-level information to decide where the items will be available. Bloomberg News reported this.The company also plans to have a presence at Pride events nationwide.
In a statement to LGBTQ Nation, Target expressed its commitment to supporting the LGBTQIA+ community during Pride Month and beyond. The company also stated that it will participate in local Pride events and continue to support LGBTQIA+ organizations. It will offer a selection of Pride products in chosen stores and on Target.com, including clothing, home products, food, and drinks.Target’s 2023 Pride collection showcased designs from LGBTQ+ creators and highlighted its collaboration with the LGBTQ+ student advocacy organization GLSEN.
Conservatives falsely claimed that Target was selling Satanic-themed apparel by a transgender designer and made threats against the designer. There were also false allegations about Target selling tucking swimsuits for children, which were actually only available in adult sizes.
Republican politicians joined in by threatening legal action and calling for a boycott of Target, labeling it as “woke.”
Following complaints and confrontations from some customers, Target moved its Pride merchandise to the back of some stores, drawing criticism from members of the LGBTQ+ community for caving to right-wing extremists. In a 2023 email to employees, Target CEO Brian Cornell acknowledged the backlash and affirmed support to the LGBTQIA+ community, expressing concern for the well-being of both employees and the LGBTQIA+ community.While conservatives acknowledged that they aimed to portray Pride as undesirable for corporations , a study in August 2023 discovered that companies that stop supporting LGBTQ+-inclusive marketing ultimately lose more customers than they gain).
. Other marketing experts have also given guidance on how businesses can securely show support for the LGBTQ+ community while also getting ready for potential negative reactions. The company will continue to sponsor Pride events nationwide. for a boycott of Target for being “woke.”
Following complaints and confrontations from some customers, Target moved its Pride merchandise to the back of some stores. The decision has drawn criticism from members of the LGBTQ+ community, who accused the company of caving to right-wing extremists.
In a 2023 email to employees, Target CEO Brian Cornell acknowledged the backlash, writing, “To our team in Stores: thank you for steadfastly representing our values. No one is better at working through uncomfortable situations in service to an inclusive guest experience.”
“What you’ve seen in recent days went well beyond discomfort, and it has been gut-wrenching to see what you’ve confronted in our aisles,” he added. “To the LGBTQIA+ community, one of the hardest parts in all of this was trying to contemplate how the adjustments we’re making to alleviate these threats to our team’s physical and psychological safety would impact you and your well-being and psychological safety. We stand with you now and will continue to do so — not just during Pride Month, but each and every day.”
While conservatives admitted that their goal was to make Pride seem “toxic” to corporations, an August 2023 study found that brands that withdraw their support for LGBTQ+-inclusive marketing ultimately lose more customers than they gain. Other marketing experts have also provided advice on how companies can safely support the LGBTQ+ community while also preparing for potential backlash.
