Why Target Faces Backlash: Target Corporation (TGT.N) has decided to remove certain items from its Pride Collection following customer backlash due to safety concerns for its employees, the company announced on Tuesday. The retail giant, known for its diverse range of products, introduced its Pride Collection at the beginning of May, featuring over 2,000 items including clothing, books, music, and home furnishings. However, the release of this year’s collection has unfortunately led to confrontations between customers and employees, as well as incidents of Pride merchandise being thrown on the floor.
Why Target Faces Backlash
In a statement, Target expressed its commitment to employee safety and well-being, citing threats and confrontational behavior experienced by team members since the introduction of the collection. As a result, the company has made the decision to adjust its plans and remove items that have been at the center of the most significant confrontations. Target’s dedication to celebrating Pride Month dates back over a decade, but this recent controversy has prompted the retailer to take action.
Among the products being withdrawn from Target stores nationwide and its website is the LGBTQ brand Abprallen, which has faced scrutiny due to its association with British designer Eric Carnell. Carnell has received backlash on social media for designing merchandise featuring images of pentagrams, horned skulls, and other controversial symbols. A search for Abprallen merchandise on Target.com now yields zero results, indicating its removal from the platform.
Screenshots and posts on social media have revealed that Target previously offered a slogan sweater priced at $25 with the message “cure transphobia not trans people,” as well as an $18 tote bag displaying the phrase “too queer for here.” The retailer is also reviewing certain transgender swimsuits and children’s merchandise, but no final decisions have been made regarding these products. In particular, a swimsuit sold in the women’s section has faced criticism for its description as “tuck friendly,” which suggests its suitability for individuals seeking to conceal male genitalia.
Target’s actions follow a recent conservative backlash against Bud Light, triggered by Anheuser-Busch’s promotion of the beer on social media with the involvement of transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney. It appears that companies embracing LGBTQ+ inclusion in their marketing campaigns are encountering increased scrutiny and polarized reactions from different segments of society.
Additionally, a Fox News report stated that certain Target stores in Southern states have been relocating Pride-related merchandise away from the front of stores. An employee from an Arkansas-based Target store confirmed that they had moved Pride-related swimsuits to a different area within the store. This adjustment was made in response to the ongoing controversy surrounding the collection.
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In conclusion, Target’s decision to remove select items from its Pride Collection reflects the company’s commitment to maintaining a safe working environment for its employees. By addressing the confrontations and threats that have emerged, Target aims to ensure the well-being of its staff members while simultaneously celebrating Pride Month. As the retail giant continues to review its merchandise and respond to customer feedback, it remains dedicated to fostering an inclusive shopping experience for all.