Target Hit With Backlash for Decision on LGBTQ+ Merchandise
Target faced criticism and calls for boycotts from conservatives last year over its related merchandise during Pride celebrations and into the holiday season.According to a statement, the brick-and-mortar Target stores that will be selected to carry LGBTQ+ merchandise—including adult apparel, home goods, foods and beverages—will be decided "based on historical sales performance." It also plans to spotlight LGBTQ-owned brands during Pride Month both in stores and online.The announcement has sparked renewed backlash for the retailer, with many people accusing Target of giving in to pressure from the conservative-led boycotts.
As Newsweek previously reported, Target's share price took momentary dips in May and June 2023 after the calls for boycotts began, but ended the year with a 7.46 percent increase on its share price."Cool.
So we're just giving into hate now, @Target?" Senta Moses, an American actress, posted to X (formerly Twitter), adding, "This is gross.""Not a win," another X user by the username @Neilfan12 wrote."Not only did numbers NOT drop at the #Target I work at during last year's #PrideMonth hoopla, but the #Pride merchandise WAS selling...
here in very conservative #Utah," the user continued in a separate post. "Betting & hoping my store will be one of the select stores selling next month.""This is very disappointing @Target I prefer to shop where all people are defended and valued for who they are," added Katrina Bailey."@target leadership are cowards who bow and cater to hate and bigotry," wrote Aiden Rezek, an internet personality who goes by the username @MrJZ3K."I thought it was a safe place but they sent a clear message that they would rather have bigots than members of the #LGBTQIA+ community," he added.It is unclear if Target's decision was directly impacted by the boycotts in 2023.
