Select Targets to carry Pride goods
NEW YORK — Target confirmed Friday that it won’t carry Pride Month merchandise at all stories this spring after the discount retailer experienced backlash and lower sales over its collection honoring LGBTQ+ communities.
Target, which operates roughly 2,000 stores, said decisions about where to stock Pride-themed products, including adult apparel, home goods, foods and beverages would be based on “guest insights and consumer research.”
A Target spokesperson declined to disclose the number of stores where the merchandise will not be available, but the company said its online shop would offer a full assortment. The moves were first reported by Bloomberg.
“Target is committed to supporting the LGBTQIA+ community during Pride Month and year-round,” Target said in an emailed statement to The Associated Press. “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.”
The head of the Human Rights Campaign, a U.S. LGBTQ advocacy group, said Target’s decision was disappointing and risks alienating LGBTQ+ individuals and allies at the risk of not only profits, but also their values.
In a statement emailed to The Associated Press, Human Rights Campaign, American LGBTQ advocacy group President Kelley Robinson said Target’s decision was disappointing and risks alienating the LGBTQ+ individuals and allies at the risk of not only profits, but also their values.
“Pride merchandise means something,” Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson said. ”LGBTQ+ people are in every zip code in this country, and we aren’t going anywhere.”
Given that LGBTQ+ people account for 30% of Gen Z, Robinson said that companies need to understand that what is needed is “full-hearted support” for the community.
Last year, Target removed some items from its stores and made other changes to its LGBTQ+ merchandise nationwide ahead of Pride Month after intense reaction from some customers who confronted workers and tipped over displays. Target also moved displays to the back of its stores in certain Southern locations last year.