If Target is where you usually shop for Pride merchandise, you might need to explore other options starting next month. The retailer has just announced they will be reducing their selections this year due to conservative backlash, which led to a drop in sales.
For years, Target has been a proud and vocal advocate for the LGBTQ community. However, last year, the retailer encountered significant backlash from conservatives when a women’s bathing suit described as “tuck friendly” was found in stores. Online misinformation falsely claimed that the product was marketed towards children, which was not the case. Despite this, many right-wing activists boycotted Target. Some even went as far as destroying the retailer’s Pride displays and threatening store employees. Eventually, Target pulled Pride merchandise from some of its stores.
This year, the retailer announced they would only offer “adult apparel,” “home,” and “food and beverage” items curated based on customer feedback. Customers interested in purchasing products from Target’s 2024 Pride collection can do so via their website or select stores, “based on historical performance.” In a statement to CNN, the company noted that while there will be a reduction in merchandise this year, it remains “committed to supporting” the LGBTQ community.
“Above all, we aim to cultivate a welcoming and supportive environment for our LGBTQIA+ team members, reflecting our culture of care for the over 400,000 people who work at Target.”