The Culture Wars Come for Target
Post-pandemic, Target faced other struggles besides the culture wars. But shoppers, employees, analysts, and even company officials say the DEI dustup has played a significant role in the retailer’s financial losses. In addition to decreased foot traffic and sales, they point to a loss of corporate identity, decreased consumer loyalty, and lower employee morale.
Former Target employees who spoke to CNBC said it was jarring to have DEI policies yanked away so suddenly. “We had invested all of the time and energy into these programs,” one said, “and then that just disappears out of nowhere.”
RELATED: Belmont University Conducts Review After DEI Complaints From MAGA Pols
Andi Otto, executive director of Twin Cities Pride, told CNBC that Target had always been quick to make donations to LGBTQ causes in Minneapolis. But with the DEI rollbacks, Otto said, “The community right now feels like they were lied to. And if Target wants to go back to the company we thought that they were, they are going to have to repair that damage.”
Years before Pastor Jamal Bryant targeted the retailer, some conservative Christians called for a boycott to protest Target’s Pride Month merchandise. Controversial products included a “tuck-friendly” swimsuit for transgender people.
Another group that boycotted Target was Gays Against Groomers, which opposes “the sexualization, indoctrination, and medicalization of children under the guise of LGBTQIA+.”
.jpg){kind=link}
