Several Target stores, particularly those located in rural areas of the South, have been prompted by the corporation to move their LGBTQ Pride merchandise away from the front of their locations. This decision follows customer “outrage” and aims to avoid a situation similar to the backlash Bud Light faced due to its transgender influencer campaign.
Traditionally, Target has been known for featuring massive Pride month displays annually, offering a wide range of merchandise that celebrates LGBTQ diversity and inclusion. However, these displays have drawn criticism from some conservative individuals, particularly regarding the presence of Pride-themed children’s items.
According to a Target insider who spoke to Fox News Digital, the corporation has instructed certain managers and district senior directors to quickly relocate the Pride sections in response to the growing backlash. These sections were moved from the front of the store to the back, with a reduction in space and limitations on mannequins and large signage. The decision was reportedly made within a span of 36 hours.
The insider revealed that the concerns arose due to the “outrage” expressed by customers, with this year’s backlash being significantly higher than previous years. The reference to the “Bud Light situation” suggests that Target is apprehensive about the consequences of the recent controversy faced by Bud Light after featuring a transgender influencer in their promotional campaign.
“We were given 36 hours, told to take all of our Pride stuff, the entire section, and move it into a section that’s a third the size. From the front of the store to the back of the store, you can’t have anything on mannequins and no large signage,” the Target insider said.
“We call our customers ‘guests,’ there is an outrage on their part. This year, it is just exponentially more than any other year,” the Target insider continued. “I think given the current situation with Bud Light, the company is terrified of a Bud Light situation.”
While Target rarely makes such swift decisions, the urgency to address the issue is evident. The insider described a 15-minute call that prioritized team member safety and avoided advocacy for Target, indicating the magnitude of the response from customers. It should be noted that Target’s Asset Protect & Corporate Security teams were also present on the call.
Affected rural Target stores in South Carolina, Arkansas, and Georgia have confirmed the relocation of their Pride sections, while the majority of employees remained unaware until they noticed the changes themselves. However, Pride merchandise continues to be prominently displayed in other locations and on the Target website.
Target’s Pride merchandise encompasses a diverse range of products, including transgender-friendly swimsuits, onesies and rompers for newborns, clothing with empowering slogans, party supplies, home decor, books, and even saucer planters.
Now Target has partnered with a Satanist brand to add to their “pride” collection.
PLEASE QUIT SHOPPING AT TARGET! pic.twitter.com/wc5h3428NS
— BABS D (@Barbara14130169) May 23, 2023
The backlash faced by Bud Light, which has led to a decline in sales, has likely played a role in Target’s decision-making process. The beer company faced criticism after partnering with transgender activist Dylan Mulvaney, who publicized limited-edition Bud Light cans featuring her face. Some consumers mistakenly believed that these cans were available for purchase, leading to widespread discontent.
.@Target is selling “tuck friendly” and “binding” clothing for infants and children as part of their Pride Month collection.
Target is reportedly holding an “emergency meeting” after backlash from their customers.
What do you think?
📹: @CarriePrejean1 pic.twitter.com/uM4fUzB87r
— KUSI News (@KUSINews) May 23, 2023
