Target Just Sabotaged Themselves With Snarky Reply
Target is making "adjustments" to its Pride merchandising plans after reports that the company has rolled back displays at some of its locations.
On Tuesday, Fox News Digital first reported that some southern Target stores had moved LGBTQ Pride merchandise away from the front of their locations after customer "outrage" to avoid a "Bud Light situation."
“For more than a decade, Target has offered an assortment of products aimed at celebrating Pride Month," a Target spokesperson told Fox News Digital. "Since introducing this year’s collection, we've experienced threats impacting our team members’ sense of safety and wellbeing while at work. Given these volatile circumstances, we are making adjustments to our plans, including removing items that have been at the center of the most significant confrontational behavior. Our focus now is on moving forward with our continuing commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community and standing with them as we celebrate Pride Month and throughout the year."
Critics have taken particular issue with Target's Pride merchandise for children, which includes onesies and rompers for newborn babies as well as other apparel for kids of all ages. Other products include female-style swimsuits that can be used to "tuck" male genitalia, products labeled as "Thoughtfully fit on multiple body types and gender expressions," a "Gender Fluid" mug, a variety of adult clothing with slogans such as "Super Queer," party supplies, home decor, and multiple books.
BREAKING: Full statement from Target announcing changes to Pride merchandise from stores ahead of June Pride month. Says threats to workers forced the change. pic.twitter.com/fuYtY1rhqn
— Matt Young (@MattYoung) May 24, 2023
A Target insider informed Fox News Digital that many locations, mostly in rural areas of the South, had been instructed to move their Pride sections in order to avoid a backlash similar to that of Bud Light's recent transgender influencer promotional campaign. The insider also reported that they had received "emergency" calls with instructions to make the changes in the space of 36 hours.
“We call our customers ‘guests,’ there is outrage on their part," the insider said. "I think given the current situation with Bud Light, the company is terrified of a Bud Light situation."
Fox News Digital has confirmed rural Target stores in South Carolina, Arkansas, and Georgia were among the many locations that have made the changes. Most rank-and-file employees were left unaware of the move until they noticed it themselves.
Despite the move to reduce visibility at some stores, Pride merchandise remains prominently displayed at other Target locations across America and on the Target website.
Target has stood apart from other retailers by taking an unapologetic stance in celebrating Pride Month, and the company's unwavering commitment has been applauded. But, due to the recent customer backlash, Target is taking necessary precautions to ensure the safety and security of their employees while still reaffirming their dedication to the LGBTQIA+ community.