Kroger is facing backlash after a TikTok video of its Juneteenth cakes in an Atlanta store went viral, showing generic and uninspired designs. The creator of the video called the effort “a mockery” and questioned why the store bothered with so little creativity. Despite the negative comments, the cakes were removed from sale, but the creator noted that improved versions were not provided.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about how major retailers mark Juneteenth, a federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of the last enslaved Black Americans in 1865. Some argue that these efforts are simply a check-off for the occasion rather than genuine recognition. This is not the first instance of a retailer struggling with Juneteenth celebrations; Walmart faced a similar fiasco in 2022.
The Kroger representative claimed that the cakes and cookies were inconsistent with provided guidance and did not meet the expected quality from their stores. The company has addressed the issue directly with the store teams and the customer who took the initial video.
Source: https://www.newser.com/story/370671/kroger-faces-backlash-as-juneteenth-cakes-go-viral.html