US Retail Giant Target Faces Backlash Over Dropped Diversity Pledge
In a surprising move, Target broke its six-decade tradition of avoiding controversy during presidential transitions by donating $1 million to the Trump Inaugural Committee ahead of Donald Trump’s return to office. Two weeks later, the retailer reversed course on its diversity and inclusion commitments, eliminating programs aimed at increasing its Black workforce and promoting Black-owned brands.
The decision sparked widespread criticism from civil rights leaders and customers, who responded by boycotting Target stores. The company had previously committed to spending $2 billion with Black-owned businesses and adding products from over 500 Black-owned brands to its shelves by 2025. However, it declined to comment on plans for stocking these brands.
As a result of the backlash, weekly foot traffic in Target’s 2,000 stores has dropped significantly, with declines ranging from 3.8% to 7.7% compared to last year. The company’s stock price has also plummeted around 40% over the past year.
Target is also facing economic consequences related to Trump’s trade war, including tariffs on Chinese-made products and goods from other countries impacted by reciprocal tariffs.
Source: https://www.fastcompany.com/91320350/target-terrible-year-boycotts-tariffs