Despite its CEO doubling down amid backlash over support for the LGBTQ+ community, Target is now removing pride month products from its stores.
The other day we shared that Target CEO Brian Cornell was defending their “tuck-friendly” collection after sparking large amounts of backlash from shoppers, ahead of pride month in June.
After debuting their “tuck-friendly” swimwear line for adults and minors, the company came under fire. However, Cornell defended the line and said that the company made a good business decision that helped to add value and drive sales to the megastore.
As he continued to double down, Cornell also stated that the company had zero intentions on dropping the line amid accusations of indoctrinating and grooming children. Despite several shoppers calling to boycott Target, Cornell stood by his decision and the company’s commitment to add diversity and inclusion into their brand.
A part of his doubling down, Cornell also addressed the backlash the company had received on Fortune‘s podcast, ‘Leadership Next.’ Cornell said, “I think those are just good business decisions, and it’s the right thing for society, and it’s the great thing for our brand. The things we’ve done from a DE&I [diversity, equity, and inclusion] standpoint, it’s adding value. It’s helping us drive sales, it’s building greater engagement with both our teams and our guests, and those are just the right things for our business today.”
Target Removes LGBTQ+ Pride Month Products Despite CEO Doubling Down Amid Backlash
Despite Target CEO Brian Cornell doubling down on the company’s decision to remain diverse and inclusive, and keep the “tuck-friendly” LGBTQ+ pride month products in stores amid backlash, it looks like he’s folded.
A day later, on Wednesday (May 24), it was reported that Target would be removing some of its LGBTQ+ merchandise from stores after severe customer backlash, including threats of boycotts and even staffers’ safety.
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In a statement released on their website, the company stated, “For more than a decade, Target has offered an assortment of products aimed at celebrating Pride Month. Since introducing this year’s collection, we’ve experienced threats impacting our team members’ sense of safety and well-being while at work.”
The statement continued, “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.”
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