If Target is your go-to store for Pride merchandise, you might have to look elsewhere beginning next month.
The retailer recently announced they would be scaling back their selections this year due to backlash from conservatives that resulted in a decrease in sales.For years Target has been a proud and vocal supporter of the LGBTQ community, but last year the retailer faced heavy backlash from conservatives after a women’s bathing suit that was described as “tuck friendly” was spotted in the stores.
Misinformation spread online that it was being marketed towards children. However it was not.
While many right-wing activists boycotted Target, others took it one step further by destroying the retailer’s Pride displays and threatening store employees.
Target eventually pulled Pride merchandise from some of its stores.
This year, the retailer announced they would only be offering “adult apparel,” “home,” and “food and beverage” items that had been curated based on customer feedback.
Customers looking to purchase products from Target’s 2024 Pride collection would be able to do so via their website or select stores, “based on historical performance.”
In a statement to CNN, the company said though there will be a reduction in merchandise this year, it remains “committed to supporting” the LGBTQ community.
“Most importantly, we want to create a welcoming and supportive environment for our LGBTQIA+ team members, which reflects our culture of care for the over 400,000 people who work at Target.”