Western Reader
Retail giant Target is experiencing a decline in sales after facing a significant backlash from consumers. The company’s decision to collaborate with London-based LGBT+ company Abprallen to feature a controversial ‘Pride’ collection has led to widespread calls for boycotts and a noticeable drop in sales.
In the second quarter of this year, Target’s sales decreased by 5.4%, marking the company’s first sales dip in over half a decade. This decline is part of a larger trend, as Target has been grappling with its longest losing streak in 23 years.
This downturn is not an isolated incident but rather a result of the mounting backlash against Target’s controversial merchandise. In June, JP Morgan downgraded Target’s outlook from Overweight to Neutral due to the negative response to the company’s divisive agenda.
The controversy revolves around Target’s ‘Pride’ section, which includes clothing for trans and LGBTQ children. Some of the items in this collection, such as “tuck-friendly swimwear for kids” and chest binders, have caused discomfort among a significant portion of Target’s customer base.
The collection also features shirts and bags with messages like “live laugh lesbian,” “cure transphobia, not trans people,” “too queer for here,” and “we belong everywhere.” While some argue that these messages promote inclusivity, others view them as a promotion of a specific ideology.
Target’s collaboration with Abprallen, a company known for selling apparel with satanic imagery, has further fueled the controversy and alienated customers. The partnership resulted in the creation of the ‘Pride’ collection, leading to threats of boycotts and a massive backlash.
This situation serves as a reminder to corporations about the potential risks of aligning with controversial ideologies. As Target deals with the fallout from its ‘Pride’ collection, it remains to be seen how the company will navigate this challenging situation.
This article appeared in Watch Dog News and has been published here with permission.
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