Become an exclusive Member
News

Target Backtracking On ‘Pride’ Merch After Major Backlash In 2023

Charlie Kirk Staff

05/11/2024

Link
Target Backtracking On ‘Pride’ Merch After Major Backlash In 2023

Retail giant Target has decided to offer so-called “Pride” merchandise in fewer locations this year after the chain received major pushback last year.

The retailer told the Associated Press on Friday that special LGBT-themed merchandise would be available in June, but only at a limited number of its stores. These items will be confined to select markets, guided by “guest insights and consumer research.”

Despite the store’s pullback, it maintained full support for the LGBT movement.

“Target is committed to supporting the LGBTQIA+ community during Pride Month and year-round,” Target said. “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.”

Last year’s backlash to the retail giant began after customers discovered that the outlet was selling “tuck-friendly” and “extra crotch coverage” ‘female’ swimsuits, which were a part of Target’s Pride collection and were described as having been “thoughtfully fit on multiple body types and gender expressions.”

Other products in its “Pride Collection” included small shirts with phrases like “Just Be You And Feel The Love,” Pride-themed onesies, as well as tutu skirts, rainbow-colored leggings, and jumpers.

The merchandise led to calls for boycotts of Target, resulting in declining sales and stock prices. In the second quarter, following the backlash, Target’s sales dropped for the first time in six years, with a 5.4% decrease compared to the same period the previous year.

Target reported that its online sales declined by 10.5%. Additionally, both the number of transactions and the average transaction amount decreased in the past quarter. The company’s total revenue for the period was $24.8 billion, marking a 4.9 percent reduction compared to the second quarter of the previous year.

In response to the backlash, Target convened emergency meetings to avert a scenario similar to the “Bud Light” incident, where the beer brand experienced a significant sales decline after collaborating with transgender-identifying activist Dylan Mulvaney.

SupportSupport

Support our team today as we work to preserve America’s freedoms for another generation.

SUPPORT OUR MISSIONSUPPORT OUR MISSION
Charlie Kirk is the Founder and President of Turning Point USA, a national student movement dedicated to empowering young people to promote the principles of free markets and limited government.

Charlie is also the host of “The Charlie Kirk Show” podcast, which regularly ranks among the top-10 news shows on Apple podcast news charts, and is the host of the nationally syndicated daily radio show on the Salem Radio Network live from 12 - 3 PM ET.
Sign Up for EmailsSign Up for Emails

© Copyright 2025 . All rights reserved