'Bowing down to hate, how sad': Internet shreds Target as it dials back on Pride merchandise following right-wing backlash

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: Target is dialing back on the number of stores that will offer LGBTQ-themed merchandise during Pride Month in June, as reported by CNN.

This move, which likely stems from the financial woes faced by the company following a boycott from right-wing activists last year, sparked outrage across social media platforms.

Only half of Target's 2,000 stores are expected to carry the Pride collection

For over a decade, Target had proudly embraced and celebrated diversity by offering a wide array of Pride-themed products across numerous categories, making them readily available in a majority of its US stores.

However, the company's stance underwent a drastic reversal this year, with plans to sell only "adult apparel" and home goods bearing Pride-related designs, and that too, exclusively in select stores based on "historical sales performance."

According to a report from Bloomberg, which first broke the news, approximately half of Target's 2,000 stores would carry the Pride collection, which would also be available on the company's website.

A spokesperson for Target reiterated the company's commitment to supporting the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month, highlighting internal initiatives and participation in local Pride events.

However, Kelley Robinson, president of the LGBTQ+ advocacy organization Human Rights Campaign, expressed disappointment in Target's decision, emphasizing the significance of Pride merchandise and its representation of LGBTQ+ individuals across the country.

"Target’s decision is disappointing and alienates LGBTQ+ individuals and allies at the risk of not only their bottom line but also their values. Companies need to understand that community members and allies want businesses that express full-hearted support for the community," explained Robinson.

The decision to scale back Pride merchandise came after Target and its employees became the focus of what the company described as a "volatile" anti-LGBTQ+ campaign in 2023. 

Internet slams Target for its move to scale back on selling Pride merchandise

Netizens were quick to slam Target for its controversial move of limiting Pride merchandise. One Facebook user bluntly stated, "Appeasing bigots never turns out well unless you're a bigot. Don't like it, don't buy it and just keep on walking." Another suggested, "Everyone should go in and ask where the merchandise is."

A person expressed, "Sad that they are allowing themselves to be intimidated by bigots," while someone else lamented, "Bowing down to hate, how sad."

The criticism extended further, with an individual asserting, "Target doesn't care about gay people as much as they care about dollars." "Either you stand for something or stand for nothing," declared another person. 

One more exclaimed, "THATS STUPID! TARGET IS STUPID!"

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.