MINNEAPOLIS – Minnesota activists are renewing calls for a boycott of Target as the retailer reports continued sales declines, citing dissatisfaction with the company’s recent changes to its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
Activists held a news conference Thursday outside Target’s corporate headquarters, urging shoppers to take their business elsewhere this holiday season. The boycott began in late January after Target announced it was altering its DEI initiatives, some of which were implemented following the murder of George Floyd in Minnesota.
“We say that Target’s actions are not acceptable and they will not receive our dollars as a response,” said civil rights attorney and organizer Nikema Levy Armstrong.
Target announced Wednesday that store sales slid 2.7% in the third quarter, marking its third consecutive quarterly decline. The company anticipates further sales decreases during the crucial holiday season.
In a statement to WCCO News, Target said it remains committed to its previous pledges, including a $2 billion investment in Black-owned businesses and $100 million in Black-led community organizations.
“Target has a long-standing commitment to creating growth and opportunity for all,” a spokesperson said. “We work every day to unlock potential and create lasting impact by empowering entrepreneurs, supporting small businesses, uplifting our team members and strengthening the 2,000+ communities we operate in.”
During Wednesday’s earnings call, Target’s chief commercial officer, Rick Gomez, stated customers are “stretching budgets” and “spending where it matters most.” The company’s stock has dropped nearly 40% year-to-date.
While Target officials did not address the boycott during the earnings call, advocates believe the sales slump demonstrates the effectiveness of their efforts. They pledge to continue the boycott until Target reverses its DEI policy changes.
“Manny of us love Target. Many of us have friends and family who work at Target. But when Target refuses to see us,it is indeed time for us to move away from that company,” said jaylani Hussein,executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations in Minnesota.
Target announced plans for an additional $1 billion investment in new stores and remodels and has recently reduced prices on essential items like groceries.
