Originally published May 23, 2023 11:56 am PDT
Target, the renowned retail giant, has reportedly initiated a swift change in policy regarding the display of its so-called “LGBTQ Pride” merchandise in select stores, driven by concerns of customer discontent.
In an attempt to prevent what insiders have dubbed a “Bud Light situation,” a nod to the backlash recently experienced by the beer brand following a promotional campaign featuring a transgender influencer, the retail chain has directed specific stores to relocate their Pride displays.
Fox News Digital cited a longtime Target employee revealing that a number of predominantly southern and rural outlets have been instructed to move Pride-themed sections.
These merchandise displays, typically stationed prominently at store entrances in anticipation of June’s Pride month, have been relegated to more inconspicuous areas.
This year’s collection of Pride items varies from “gender fluid” mugs to “tuck friendly” bathing suits for transgender individuals.
The anonymous employee, with almost two decades at the corporation, recounted being part of “emergency” meetings.
He revealed that store managers and district senior directors were given the directive to “take all of our Pride stuff, the entire section, and move it into a section that’s a third the size. From the front of the store to the back of the store, you can’t have anything on mannequins and no large signage.”
The move has come as a shock to many, as Target is not known for making such abrupt decisions.
The inside source noted that the brief 15-minute call began with a focus on “how to deal with team member safety” in light of the backlash arising from the Pride merchandise.
These concerns were so prevalent that Target Asset Protect & Corporate Security teams were involved in the call.
The changes, however, have reportedly been met with some relief from store associates, who are often at the forefront of handling customer grievances.
The company’s move to replace Pride displays with bathing suits, even before the start of Pride month, is perceived as an attempt to “increase swim sales,” according to the insider.
The modifications are most evident in rural Target outlets in states like South Carolina, Arkansas, and Georgia, where Pride sections have been moved, according to Fox.
Several employees, however, were not apprised of these changes beforehand and only realized the alterations upon observing them.
Notably, Pride merchandise continues to be prominently exhibited at other Target locations and on the company’s website.
The collection consists of a variety of items catered to “multiple body types and gender expressions,” ranging from baby onesies and rompers to adult clothing with slogans such as “Super Queer” and home decor pieces like a “Grow At Your Own Pace” saucer planter.
Target is facing a widespread boycott after the company started selling “Pride” products designed by a “Satanist” and featuring demonic imagery.
American Faith reported some of Target’s Pride merchandise being geared toward children had been designed by a “Satanist.”
One of the retail corporation’s products in question is a t-shirt reading “Satan respects pronouns,” with a description about LGBTQ+ people being “so often referred to as being a product of Satan or going against God’s will.”
“Satanists don’t actually believe in Satan, he is merely used as a symbol of passion, pride, and liberty. He means to you what you need him to mean. So for me, Satan is hope, compassion, equality, and love,” the description reads.
“So, naturally, Satan respects pronouns. He loves all LGBT+ people.”
Other products feature skeletons draped in rainbow flag colors and buttons with “trans witches for abortion” written on them.
