Target Reportedly Expands Removal of Pride Collection, Loses $9B as Backlash Ensues

Target Corporation reportedly expanded its removal of the Pride clothing collection from its stores across the country. The move sparked a backlash from the LGBTQ community that called on people to boycott the store chain.

According to Business Insider, the stock price of Target is going through its worst six-day stretch, but still, the company is expanding its pullout of various Pride merchandise from its stores. Its decision to remove the said goods has stirred up a huge controversy and even led to protests from anti-LGBTQ groups and threatened the retailer with violence.

Sources who are said to be employees of the retailer told the Insider that an order to remove the Pride merchandise was disseminated to all Target branches across the United States. This was said to be a similar directive that some of the branches in the Southern part of the country received less than a week ago.

In the first order, some Target stores were asked to take down the Pride-related displays and move them to low-traffic sections of the establishment. The sources asked for anonymity due to fears of facing repercussions since no one is authorized to talk to the press.

They also divulged that a collection of transgender-friendly swimsuits is no longer available in the stores after right-wing social media activists claimed that adult sizes of the products were being marketed for kids, which is not correct. Staff at Texas and Florida outlets further told the publication that products and clothing items that mention or celebrate Pride are no longer for sale as well.

Meanwhile, Target already sustained a reported $9 billion loss after the Pride controversies. The losses were revealed within the week after the LGBTQ community called for a boycott. The Washington Examiner reported that the company’s stock fell as it went deeper into the discord due to its decisions concerning the 2023 Pride collection.

Target’s shares dropped to another 1.22% yesterday, May 26, which only added to the total losses of 12.6% during the first week of the pullout. Based on the records of Dow Jones Market Data Group, the company incurred a total loss of $9.3 billion in market value.

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