Target has continued to scale back on their support of Pride in response to Donald Trump’s attack on DEI initiatives. In January, they announced the end of their “Racial Equity Action and Change (REACH)” initiative. They also have discontinued their participation in LGBTQ-related events, having ended their long history of support and participation in Minnesota’s Twin Cities Pride. The company has also stopped participating in Diversity focused research, including the HRC’s Corporate Equality Index surveys. This year’s PRIDE merchandise has been limited to alcoholic offerings and pet toys, with a complete removal of clothing or other gifts. As people protest the rollback in support of diversity, Target has seen a 21% decline in income over last year and foot traffic in stores is significantly down every week since the anti-DEI announcement. Will Target prove that ‘if you end DEI, your company will face dire results. Costco and other like retailers who have stayed with shareholder supporter DEI embracement have actually grown in the same time periods of Targets declines?’
