Target Corporation held an emergency meeting to avoid a “Bud Light situation,” sources told Fox News on Tuesday.
A Target employee, speaking on the condition of anonymity, revealed to Fox News that numerous stores, particularly those situated in rural areas of the South, have opted to relocate their Pride sections to mitigate potential backlash.
The move comes in the wake of recent controversies involving Bud Light, which is facing an ongoing boycott for promoting a transgender influencer.
The insider explained that urgent calls were made on Friday, with managers and district senior directors instructed to immediately scale down the size and prominence of their Pride sections.
“We were given 36 hours, told to take all of our Pride stuff, the entire section, and move it into a section that’s a third the size,” the source revealed. The revised displays would no longer feature merchandise on mannequins, and large signage would be removed, relegating the Pride section to the back of the store.
The insider, who has nearly two decades of experience with the retailer, noted that such swift and drastic actions were uncommon for Target.
The initial portion of Friday’s call reportedly focused on ensuring the safety of team members due to the substantial backlash the Pride merchandise had generated.
The insider further commented on the customers’ response, stating that “there is outrage on their part.” The source said that this year the corporation has faced more criticism than in any other previous years.
The 2023 Pride line, released ahead of Pride month in June, features many products geared towards small children and babies, including infant and kids’ clothing, books, and accessories. They also are selling “tucking” swimsuits, Pride party supplies, and pet products.
Many conservative commentators including Matt Walsh and Jordan Peterson have called for boycotts against the company.
Hayley Feland
Hayley Feland previously worked as a journalist with The Minnesota Sun, The Wisconsin Daily Star, and The College Fix. She is a Minnesota native with a passion for politics and journalism.
