In recent weeks, retail giant Target has found itself at the center of controversy surrounding its Pride collection and a partnership with a controversial designer. The company faced significant backlash after social media users pointed out the inclusion of “tuck-friendly” female swimwear and other products in its Pride collection. A source within the company revealed that Target made emergency calls to store managers and senior directors, instructing them to make the Pride products less prominent in stores to avoid a potential backlash similar to the one experienced by Bud Light.
According to the insider, Target directed some stores to move the entire Pride section, including mannequins and large signage, from the front to the back of the store within a tight timeframe of 36 hours. This move generated outrage among customers, referred to as “guests” by the company. The source suggested that Target’s actions were driven by fear of a negative response akin to the Bud Light situation. Bud Light had experienced declining sales after partnering with transgender-identifying activist and influencer Dylan Mulvaney.
Target’s spokesperson clarified that the controversial swimsuits were intended for adults and not children. Additionally, the Pride collection featured various other products, including shirts, onesies, leggings, tutu skirts, and jumpers, all featuring Pride-themed designs and slogans promoting inclusivity and love.
Furthermore, Target’s association with a controversial designer named Eric Carnell drew additional criticism. Carnell’s brand, Abprallen, features occult imagery and slogans like “Satan respects pronouns” on its apparel. Social media posts from the brand have encouraged transgender individuals to associate themselves with Satan. Two of Abprallen’s products, a messenger bag, and a sweatshirt, are currently available on Target’s website. These particular items do not feature explicit Satanic imagery, although Carnell hinted at more forthcoming products in an Instagram announcement.
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Amid the backlash, Target announced that it had removed certain items from its stores, such as a sweater with the phrase “cure transphobia not trans people” and a tote bag reading “too queer for here.” The decision to remove these items was attributed to threats and confrontational behavior that impacted the safety and well-being of Target team members.
