Executives at retailer Target have said they made “adjustments” to the way in which the company was displaying its “Pride” merchandise after allegations of employees at stores being threatened by outraged customers.
“For more than a decade, Target has offered an assortment of products aimed at celebrating Pride Month. Since introducing this year’s collection, we’ve experienced threats impacting our team members’ sense of safety and wellbeing while at work,” a Target spokesperson told Fox News Digital. “Given these volatile circumstances, we are making adjustments to our plans, including removing items that have been at the center of the most significant confrontational behavior.
“Our focus now is on moving forward with our continuing commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community and standing with them as we celebrate Pride Month and throughout the year,” the retailer’s statement added.
Earlier on Tuesday, Fox News Digital initially reported that certain Target stores in the southern region had been directed by the corporation to relocate LGBTQ Pride merchandise from the front areas of their stores. This decision was reportedly made in response to customer feedback described as “outrage” in order to prevent a situation similar to a “Bud Light situation.”
Fox News Digital noted further:
Target Pride merchandise includes female-style swimsuits that can be used to “tuck” male genitalia, products labeled as “Thoughtfully fit on multiple body types and gender expressions,” a “Gender Fluid” mug, a variety of adult clothing with slogans such as “Super Queer,” party supplies, home decor, multiple books and a “Grow At Your Own Pace” saucer planter.
Critics are particularly peeved about Target Pride merchandise for children, which includes onesies and rompers for newborn babies and along with other apparel for kids of all ages.
According to a source in Target, Fox News Digital noted further that numerous store locations, primarily in rural areas of the South, have opted to relocate their Pride sections. The moves were intended to preempt any potential backlash similar to the recent controversy faced by Bud Light, which involved the utilization of a transgender influencer in one of their promotional campaigns.
The insider said “emergency” calls were made to those locations by Target executives with instructions to relocate the merchandise within 36 hours.
“We call our customers ‘guests,’ there is outrage on their part. This year, it is just exponentially more than any other year,” the Target insider told the outlet. “I think given the current situation with Bud Light, the company is terrified of a Bud Light situation.
“Everyone was like, ‘Thank God,’ because we’re all on the front lines dealing with it,” the insider added.
