Is the Target Boycott Really Effective?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I've largely been avoiding current events or limiting myself just to headlines. what did Target do?

They removed their diversity, equity, and inclusion policies after making a big show for years of having them.

I've started shopping at Costo instead. Their board decided to keep their DEI policies, but the Trump admin is trying to bully companies into getting rid of them.

OP

Costco is a unicorn. Most companies are doing these initiatives in a performative way. I don't like Target and hardly ever shop there, but I'm not sure why THAT business decision of all things is upsetting considering they have much better practices for their employees than so many companies out there who might just sell pride merch to seem like do gooders.

Costco stock is also doing gangbusters and the company is seeing recorded profits. Hmm almost like there's a connection there.

The connection is that they don't publicize their social positions through the merchandise they carry. Target did, and suffered for it. Costco is just Costco, with no apparent political dimension or messaging in the products they offer. Few Costco shoppers are likely attuned to the company's political leanings. They just want an inexpensive hot dog from the food court.

Wrong. Costco's support for DEI has been all over social media. People are being funny on target posts and saying they'll be shopping at Costco. Several liberal friends told me they bought Costco stocks in the last month. Get out of your bubble.

NP- People are paying attention because of Target, not the other way around. Most people are not in a bubble of care about this: they go about their shopping and are not on social media talking about companies!

I know many, many people who are aware and care about this. Obviously we run in different crowds. But to say "most people" do t care is incorrect. How can you possible assert that? Almost everyone I know cares.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I've largely been avoiding current events or limiting myself just to headlines. what did Target do?

They removed their diversity, equity, and inclusion policies after making a big show for years of having them.

I've started shopping at Costo instead. Their board decided to keep their DEI policies, but the Trump admin is trying to bully companies into getting rid of them.

OP

Costco is a unicorn. Most companies are doing these initiatives in a performative way. I don't like Target and hardly ever shop there, but I'm not sure why THAT business decision of all things is upsetting considering they have much better practices for their employees than so many companies out there who might just sell pride merch to seem like do gooders.

Costco stock is also doing gangbusters and the company is seeing recorded profits. Hmm almost like there's a connection there.

The connection is that they don't publicize their social positions through the merchandise they carry. Target did, and suffered for it. Costco is just Costco, with no apparent political dimension or messaging in the products they offer. Few Costco shoppers are likely attuned to the company's political leanings. They just want an inexpensive hot dog from the food court.

Wrong. Costco's support for DEI has been all over social media. People are being funny on target posts and saying they'll be shopping at Costco. Several liberal friends told me they bought Costco stocks in the last month. Get out of your bubble.

NP- People are paying attention because of Target, not the other way around. Most people are not in a bubble of care about this: they go about their shopping and are not on social media talking about companies!

I know many, many people who are aware and care about this. Obviously we run in different crowds. But to say "most people" do t care is incorrect. How can you possible assert that? Almost everyone I know cares.

Because you are in a very specific bubble obviously concerned about this specific issue. Nothing wrong with it, but it very much is your bubble. And no, most people are not very liberal UMC people in a large metro area.

[Anonymous]

I know we're boycotting shopping tomorrow but it's my only chance at Costco being I'm headed to the closest one to me to coincide with a dr appointment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Haven’t been because I’m boycotting them

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I've largely been avoiding current events or limiting myself just to headlines. what did Target do?

They removed their diversity, equity, and inclusion policies after making a big show for years of having them.

I've started shopping at Costo instead. Their board decided to keep their DEI policies, but the Trump admin is trying to bully companies into getting rid of them.

OP

I wasn't aware of this, thanks for posting. I can shop at Target again!

Tell your Black friends, they will be thrilled for you!

I will! They will be happy to start shopping there again too!

Well, considering Target is backing away from Black-owned products (like hair care), probably not. Nice try.

This only makes sense if those products don’t sell. Target is not going to remove profitable products from their shelves.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My insurance makes me use CVS pharmacy. The only CVS pharmacy where I live is inside of Target. Each time I've been to pick up meds, the store has been SO empty.

I've never been able to pull into the Target parking lot at noon on Saturday and park in the first or second parking stop right by the doors. I've done that twice this month.

I used to shop at Target all the time. Now I just go to Costco. I think the executives at Target are taking note of all the empty stores.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My insurance makes me use CVS pharmacy. The only CVS pharmacy where I live is inside of Target. Each time I've been to pick up meds, the store has been SO empty.

I've never been able to pull into the Target parking lot at noon on Saturday and park in the first or second parking stop right by the doors. I've done that twice this month.

I used to shop at Target all the time. Now I just go to Costco. I think the executives at Target are taking note of all the empty stores.

I wish my insurance allowed Costco pharmacy. That'd be so convenient. I'm there weekly. Mine allows CVS and two local compounding pharmacies that I do not care for. One is very dirty inside, IMO, and the other has the weirdest hours and not convenient at all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For me, it isn’t so much that they no longer have DEI, but that they were never serious in the first place and it was all for show. Corporations really need to not stupidly follow trends. Just follow the golden rule, and no need to adopt political trends.

Target is also really expensive, has 90% stuff I don’t need, stuff that can be bought cheaper elsewhere, and lacks basic practical items.
I have the red card that gives 5% off, but unlike my other credit cards, does not have a simple app to manage CC payments etc, therefore less convenient, so I try to avoid using it.

It's all for show everywhere. I don't even say that because I'm hostile to the idea, but they're not accomplishing anything. I have no idea why someone would boycott a store for getting rid of something that was costing the company money and wasn't accomplishing anything.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am starting to run out of places to shop. Trying to avoid Amazon and Walmart. Just ordered something from Target because they're not Amazon or Walmart. Where the hell does one go for stuff that isn't really available in stores readily?

I've just started doing without, if it isn't an immediate need. Mostly I shop at a local grocery store or Costco, and just supplement with Target.

Sometimes I look on eBay and can find items from individual sellers, but that's better if you are willing to buy pre owned items.

But I am also hunkering down and trying to save money overall, as well as supporting boycotts. Buying something from Target if you need to is fine, just cut back.

Are you asking the eBay sellers how they voted to make sure they align with your agenda???

[Anonymous]

Boycotts are effective!

We saw Trump on the White House lawn demanding people buy Teslas to make Musk happy. Musk is hurting!

Love to see this.

The boycotts work. Keep it up, everyone!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My insurance makes me use CVS pharmacy. The only CVS pharmacy where I live is inside of Target. Each time I've been to pick up meds, the store has been SO empty.

I've never been able to pull into the Target parking lot at noon on Saturday and park in the first or second parking stop right by the doors. I've done that twice this month.

I used to shop at Target all the time. Now I just go to Costco. I think the executives at Target are taking note of all the empty stores.

I keep meaning to stop by the nearest Target on what is usually its busiest time to see if it's dead there. I have a gift certificate to use up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I've largely been avoiding current events or limiting myself just to headlines. what did Target do?

They removed their diversity, equity, and inclusion policies after making a big show for years of having them.

I've started shopping at Costo instead. Their board decided to keep their DEI policies, but the Trump admin is trying to bully companies into getting rid of them.

OP

Costco is a unicorn. Most companies are doing these initiatives in a performative way. I don't like Target and hardly ever shop there, but I'm not sure why THAT business decision of all things is upsetting considering they have much better practices for their employees than so many companies out there who might just sell pride merch to seem like do gooders.

Costco stock is also doing gangbusters and the company is seeing recorded profits. Hmm almost like there's a connection there.

The connection is that they don't publicize their social positions through the merchandise they carry. Target did, and suffered for it. Costco is just Costco, with no apparent political dimension or messaging in the products they offer. Few Costco shoppers are likely attuned to the company's political leanings. They just want an inexpensive hot dog from the food court.

Wrong. Costco's support for DEI has been all over social media. People are being funny on target posts and saying they'll be shopping at Costco. Several liberal friends told me they bought Costco stocks in the last month. Get out of your bubble.

No, the social media commentary has been only very recent, and also limited to liberal echo chamber sites like thiss one. I am confident few Costco shoppers have any idea what the corporation's political positions are. As awareness grows, the impact may be felt - it takes time for awareness to spread.

Virginian politicians have threatened Costco for keeping diversity, equity, and inclusion, so I'd say people are aware...

But maybe Costco will come to their senses and install stairs to keep out the wheelchair people and remove gluten free products so people with Celiac can't eat bread. Then the Virginia politicians can claim a big victory--nothing like keeping people from gluten free bread.

[Anonymous]

Target is a pretty easy boycott. All of their products are wildly overpriced IMO.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Haven’t been because I’m boycotting them

Same. Last I saw their stock was down though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For me, it isn’t so much that they no longer have DEI, but that they were never serious in the first place and it was all for show. Corporations really need to not stupidly follow trends. Just follow the golden rule, and no need to adopt political trends.

Target is also really expensive, has 90% stuff I don’t need, stuff that can be bought cheaper elsewhere, and lacks basic practical items.
I have the red card that gives 5% off, but unlike my other credit cards, does not have a simple app to manage CC payments etc, therefore less convenient, so I try to avoid using it.

It's all for show everywhere. I don't even say that because I'm hostile to the idea, but they're not accomplishing anything. I have no idea why someone would boycott a store for getting rid of something that was costing the company money and wasn't accomplishing anything.

It’s the capitulation. All they had to do was say “we’re no longer required to support diversity, equity, and inclusion, but these are our company values. We appreciate our diverse employees and customers.” And then quietly, without a big show, phase out what’s not profitable.