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10h ago

Target Faces Sales Slump and Protests Following DEI Rollbacks

First-quarter sales fell 3.8% as backlash continues over diversity program cuts and political realignments.

A Target store in San Diego on on March 10, 2025.
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Overview

  • Target reported a 3.8% decline in comparable-store sales for the first quarter of 2025, with CEO Brian Cornell citing reactions to January's DEI changes as a contributing factor.
  • Foot traffic dropped 9% in February and 6.5% in March, following a 40-day boycott led by civil rights activist Jamal Bryant.
  • Target’s stock has fallen 37% year-over-year, with a 7% drop in pre-market trading after the financial report release.
  • Protests are planned for May 25, the fifth anniversary of George Floyd’s murder, as activists demand further action from the retailer.
  • Target's rollback of diversity initiatives, including exiting the HRC Corporate Equality Index and shrinking Pride offerings, has drawn criticism from consumers and advocacy groups.