Target Faces Boycott Threat Amid DEI Program Changes
On March 6, 2025, a significant meeting took place in New York City involving Target’s CEO, Brian Cornell, and civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton. This interaction comes at a sensitive time for the retailer, which is experiencing a decline in foot traffic and facing calls for a boycott linked to its recent cuts to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
The Context of the Meeting
According to Sharpton, Target’s outreach for this meeting signifies the retailer’s recognition of the urgent discussion regarding its recent decision to scale back DEI efforts. Following these changes, some civil rights groups have initiated public calls to action, encouraging consumers to refrain from shopping at Target. While Sharpton has yet to endorse a formal boycott, he supports those advocating for customer withdrawal from the store due to its policy reversals.
Sharpton’s Response and Intentions
Rev. Al Sharpton articulated his stance ahead of the meeting, emphasizing, “If an election determines your commitment to fairness then fine, you have a right to withdraw from us, but then we have a right to withdraw from you.” His sentiment reflects a broader concern about the impact of corporate decisions on the community.
Details of Target’s DEI Decisions
Recently, Target announced the cessation of its three-year DEI goals and will halt sharing reports with external diversity-focused organizations. Much of this backlash began following an announcement made by the retailer in January 2025, which coincided with a noticeable decrease in customer foot traffic—a trend that has continued for over 10 weeks, according to data from analytics firm Placer.ai.
The Statistics Behind Declining Foot Traffic
Data indicates that from January 27 to early March, foot traffic to Target stores dropped significantly, even as other retailers enjoyed increases. For instance, in March, Target saw a 6.5% decline in store traffic, contrasting sharply with Costco’s 7.5% growth rate during the same period. This downturn aligns with the criticism of Target’s DEI strategy withdrawal.
Future Considerations for Target
After the April meeting, Sharpton described the conversation as “constructive and candid,” hinting at possible resolutions moving forward. He plans to consult with allies, including Rev. Dr. Jamal Bryant, who has previously organized calls for a boycott of Target. Bryant’s activities have raised awareness around the implications of Target’s decision and could potentially inspire further collective action.
Broader Implications of DEI Rollbacks
Target is not the only corporation adjusting its DEI initiatives. Major companies such as Walmart, McDonald’s, and Tractor Supply have similarly reduced or re-evaluated their DEI programs, often fearing backlash from consumers. In stark contrast, Costco has maintained its commitments to DEI, despite pressures to abandon such initiatives.
Looking Ahead
The future of Target’s community relationships may depend significantly on its responsiveness to these concerns. In his interactions, Sharpton plans to question:
- “You made commitments based on the George Floyd movement … what changed?”
- “Are you trying to say … everything’s fine now, because the election changed? That’s insulting to us.”
These pointed inquiries reflect the urgency of retaining meaningful engagement with the communities that support retail operations. The ongoing conversations signify a crucial juncture for Target and its corporate ethos concerning social responsibility and inclusivity.
As the dialogue between Target’s leadership and civil rights advocates continues, the resolution may set precedents for how corporations navigate socio-political landscapes and respond to community needs.
