Target's decision to end its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs has coincided with a decline in sales and customer visits. In the first quarter of 2025, sales were down 3.8%, with foot traffic dipping significantly over the prior months. CEO Brian Cornell attributed these issues to various factors, including declining consumer confidence and backlash over recent policy changes. Activist Jamal Bryant's call for a boycott further complicated Target’s challenges, as the company's stock price has steadily fallen amid these developments, signaling that the repercussions of these decisions may linger on.
Sales at Target stores that have been open at least a year were down 3.8 percent in the first quarter of 2025 compared with the same period last year.
CEO Brian Cornell noted additional headwinds, including declining consumer confidence and reactions to the updates shared on DEI in January.
Target announced it would end its Racial Equity Action and Change program this year and would cease participating in the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index.
Jamal Bryant called for a 40-day boycott of Target stores beginning in early March due to the company's stance on DEI.
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