Target's problems go much deeper than the national economic blackout brewing in its backyard

"Of course, getting buzz on social media about a protest is one thing. Executing it is something else entirely. Minnesotans did take to the streets for a regional protest on January 23, but this is on a much larger scale. It's unclear what, if any, impact Friday's protest will have on the economy. For context, boycotters last year planned an economic blackout of major retailers on February 28 to protest corporate corruption."

"The impact wasn't massive - only a 5.4% drop in sales, according to Numerator - but Black and LGBTQ+ shoppers did noticeably shift their spending habits that day. But these one-off events are more so meant to signal frustration than destroy companies' bottom lines. And some change has already been elicited, as Maine Sen. Susan Collins announced ICE halted "enhanced activities" in the state."

Activist groups, unions, and celebrities are promoting a nationwide blackout calling for no work, no school, and no shopping in response to recent fatal shootings by immigration officers in Minnesota. Regional protests occurred in Minnesota on January 23, while organizers aim for a much larger nationwide action. Economic effects of one-day boycotts have been limited in the past; a planned blackout of major retailers produced only a 5.4% drop in sales but altered spending among Black and LGBTQ+ shoppers. Some policy changes have followed protests, including Maine authorities pausing enhanced ICE activities. Minneapolis-based Target faces ongoing challenges amid civil unrest, employee demands to bar ICE, and a leadership transition to CEO Michael Fiddelke.

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