Current:Home > BackTarget says backlash against LGBTQ+ Pride merchandise hurt sales-LoTradeCoin
Target says backlash against LGBTQ+ Pride merchandise hurt sales
View Date:2024-12-23 21:22:27
Brands and retailers are paying a big price for being caught in the crosshairs of America's culture wars.
Target reported Wednesday that the backlash over its LGBTQ+ merchandise before and during Pride month in June took a bite from its sales. This comes on the heels of Bud Light's parent company also reporting substantial losses in U.S. sales and profits due to similar reaction to a marketing campaign.
The moment is leading executives to wonder about the benefits of supporting social causes during a time of such polarization in the country.
"The reaction is a signal for us to pause, adapt and learn so that our future approach to these moments balances celebration, inclusivity and broad-based appeal," said Christina Hennington, Target's chief growth officer, on a conference call with analysts on Wednesday.
Target's sales dropped by more than 5% in the second quarter. The company didn't specify how much of that decline was due to the Pride backlash, but said it was enough to affect the bottom line.
In May, Target faced anger from all sides of the spectrum — first after it removed some displays celebrating Pride Month from store shelves after social media posts about its "woke" merchandise and threats against the safety of its workers. And then, the company faced further backlash from LGBTQ+ and human rights groups who said Target wasn't standing by the community.
Bud Light also faced a dramatic drop in sales after conservatives attacked a deal it struck with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney. After Anheuser-Busch, Bud Light's parent company, responded to the firestorm by firing executives, LGBTQ+ advocates accused the brand of abandoning its stance in support of the community.
Target justified its decision to modify its Pride collection by citing concerns about employee safety. It removed some items from transgender designer Erik Carnell's Abprallen brand.
The conservative backlash against Target and Anheuser-Busch — and subsequent financial losses at both companies — comes at a time when bills targeting LGBTQ+ individuals are sweeping state legislatures across the United States.
veryGood! (5)
Related
- Nevada Democrats keep legislative control but fall short of veto-proof supermajority
- An independent inquiry opens into the alleged unlawful killings by UK special forces in Afghanistan
- Texas Rangers slam Baltimore Orioles, take commanding 2-0 ALDS lead
- Chiefs star Travis Kelce leaves game vs Vikings with right ankle injury, questionable to return
- Nevada trial set for ‘Dances with Wolves’ actor in newly-revived sex abuse case
- 'There is no tomorrow': Young Orioles know the deal as Rangers put them in 2-0 ALDS hole
- Shania Twain joins Foo Fighters at Austin City Limits Music Festival: 'Take it, Shania!'
- Why we love Children’s Book World near Philadelphia
- Driver dies after crashing on hurricane-damaged highway in North Carolina
- The Asian Games wrap up, with China dominating the medal count
Ranking
- Medical King recalls 222,000 adult bed assistance rails after one reported death
- RBD regresa después de un receso de 15 años con un mensaje: El pop no ha muerto
- American Airlines pilot union calls for stopping flights to Israel, citing declaration of war
- Americans reported $2.7 billion in losses from scams on social media, FTC says
- Georgia House Republicans stick with leadership team for the next two years
- What was the Yom Kippur War? Why Saturday surprise attack on Israel is reminiscent of 1973
- San Francisco 49ers copied Detroit Lions trick play from same day that also resulted in TD
- R.L. Stine's 'Zombie Town' is now out on Hulu. What else to stream for spooky season
Recommendation
-
Steelers shoot for the moon ball, but will offense hold up or wilt in brutal final stretch?
-
Banned in Iran, a filmmaker finds inspiration in her mother for 'The Persian Version'
-
California Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoes bill to make free condoms available for high school students
-
Timeline of surprise rocket attack by Hamas on Israel
-
Georgia lawmaker proposes new gun safety policies after school shooting
-
WNBA star Candace Parker 'nervous' to reintroduce herself in new documentary: 'It's scary'
-
U.S. leaders vow support for Israel after deadly Hamas attacks: There is never any justification for terrorism
-
Horoscopes Today, October 7, 2023