Latest news with #Sharpton
Miami Herald
14-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Target CEO admits a major mistake amid boycotts from customers
It is no secret that Target (TGT) has fallen down a rabbit hole of controversy over the past few years. In 2023, the retail giant faced a massive boycott from consumers over its pride collection, which sparked backlash for containing items marketed toward children. Since then, Target's diversity, equity, and inclusion policies have suffered criticism, and its sales have weakened for several financial quarters. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter In January this year, tensions between the retailer and consumers heightened after it made the harsh decision to scale back its DEI initiatives. This includes withdrawing its participation in the Human Rights Campaign survey, which tracks LGBTQ+ corporate policies and practices. Related: Target suffers major loss amid massive boycott threats It also discontinued its three-year DEI goals and concluded its Racial Equity Action and Change initiatives, which involved advancing the careers of Black employees, instituting anti-racism training for team members, promoting Black-owned businesses, sourcing products from Black suppliers, etc. Target decided to scale back these goals shortly after President Donald Trump issued an executive order dismantling the federal government's DEI programs. In the executive order, he claimed that the programs enforce "illegal and immoral discrimination." Target's sharp turn on DEI sparked a whole new wave of boycotts, which appears to have contributed to weaker foot traffic in its stores. According to recent data from foot traffic in Target stores started to decrease during the week of Jan. 27, and the trend continued over the next two months. Image source:Amid recent controversy, Target CEO Brian Cornell has reportedly sent an email to employees acknowledging that it has been "a tough few months," according to a recent report from The Minnesota Star Tribune. He also admitted that the company's lack of communication during the recent controversy has led to "uncertainty." "I recognize that silence from us has created uncertainty, so I want to be very clear: We are still the Target you know and believe in," said Cornell in the email. Related: Target makes controversial move to dodge high tariff costs The CEO also emphasized that Target's values of "inclusivity, connection, drive" are "not up for debate" and said that the company is "committed" to sharing how its values create an impact. "The world around us is noisier and more complicated, but that doesn't change who we are," said Cornell. Cornell's email comes after he met with the Rev. Al Sharpton, president of the National Action Network, last month to discuss Target's decision to pull back on DEI. Before the meeting, Sharpton threatened to organize a boycott of Target stores if the retailer didn't express a commitment to the Black community and work with Black-owned companies. In a statement on social media platform X on April 17, Sharpton claimed that his meeting with Cornell was "candid" and "constructive." "This morning, I had a very constructive and candid meeting with Brian Cornell that included NAN National Board Chair Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson and NAN Senior Advisor Carra Wallace," said Sharpton. "I am going to inform our allies, including Rev. Dr. Jamal Bryant, of our discussion, what my feelings are, and we will go from there." More Retail: Costco quietly plans to offer a convenient service for customersT-Mobile pulls the plug on generous offer, angering customersKellogg sounds alarm on unexpected shift in customer behavior Despite Cornell's recent attempt to dodge a boycott organized by Sharpton, Target is already set to face another major boycott this summer. The People's Union USA, which has conducted boycotts of Walmart, Amazon, General Mills, etc., has organized a Target boycott, which will start on June 3 and end on June 9. According to the group's website, it targets large corporations that have allegedly "driven up prices, underpaid their workers, and outsourced jobs while raking in record profits." "Our mission is simple, unite everyday Americans against the greed and corruption that's kept us divided, distracted, and struggling for decades," said The People's Union USA on its website. Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Target launches fresh florals brand Good Little Garden
This story was originally published on Retail Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Retail Dive newsletter. As part of its larger merchandising strategy to grow private labels, Target on Monday launched a stand-alone fresh flower and plant brand called Good Little Garden, according to a press release. The retailer-owned brand has pricing starting at $6 and includes more than 60 options of seasonal and everyday assortments ranging from potted plants to bouquets. Good Little Garden is available in Target stores nationwide and through Target's same-day ordering services. Target introduced seasonal floral offerings to its stores in 2020 via its party supply owned brand Spritz and has since seen floral sales triple, per the release. Target's further venture into live florals and plants adds to its private-label growth strategy. The retailer in March announced a strategic plan to reach $15 billion in sales growth by 2030. To achieve that, the company is investing in stores and revamping its merchandising across several categories, which includes an effort to boost its private brands. CEO Brian Cornell in March noted that about a dozen of Target's private labels are $1 billion brands. In 2024, the retailer relaunched its owned sleepwear brand Auden and its home essentials brand Up&Up with an expanded assortment. Target also debuted private label toy brand, Gigglescape, and a new low-price basics brand named Dealworthy that same year. "When you combine the amazing assortment our team has curated, and everything we've done to ensure we're delivering quality and freshness to stores nationwide, Good Little Garden is making it easier than ever to celebrate any occasion," Lisa Roath, chief merchandising officer of food, essentials and beauty at Target, said in a statement. For Mother's Day, Target will host in-store events at select locations on Sunday with giveaways and a "build your own bouquet" offering with Good Little Garden products. The merchandising revamp is underway as Target faces consumer backlash from its reversal of some company diversity efforts in January. Target has seen traffic fall since the change to its DEI initiatives, per data from footfall analytics firm this month. Target store traffic dropped 9% in February compared to last year and 6.5% in March, after rising 3.6% in January, per data. Activist Rev. Al Sharpton and Target CEO Brian Cornell met earlier this month to discuss the changes to its DEI efforts after Sharpton publicly considered a boycott of the retailer. Sharpton's civil rights activist group, National Action Network, also met with PepsiCo regarding its DEI initiative changes in April as it considers a potential boycott of the food and beverage company. In a press release from NAN on Friday, Sharpton noted in a statement that he met with Cornell and took a photo during the meeting, but stressed that this was not just a photo-op. 'This was a message that we will go public with progress and what the answers are for the things we asked for,' said Sharpton.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Likely Dem gubernatorial candidate in key swing state praises DEI at Sharpton event: 'Stay woke'
FIRST ON FOX: Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford, a Democrat running for governor in the key swing state, recently attended the National Action Network's convention and urged the audience to "stay woke" while defending businesses who push DEI. Ford, who stood up and cheered when New York's Democratic Attorney General Letitia James walked into the room at Al Sharpton's event before embracing her, touted the "affirmative action scholarship" that he received to attend Texas A&M University while speaking at the convention earlier this month. "When they talk about the opposite of equity, its inequity, you know what that means. You work hard, but you don't get the same thing everyone else gets for the same work that they've done," Ford said, before praising companies who have refused to scrap DEI policies. "Whether it's Costco… whether it's Delta, whether it's the Cleveland Cavaliers, I know I'm in the wrong city for that, but the point I'm making is these places that adamantly and continue to support Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, we should support because they support us," Ford said. Controversial Defense Program Tied To Dei-laden Contractor Could Be In Crosshairs Of Doge: 'Poster Child' Ford then suggested that the term "woke" was a badge of honor rather than a negative. Read On The Fox News App "Here's what's happening right now, they don't want you to 'wake up everybody,'" Ford said, referencing a Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes song. "That's why they've got a war on woke, you understand? They don't want you asking what's going on? They want you ignorant, they want you complacent. That's why they changing history books right before your eyes, and so it's important that you stay woke and that you continue asking questions and hold folks accountable. That's what you can do and you can do that anytime, every time whenever you feel like making it happen." Despite Trump's Order, A Surprising Number Of Dei Programs Remain 'Active' At Colleges And Universities Fox News Digital reached out to Ford's office for comment. Ford, who has said he plans to run for governor against Republican incumbent Joe Lombardo as a Democrat in a state President Donald Trump narrowly won in 2024, made his comments touting DEI shortly after Trump began his push to rid DEI from the federal government. Additionally, companies across the country have been moving away from DEI. Sharpton, the president of National Action Network, has called on his followers to boycott companies that have moved away from DEI, including Target. Sharpton recently met with the retail giant's CEO in a meeting that Sharpton reportedly asked for. "You can't have an election come and all of a sudden, change your old positions," Sharpton said. "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."Original article source: Likely Dem gubernatorial candidate in key swing state praises DEI at Sharpton event: 'Stay woke'
Fox News
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Likely Dem gubernatorial candidate in key swing state praises DEI at Sharpton event: 'Stay woke'
FIRST ON FOX: Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford, a Democrat running for governor in the key swing state, recently attended the National Action Network's convention and urged the audience to "stay woke" while defending businesses who push DEI. Ford, who stood up and cheered when New York's Democratic Attorney General Letitia James walked into the room at Al Sharpton's event before embracing her, touted the "affirmative action scholarship" that he received to attend Texas A&M University while speaking at the convention earlier this month. "When they talk about the opposite of equity, its inequity, you know what that means. You work hard, but you don't get the same thing everyone else gets for the same work that they've done," Ford said, before praising companies who have refused to scrap DEI policies. "Whether it's Costco… whether it's Delta, whether it's the Cleveland Cavaliers, I know I'm in the wrong city for that, but the point I'm making is these places that adamantly and continue to support Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, we should support because they support us," Ford said. Ford then suggested that the term "woke" was a badge of honor rather than a negative. "Here's what's happening right now, they don't want you to 'wake up everybody,'" Ford said, referencing a Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes song. "That's why they've got a war on woke, you understand? They don't want you asking what's going on? They want you ignorant, they want you complacent. That's why they changing history books right before your eyes, and so it's important that you stay woke and that you continue asking questions and hold folks accountable. That's what you can do and you can do that anytime, every time whenever you feel like making it happen." Fox News Digital reached out to Ford's office for comment. Ford, who has said he plans to run for governor against Republican incumbent Joe Lombardo as a Democrat in a state President Donald Trump narrowly won in 2024, made his comments touting DEI shortly after Trump began his push to rid DEI from the federal government. Additionally, companies across the country have been moving away from DEI. Sharpton, the president of National Action Network, has called on his followers to boycott companies that have moved away from DEI, including Target. Sharpton recently met with the retail giant's CEO in a meeting that Sharpton reportedly asked for. "You can't have an election come and all of a sudden, change your old positions," Sharpton said. "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."
Yahoo
20-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Target CEO makes bold move to dodge big boycott from shoppers
Target () has some major challenges on its hands. The retailer has recently suffered from boycott threats and declining foot traffic in its stores as it faces sharp criticism for following a controversial trend in corporate America. In January, Target unexpectedly scaled back its diversity, equity, and inclusion program shortly after President Donald Trump issued an executive order dismantling the federal government's DEI programs. In the executive order, he claimed that the programs enforce 'illegal and immoral discrimination.' 💵💰Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter 💰💵 Target's DEI cuts include withdrawing its participation in the Human Rights Campaign survey, which tracks LGBTQ+ corporate policies and also discontinued its three-year DEI goals and concluded its Racial Equity Action and Change initiatives. Those initiatives involved advancing the careers of Black employees, instituting anti-racism training for team members, promoting Black-owned businesses, sourcing products from Black suppliers, etc. Shortly after Target announced these changes, it faced multiple boycott threats from consumers. According to recent data from foot traffic in Target stores started to decline during the week of Jan. 27, and the trend continued over the next two months. Last month, Target's foot traffic shrank by 6.5% year-over-year. Amid this alarming trend, Target CEO Brian Cornell agreed to address the controversy head-on. He accepted an invitation to meet with the Rev. Al Sharpton, president of the National Action Network, on April 18 to discuss Target's decision to pull back on DEI. 'You can't have an election come and all of a sudden, change your old positions,' said Sharpton in a recent interview with CNBC. '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.' Sharpton said he will consider igniting a Target boycott if during the meeting, the retailer doesn't express a commitment to the Black community and work with Black-owned companies. 'If [Cornell] wants to have a candid meeting, we'll meet,' said Sharpton. 'I want to first hear what he has to say.' Sharpton later posted a statement on social media platform X claiming that his meeting with Cornell was 'very constructive" and "candid." Sharpton and his team will determine "next steps" with Target during the Easter holiday. "This morning, I had a very constructive and candid meeting with Brian Cornell that included NAN National Board Chair Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson and NAN Senior Advisor Carra Wallace,' said Sharpton. 'I am going to inform our allies, including Rev. Dr. Jamal Bryant, of our discussion, what my feelings are, and we will go from there."Target isn't the only company Sharpton has recently criticized for cutting DEI. Earlier this month, he sent a letter to PepsiCo () expressing his 'profound disappointment' with the company's decision to scale back its DEI initiatives. In the letter, he threatened to start a boycott against the company. However, on April 16, Sharpton and several members of National Action Network met with PepsiCo CEO Ramon Laguarta and PepsiCo North America CEO Steven Williams to discuss DEI. In a statement on X, Sharpton said the meeting with PepsiCo leaders was 'constructive.' He also said that he and National Action Network members will make 'a final determination and recommendation' in the next few days on whether to proceed with a PepsiCo boycott. The last thing Target needs is another boycott, especially when it is struggling to boost its weak sales. In Target's fourth-quarter earnings report for 2024, it revealed that its comparable sales only increased by 1.5% year-over-year. Its operating income, a company's profit after expenses, also shrank by about 21%, compared to the same quarter in 2023. More Retail: AT&T quietly issues stern warning to customers Sam's Club makes a big change to a beloved membership perk GameStop announces risky move amid store closures Like many retailers across the country, Target is also facing the looming threat of tariffs (taxes companies pay to import goods from overseas), which could cause it to increase prices in stores. This move could drive away frugal customers. The retailer is already set to face a boycott from The People's Union USA, which is scheduled for June 3-9 this year. According to The People's Union USA's website, it targets large corporations that have allegedly 'driven up prices, underpaid their workers, and outsourced jobs while raking in record profits.'Sign in to access your portfolio
