Target Sales Drop Following Pride Merchandise Backlash

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The Facts

  • Target's quarterly sales have fallen for the first time in six years, reportedly due to a decrease in consumers' discretionary spending and a right-wing backlash to Target's Pride Month collection released in June.

  • According to the company's second-quarter earnings report published Wednesday, retail giant Target's sales fell by 5.4% between April and June compared to last year.

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The Spin

Narrative A

Target may be experiencing a drop in sales, but shoppers aren't enacting a political boycott. Americans are spending less on non-essential items at all stores and Target's inventory comprises a majority of non-essential merchandise like clothing, home decor, and toys.

CNN

Narrative B

This drop in sales results from Target trying too hard to be political. The store needs to do a better job of vetting the vendor merchandise it carries and should be more conscious of the settings, timings, and presentations of any future displays it may have of so-called "heritage celebrations."

CNBC

Metaculus Prediction