Target foot traffic has declined for 10 consecutive weeks since rolling back DEI

Target foot traffic has declined for 10 consecutive weeks since rolling back DEI

(CNN) – Dozens of Fortune 500 companies have recently backtracked on diversity, equity and inclusion programs in response to conservative court decisions, pressure from right-wing activists and legal groups, as well as the Trump administration.

 

But none have seen as much backlash as Target.

 

According to data from the analytics firm Placer.ai, foot traffic at Target stores has declined for 10 consecutive weeks.

 

More than 200,000 people also participated in a nationwide boycott of the retailer.

 

Target reacted to the Trump administration’s threats by announcing it was scaling back its DEI commitments.

 

The major retailer said it would eliminate hiring goals for minority employees, end an executive committee focused on racial justice, and make other changes to its diversity initiatives.

 

Previously, Target was a champion of diversity in hiring and sourcing their products. DEI supporters have reacted with fierce blowback, protesting Target’s decision with some even calling the company’s actions “a betrayal.”