r/Anticonsumption • u/Healthy_Block3036 • 13d ago

Corporations Target foot traffic falls for seventh consecutive week after it dismantled DEI

https://www.retailbrew.com/stories/2025/03/21/target-foot-traffic-falls-for-seventh-consecutive-week-after-it-dismantled-dei
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4.2k

u/moleyrussell 13d ago

Good. Let's keep that trend going.

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u/justwalkingalonghere 13d ago

Might be worth calling them or emailing them to let them know it's on principle, too

There's an article going around about them writing it off as general consumer trends instead of about them specifically

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u/avatarstate 13d ago

I have a friend in management there. He said they’re censoring surveys that mention DEI. Yet they didn’t do it when people cried about pride. They’re a shit company.

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u/Next-Introduction-25 13d ago

Did your friend explain what that means exactly? Censoring as in they know some people are unhappy about DEI but they’re not sharing that info with anyone else? Or censoring like like preventing anyone’s comments about DEI from somehow reaching them so they can claim it isn’t an issue? Just wondering if you mean that bringing up DEI to them is a lost cause. 

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u/momo6548 13d ago

Regular managers at the store who have no control over policy are the ones who answer surveys.

So, because there’s literally no response a store level manager could give to something like that, the system automatically removes any DEI related surveys from what the store team has to handle.

I’m one of the people who answers surveys at our store. People always seem surprised that the busywork of answering all the surveys falls to a regular manager and not someone in corporate.

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u/connorroy_2024 12d ago

I had no idea people actually read those surveys. I thought it was just placating people who wanted to complain and it ends up in a long lost inbox somewhere.

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u/darthmidoriya 12d ago

A lot of companies base your job performance on surveys now 😁 I rent cars and I got a talking to a couple weeks ago because not enough of my customers are shouting me out by name on their surveys

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u/TeenyRex89 12d ago

And the majority of people won't either.

Bought a mouse pad at best buy, was asked to fill out the survey for cashier

Submit an IT ticket AT work, asked to fill out a survey for the 3rd party contractor

I barely have enough time for my own job much less others' 😭

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u/connorroy_2024 12d ago

WHAT? That’s awful, I’m sorry. These companies shouldn’t be crowdsourcing their management and employee reviews… that’s the managers job :/ especially in retail/service

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u/snarkyxanf 11d ago

not enough of my customers are shouting me out by name on their surveys

WTF. I'm bad with names in general, and have never marked down the name of an employee in my life. I could hand write in a perfumed letter of love for the company and my customer service experience and it still wouldn't include the desk rep's actual name

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u/darthmidoriya 11d ago

I know, it’s insane. What’s even worse, is that only the fully satisfied customers count. So their survey has to be literally perfect AND they have to shout me out by name

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u/TheDevil-YouKnow 12d ago

LMAO. Are you kidding?! I am not a Target employee, but this is universal. The rankings are absolutely fucked too.

A level 1 survey requires like 4 level 9s to negate the one level 1. Anything between 1 & 9 basically just.. doesn't matter. You can be given 50 8 ranked surveys, and it won't do anything for the 1 ranked survey.

On top of this, depending on the survey, you have to reach out to the customer to remediate the situation. Either gift card, talk to the employee (young cashier usually here) that RUINED THIS CUSTOMER'S LIFE by bagging cat treats next to avocados! Or having a conversation with another employee ABOUT THEIR LIFE! And the customer heard it! Outlandish, terrible behavior!

But corporate doesn't care about the surveys, the ones that matter like, 'The cart pusher set my car on fire' leads to an investigation at store level, if it has merit, that gets sent up to corporate for risk solutions to figure out how to best cover our asses in a lawsuit.

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u/connorroy_2024 12d ago

I’m not kidding, but then again I’m not the type of person to leave a poor survey review for a retail worker making peanuts. Or any survey at all, really. Sorry you have to deal with that.

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u/TheDevil-YouKnow 12d ago

Yeah I hate surveys. They're a useless metric for all intents and purposes. You end up playing this game where you harass customers to fill surveys out if they seem to have enjoyed their experience, and wink wink explain that 9s are appreciated. And why? So you can combat the curmudgeon that shops 3+hrs a day, every day, because the only semblance of routine left for them is that 3 hour shopping trip. But they're bitter, hollow people, so they love to shit on the Hispanic girl for being too flirtatious, or foam at the mouth at egg prices, so they show up everyday to leave a 1 ranked survey.

Ka is a wheel.

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u/Next-Introduction-25 12d ago

That’s good to know. When I tried to reach out when they first repealed DEI, I was very frustrated that there didn’t seem to be any sort of companywide customer service system at all. No email, phone, or website that I could find. That feels really unusual for a corporation.

I assume they don’t want to include this information because then they can control the narrative to their shareholders and continue repeating lies like “no one cares about DEI; customer traffic is down because of the weather” (or whatever.)

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u/momo6548 12d ago

There is, it’s the Target Guest Relations phone number. You can find it on google or any store guest services desk can provide it.

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u/LivMealown 12d ago

Guest Relations doesn't answer their emails, though, it seems.

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u/I_burn_noodles 12d ago

Yet they're used to assess that manager. My friend who managed a retail store used to collect people's receipts by the garbage cans and fill out the surveys himself. It's a stupid process.

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u/Coolegespam 13d ago

You know, I willing to think that Target might have a chance to claw back some of my business. But after seeing a "20 year team member" say this bullshit:

"For those of you who believe our DEI initiatives were "cancalled", I would venture to opine they have simply been put back "in the closet" "*

Nah, forget about them. The rot is through that damn stores core. Half of what I bought there was useless shit anyway, and the other half, I can find elsewhere.

*I'm not going to link to the post, but I found it on another sub.

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u/mrhandbook 12d ago

Why shop at target when Walmart is cheaper especially if they’re going to emulate Walmarts shittiness.

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u/Coolegespam 12d ago

Why shop at either? There are alternatives, for most people anyway. If there aren't, maybe ask if you really need something or not.

If you really don't have any choices and need something, sure, I guess.

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u/minja134 11d ago

There is a huge chunk of the country where Walmart is pretty much the only grocery store they have. It's unfortunate, but a very real truth. It's why they have such a large hold on the country, literally by our stomachs.

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u/RoughhouseCamel 11d ago

As someone with options, I feel like it’s my responsibility to avoid Walmart. Some people don’t have that option because Walmart ran those options out of business.

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u/minja134 11d ago

Oh for sure! But the original comment was saying question if you really need something if you can't get it elsewhere, which just bringing up sometimes even just groceries a lot of people have little other options. Luckily not the case for me, Costco has more than earned our shopping here!

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u/indianapolis505 12d ago

wow had not seen that quote. where was it

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u/Fluid-Signal-654 11d ago

If it was useless shit why did you buy it?

That's on you.

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u/StepOIU 13d ago

Good. Then they'll continue to deny the problem and won't pretend to do some performative "jk it was a prank!" bullshit to get decent people back. I hope they hang on to their hatred all the way to the bottom.

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u/Plank_With_A_Nail_In 13d ago

My uncle works at Nintendo on the next Sonic game.

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u/Educational_Rope_246 12d ago

I have a few friends who work at Target corporate and they said that in the recent town halls, with all employees there to hear the state of the business, Target has not even mentioned the boycott. I think Target is hoping to just ride this out, but I don’t know if they realize they are easier to quit than amazon or even Walmart.

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u/slcbtm 10d ago

Fare weather friends, once they show their true colors there is no going back short of public apologies and a change of leadership at the top.

I used to love 🎯, I won't forget. I still refrain from drinking Coors 🍺 because the family donated to Colorado prop 2 back in the 90's.

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u/BlakeMajik 13d ago

Why would your friend still work for them? I don't understand why anyone still works there, based on the way this sub paints the picture. Everyone should just quit and leave empty storefronts nationwide. That'd show 'em.

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u/momo6548 13d ago

People need jobs in order to live. The vast majority of people are paycheck to paycheck and can’t just quit a job because they feel like it.

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u/manyhippofarts 13d ago

Yeah people are pretty stubborn about food. They want to continue consuming it, so they have to go do things they don't like to do.

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u/LofiSynthetic 13d ago

Everyone should just quit and leave empty storefronts nationwide

This is wildly unrealistic. That’s hundreds of thousands of people across the US leaving their retail jobs that then having to find new jobs that meet their ethical standards (since in this scenario they left over Target’s ethics). Where are there hundreds of thousands of retail jobs open with companies that are ethical?

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u/BlakeMajik 12d ago

Of course it is. But the boycotters here and elsewhere think they're going to put Target out of business without considering the ramifications.

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u/boddidle 13d ago

Trust and believe, they know. That doesn't mean they'll say it outwardly

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u/Dismal_Information83 12d ago

I can assure you they know. Also, two things are true. The economic situation is likely having a much bigger impact on than they boycott. As that rolls on the boycott will matter even more.

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u/Jerking_From_Home 12d ago

That’s an incredibly lame way of saying “we lost money when we supported LGBTQ and are losing it again by swinging the pendulum the other way.” As if Target thought that it would help. Business 101 says if you lose 50% of your customers by one action, you’ll lose 100% of them by reversing your position. Especially true right now.

In the movie Full Metal Jacket, Private Joker realizes this problem and explains it quite simply: “Sir the private believes any answer he gives will be wrong and the senior drill instructor will beat him harder if he reverses himself, Sir.”

They should have just done the right thing and stuck to it. The MAGAs committing acts of violence could be minimized with extra security and true to form they’d soon tire of Target and move onto the next rage bait given to them by their cult leader.

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u/momo6548 13d ago

Please don’t call or email your local store. They have absolutely nothing to do with the larger corporate policy, and you’re just making someone’s day worse that can’t do anything about the situation.

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u/mrlbi18 12d ago

I mean, enoug people calling the local store and saying "you directly are losing money and here's why" might get them to do something about it. If you're corporate and every store is calling you complaining that your choices are damaging business then corporate might actually take it seriously.

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u/momo6548 12d ago

It really won’t. Even a store manager at a specific location is so low on the totem pole for a large corporation that they have absolutely no say in corporate policy like this.

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u/MachineShedFred 12d ago

Oh, they know. And if they haven't figured it out yet, the management will be informed at the next shareholder meeting.

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u/VulfSki 12d ago

We called right away.

The person we spoke to thanked us for calling and said they wanted to write it all down.

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u/notLennyD 12d ago

I mean, it very well may be general consumer trends. This is the start of the slow season for grocery retail.

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u/XaphanSaysBurnIt 12d ago

10 toes down in the other direction (away from any target)

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u/Professional_Shop945 10d ago

Because it is just consumer trends lol. Walmart experiencing the same thing. We’re dealing with the media no longer propping up the biden admin so now everyone realizes we’re in a recession

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u/justwalkingalonghere 10d ago

That's a ridiculous take. It's painfully obvious that trump and musk are to blame for most of it. Their actions have caused both mass economic uncertainty and boycotts that you can see being organized en masse on sites like reddit

We're literally on a thread about how they've specifically only had this issue during trump's presidency

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u/Professional_Shop945 10d ago

It’s the truth so it is what it is.

They’re really not, it’s just hilarious how you can alter spending based on how you report on economic health. Under biden I remember everyone telling me there was no inflation, no recession, and now prices have gone down and people are telling me there’s Inflation and we’re in a recession 😂 it’s hilarious.

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u/justwalkingalonghere 9d ago

Who's telling you that? Inflation is measured very carefully and you can literally look at every year and every month's numbers.

Not everything is some wild conspiracy.

Bring me some evidence if you're so sure that the experts and the people with common sense are wrong

And even if biden caused this, trump sure as hell isn't going to fix it by deporting our immigrant laborers, starting fights with all of our allies, cutting social benefits, randomly generating tariffs on a whim, and giving literally more than a trillion dollars more in tax breaks to the obscenely wealthy

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u/Sassy_Sweet321 6d ago

A lot of people are boycotting Walmart as well.

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u/Fit-Remove-6597 13d ago edited 13d ago

I actually set foot in one due to getting a target gift card from family (live in MN) and used it to get cat litter. Place was dead.

Haven’t stepped foot in it since and won’t be touching it. Also told my family to not get gift cards in the future from Target for me so they can’t draw me in.

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u/LebrahnJahmes 13d ago

I went into one to take an emergency shit and that was it

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u/Brodellsky 13d ago

Europeans can say a lot about us, and be right, but they can't clown us for this.

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u/UnsharpenedSwan 13d ago

but Europeans don’t have to take emergency shits in target

they have actual nice, clean, government-maintained public restrooms (albeit sometimes with a small fee) 😭

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u/Techun2 13d ago

Yeah right. The worst part about being in Europe (so not that bad) is the lack of bathrooms. Where do they go!?

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u/pimpletwist 13d ago

No, the worst part about Europe is the smoking

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u/DaggumTarHeels 13d ago

There's lot's of shitty things about Europe lol. No region is immune from issues. I travel to the UK/Spain/Germany frequently for work, so I'll stick with the areas I know.

Europe is not a monolith btw. Croatia and Finland are incredibly different.

  • Housing is unaffordable even in rural areas, yes more so than the US. And where it's "affordable"; it's not available. Like the 3 year wait a buddy in Austria had before a rent-controlled apt came up. Even then, you're stuck in it. Western Europe and large American cities don't want to actually do things that increase housing supply.

  • In many western European countries, the healthcare systems are overloaded. (I'm relaying what the locals tell me here)

  • The tax systems across all of the EU are less progressive than the US. Yes, that's correct. Look at the median US income tax burden: 12%. Look at the bottom 50%: they pay a 3% rate. The basic rate in the UK for instance is 20%.

  • Salaries are low.

  • Even if the things above are not obstacles to you, the regulatory environment can be punitive. (Looking at you UK Councils)

Reddit has this compulsion that if a gov in charge is bad, you have to push a narrative even if it means lying.

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u/Harlow31 12d ago

Ok. Let’s address these one by one.

Housing only unaffordable if you want to buy. Here in the UK house ownership is deemed an investment. So there is artificial inflation that only gets reset when there is a major financial downturn (last one was 2008). Since then property prices have increased and the government doesn’t build enough to change the upward trend. In most other European countries there is a far larger long term rental market. In some countries the rental or lease can even be bequeathed so extending the rental period beyond the initial renters lifespan. Renting in the UK is short term so not immune to market inflation.

Most European countries operate a publicly funded (or partially so) healthcare system. So yes busy but also entirely valued by a population that gets the best service for little or no direct cost. Health outcomes in the EU consistently out perform those in the US which is traditionally considered to have a shockingly poor system for such a wealthy country. I suggest this as a read for the most recent data. And I spent most of my working careers in the NHS so whilst this doesn’t paint a great picture (due to under investment in recent years) it’s still better than the US.

https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/insight-and-analysis/blogs/comparing-nhs-to-health-care-systems-other-countries.html

Tax position depends upon your view about state taxation. But it’s interesting the Scandinavian countries have some of the highest rates of personal taxation in Europe but also are all in the top 10 happiest people in the world based on OECD research. Originally the Danes were the happiest but have recently been overtaken by the Finns. Sweden have some of the highest rates average is 40% of GDP or so but this is used to fund extensive social programmes including the healthcare system. Again a useful read.

https://taxfoundation.org/blog/scandinavian-social-programs-taxes-2023/

The thing you’ve said that’s most true is that Europe isn’t homogenous. Different cultures, languages, and histories. We’ve had over 3000 years to develop those with migration, invasion and relationships.

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u/DaggumTarHeels 12d ago

Housing only unaffordable if you want to buy.

The median UK income after taxes is £27,573 and median rent is £1,284, that's nearly half your net income on just rent.

gets the best service

Glasgow NHS told my colleague she'd have to wait 2 years to get her slipped disc treated. She said this was the norm.

Personally I'd like to see the US implement medicare for all, but there are very real issues to be addressed.

traditionally considered to have a shockingly poor system for such a wealthy country

Yes this is accurate. And in large part because the US has an underclass who receives virtually no healthcare. For those who have access to quality private insurance, the outcomes improve as you might expect.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4866586/

The US has some of the best hospitals and medical staff in the world, it's a matter of who gets to utilize them.

And yes, this distinction only matters at an individual level.

But it’s interesting the Scandinavian countries have some of the highest rates of personal taxation in Europe but also are all in the top 10 happiest people in the world based on OECD research. Originally the Danes were the happiest but have recently been overtaken by the Finns.

Right, it depends on what you value/want in life. But the US objectively has a more progressive tax system, as surprising as that is haha

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u/Techun2 13d ago

Hey man I just want to pee

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u/DaggumTarHeels 13d ago

That'll be 1€ plz

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u/moon_soil 13d ago

Museums!!!

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u/mrspalmieri 13d ago

they have actual nice, clean, government-maintained public restrooms

Went to Italy in summer of 2023 and I'm going to have to strongly disagree with you. Those bathrooms were gross, often had no toilet seats and no toilet paper. No soap at the sinks. What's worse is that I had to pay to use the facilities. Otherwise, Italy was amazing.. just didn't have the best luck with the bathrooms

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u/marcus_centurian 10d ago

I recall the restrooms in Paris were less nice, despite costing about the same with soap and things missing from some sinks. The Dutch and Belgian restrooms were all great in maintenance although I recall the one at Antwerp Centraal Station was confusing to get into. I visited fall of 2024.

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u/damnitimtoast 10d ago

I went in one when I was in Paris and there was shit smeared all over the walls.

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u/Rothovius 13d ago

God I wish this was true. In reality the quality varies a lot but most of it isn't that good. Availability is also bad.

On the bright side, peeing in a bush is more socially acceptable. I don't actually know this, but I was once honked in Texas for having stopped roadside and was obviously peeing. In Finland this has never happened to me.

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u/trook95 13d ago

Man idk I've had to pay to get in to some seriously nasty restrooms in the UK and in France specifically

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u/ProfessionalBook41 13d ago

Which European country has government maintained public restrooms?

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u/SelfServeSporstwash 12d ago

To my knowledge none, at least nation wide. Some municipalities, cities, or maybe even entire provinces/regions may have it. Obviously quality/cleanliness varies greatly.

My (limited) experience is extremely hit and miss, and I definitely have a significantly easier time finding a restroom in the US.

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u/crazycatlady331 5d ago

Outside of major cities, it's one of the few things fast food is good for.

Say what you want to about McDonald's, Burger King, etc. But if I see that there's one right off a highway and I need to pee when I'm driving, I will stop there.

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u/beepborpimajorp 12d ago

People really will post the most made up crap on this site and as long as it's "Europe good, America bad" people will upvote it.

And even when you're trying to make the place look better, charging for a bathroom is the stupidest and most ableist thing on the planet.

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u/Buttoshi 13d ago

How much for ice and to sit inside the place I bought the food

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u/vildingen 13d ago

Cries in Swedish

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u/Ionlycryforonions 13d ago

Good man. Doing your civic doody!

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u/shaysauce 13d ago

They got them all point atms too. Which is the free one my bank uses.

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u/Youcum2fast69 13d ago

Hahahaaaaa hell yeah

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u/meaty-urologist 11d ago

You are the hero we need right now.

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u/BeingSad9300 13d ago

Same here. We've just cut way back on all shopping because of financial uncertainty, but I used to go in to browse the dollar spot for something to keep my kid entertained with, or clearance items, or we'd just go to walk around out of boredom. I only went recently because a family member has a baby shower, & our budget friendly options with stuff on their list are Target, Walmart, or Amazon. We went Target since they have more baby clearance than Walmart here. 🤷🏻‍♀️

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u/Correct-Ad-6473 13d ago

My kids both have some target and Amazon gift cards to use, but they can wait a few months.  Since the money is already there, I feel less bad about using them.  Other than that, we've cold turkey'd both places and I stopped using the credit card and will be replacing with the Costco Citi cc.  

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u/slideyslides 13d ago

Actually it’s the other way around, gift cards are basically all profit for the company, unless you use it all!

the best way to stick it to them if you already have the gift cards previously is to use every single cent on it, they bank on you not using every cent and that’s where they make money

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u/Correct-Ad-6473 13d ago

That's what I was trying to say.  I didn't want to not use them because the money has already been spent, but I'd like to wait a few months more.  Can I just add that I hate gift cards in general?  We wind up getting them and they're either too much or too little for whatever they are.  The only ones we've done anything with is the local custard place and I keep the McDonald's ones in the car for if some asks for money for food; I never have cash and if someone else will use them to eat... Awesome.

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u/Revised_Copy-NFS 13d ago

I like cash. However I do appreciate that gift cards ensure that the person uses the money on something vaguely specific instead of just adding it to their account.

I wouldn't do it to someone who was struggling but for someone who rarely buys things for themselves. Not amazon or a place where you can get anything, but like a book store if your person likes to read or something similar depending on their hobbies like a steam card.

It's the middle ground between giving someone a thing and cash IMO. I can't know exactly what you want or need so the paint brushes might not get used if they are wrong, but you now have earmarked money to help you.

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u/AnyBuy1820 13d ago

Honestly they're crap. In my country they're not common, so we use cash directly. That way the person can decide for themselves if, what, and where to buy.

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u/stacey2545 12d ago

There is a place online where you can swap gift cards. I've never used it, but that seems like a way to get use out of the money without breaking your boycott.

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u/irissmooches 7d ago

If anyone needs ideas, see if a local charity has an Amazon wish list. When I get a gift card now, I use it to buy stuff needed by one near me, usually kids' socks or underwear or things like that.

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u/HellCat70 13d ago

I've got the Costco credit card. Once a year a get a fat cash-back check. I wish I'd got one sooner.

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u/Correct-Ad-6473 13d ago

We do even without the credit card.  I'm excited for next year's!  We actually didn't realize when we made a few appliance purchases that we used a different credit card than the one registered and didn't get the cash back for them and we've not made that mistake again!  Costco is awesome, but I truly hate shopping there.  I'm so glad my family enjoys it... Without me.

Edited: a word 

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u/cakestabber 12d ago

I'll make a plug for the Costco Business Center if you have one nearby. In my experience (which is shared by others on Reddit when I've mentioned it before), you get 70%+ of the same inventory that is in the regular Costco locations (minus pharmacy/health, clothes, books, food court, and booze), without the aggravations of the regular Costco locations (a warzone for a parking lot, high foot traffic, etc.).

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u/Correct-Ad-6473 12d ago

Interesting.  IDK that we have one, but I'll def be checking to see.

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u/Half_Cent 13d ago

Fat? How much do you spend there? As a family of four our check every year covers the annual fee and just a little more.

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u/unconfusedsub 13d ago

Citi group donated millions to Trump and Trump super pacs.

Just a heads up if considering.

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u/Correct-Ad-6473 13d ago

Ugh... I'm going to have to look a little harder into that.  My oldest cc was a working assets card and BOA closed it down.  I'd be interested in something similar if I could find one.  We use Costco and I like their policies so I figured their card would be a good fit rather than my Amazon points card.  I'm not sure there is a worthy credit institution either tho?  Thanks for the info!  If you have any recs, I'd appreciate it.

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u/unconfusedsub 13d ago

I get it. We also use Costco a lot and do have the Citi card from when they switched way back from Amex. I'm not sure what the option is tbh. We did call email Costco about it not aligning with their core values.

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u/buttons123456 13d ago

Can you use Amazon GC to buy other GC at places you do use?

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u/dreamgrrrl___ 13d ago

You can as long as they have them available. Back in the day I would save up all my change and cash them in at a coin star for Amazon gift cards to avoid the fee, then I’d use that Amazon gift card to buy a Southwest Airlines gift card.

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u/Correct-Ad-6473 13d ago

I don't think so.   plus, they're my kids' gift cards and the best I could do for them is actually give them cash, but again, the cards were purchased already so not using them only gives them the money back.  I'll def check tho to see if there's another option... Maybe selling them on a GC selling sure?  Ugh, idk.  Appreciate the question tho :)

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u/satchelfullofpistols 13d ago

The money is in their accounts already. Go pick up your goods. Clearance if possible. Even if you don’t use all of it, you’re taking something back from them.

Also, this is not aimed at you op. We have to send the message but we also have to do it without burdening our fellow worker bees. We’re all up in arms right now. Don’t be a jerk or cause them trouble. These are our people.

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u/[deleted] 13d ago

[deleted]

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u/Correct-Ad-6473 13d ago

Yes, I know.  I think it's not clear in my comment, but I'd still like to put off going for a few months.  We'll use them.. Eventually, but since the money was spent buying them already I'm not trying to just lose them.

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u/DrinkingSocks 13d ago

That's not true. Target received the cash but gift cards are considered a liability until they are used, although there is likely a formula to consider them expired and recognize the revenue.

You should still use the card though, as the cash was already spent.

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u/Equivalent_Ad9414 13d ago

Trade them for something else.

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u/Correct-Ad-6473 13d ago

Where?  Is it equal trade?  I actually have so many stupid gift cards that we will never use and would love to trade them or something.

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u/call-me-the-seeker 12d ago

I did this when the new Lady Gaga album came out, went in, bought the vinyl and CD. Both with gift cards, so that they only got like a dollar fifty from my pocket.

This way they’re no longer sitting on a free loan in the form of dormant gift card money, they have to take it off their books, so ha, AND I still get to have the special edition vinyl they have, and ‘help’ an artist I am a fan of have a good release. Wins all around (I actually listen to physical albums, they’re not just going to sit and be cOLLeCtoRS iTEmS).

Anyone know what the ‘right’ address would be to write to corporate about why I stopped going in? I used to be at Target quite a bit when I needed something over Wally World or Amazon, because of their supposed support for openly non-hetero employees, the more inclusive merch selection, the bathroom reeeeing from the right wing, etc. I’ve only darkened their door for this Gaga album since they made this announcement, and if home office were to look at my ‘rewards’ member number at my purchase history, they’d see they actually throttled a significant habit. But I see others saying here that telling the store manager/filling out the survey actually doesn’t get to the suits.

So yes, does anyone have experience writing an actual letter to home office and have a good address? Love to explain that no, it’s not because I fell poor that I quit you.

3

u/getxxxx 13d ago

use them i have to use mine

8

u/Aleashed 13d ago

If they go bankrupt, your giftcards go bye bye

13

u/Correct-Ad-6473 13d ago

That would be a satisfyingly small price to pay.. Unless you mean billionaire bankrupt where you just shuffle paperwork and come out wealthier than ever.  

2

u/Correct-Ad-6473 13d ago

We will.  I just wanted to wait a few months and get us used to not relying so much on ordering things and pivoting to supporting companies we can feel about spending our money with.

2

u/RhubarbGoldberg 13d ago

I tend to put a lot of pressure on myself and aim for perfectionism, but then I remember it's a rigged, corrupt system and sometimes we have to pick our battles and ensure our mental or financial health. Besides, it's way more meaningful to have millions of us doing it somewhat imperfectly than a handful of us being absolutely perfect. So just being aware and part of the movement in any way matters.

I haven't been in a target or Walmart in at least a decade and I don't miss either. But I'm lucky to live in a place with options and I don't have friends with young kids or know a lot of people getting married anymore, thank fuck.

1

u/Lots42 13d ago

Target's dollar spot and clearance used to have essentials for my household.

Now, like the rest of the store, it's wildly over-priced nonsense.

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u/Caleb_Reynolds 13d ago

Not only is using gift cards fine, if you have them you should use them as part of the protest. They've already gotten the money for them, as a gift card it's a liability, make them pay up.

2

u/petrolly 12d ago

Kudos for knowing a gift card is a liability for the retailer, but how is using it good? Using it means you're clearing their liability while also registering a sale, which help Target's revenue and profit. 

4

u/Caleb_Reynolds 12d ago

By using the gift card you're forcing them to pay out on that liability in goods. You're collecting on a loan that corporations rely on people not collecting on. And you're paying them with fake money, it doesn't actually help their real profit, even if it shows as accounting profit.

But more acutely, by not using it because of the protest, you're essentially forgiving the loan. They owe you that stuff, you might as well collect it.

2

u/petrolly 12d ago

those are fair points. There's no clear answer here. It's very gray. After pondering it, I do think it's best to not use it during this current 40 day DEI boycott because using it will help their revenue and profit during that time. But after that, you're probably right it's best to get some value from it by using it.

1

u/Caleb_Reynolds 12d ago edited 12d ago

Oh, I didn't know it was a temporary boycott. That changes things, because then you're just waiting but will collect on it eventually.

2

u/Tymew 12d ago

Imagine I give you $100 today. The deal is the next time we hang out, you have to buy lunch. Maybe that's tomorrow, next year or we never see each other again (all valid options for gift cards). Either way, you already have the money to do what you want with. Good for you. 

I've basically given you a $100 loan with no interest that has a chance of never being returned.

1

u/petrolly 12d ago edited 12d ago

you already have the money to do what you want with

At least not right away, Target doesn't get to do what they want with the money. It basically sits there; they do earn interest on it and depending on the state, they will eventually be able to claim it, but that could be years or many years.

You have a point. There's no clear answer, it's gray. Maybe not use it during this 40 day boycott because using it will help their revenue. But after that, it's best to get value by using it.

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u/Mjuffnir 13d ago

To be honest I still get target brand cat litter because it's the absolute best for the price, relatively cheap and it shit clumps like none other. But I've stopped all other purchases.

16

u/jkki1999 13d ago

Same! But I have it delivered so the delivery person gets their cut.

26

u/stacey2545 13d ago

I was the same. Just switched to an online petstore's house brand & I like it better. Possibly cheaper, clumps as well, lower dust. Their customer service has always been great & getting it shipped is super convenient. I realized I'd been a loyal Target customer for years just because I was afraid to switch cat litters! My Target shopping has declined since the pandemic when I started ordering online & getting curbside pickup, but even that tapered off to where I'd stock up on certain staples just to make it worth driving over to pick up the cat litter.

9

u/ShannonE83 13d ago

I’d love to know, too. Target brand has worked the best for us, but I’d take a recommendation if you know a better one. I’d like to reduce my shopping at Target even further.

2

u/DangerousAd9046 13d ago

Have you ever tried a grass seed cat litter? I have cats and that has been way better than clay.

1

u/stacey2545 12d ago

I have not heard of grass seed litter. I will have to look.

1

u/stacey2545 12d ago

I can't recommend brands in thos sub, but feel free to dm me

5

u/momofwon 13d ago

Which one? I’ve given up Target but I’m looking for a dupe for their litter.

3

u/FalconForest5307 13d ago

We used to buy the scoop away for years at Costco. A couple years back I switched to a specific brand wood product litter (all 3 types they have) and it’s the absolute best. Get it from the big online pet supply store - and they are spectacular btw. Never going back to clay. It’s a little more $$, but my house used to be covered with a super fine layer of clay dust with that litter fragrance. Not anymore, the wood litter lasts forever before it starts getting that stinky cat litter smell. It’s definitely OK.

3

u/Old_n_Tangy 13d ago

What brand of litter?  I'm so tired of the litter dust everywhere

2

u/FalconForest5307 12d ago

Cant recommend brands on this sub, don’t want it to get taken down. You can dm me if you want

1

u/stacey2545 12d ago

It's been awhile since I've tried radically different litter with my cats. I've catsit for folks who use a wheat based litter, but I can't stand the smell. The only time I've used pellets is when a cat is recovering from surgery. My concern is that my cats won't like a pellet litter. The kind made from recycled newspaper appeals to me from an environmental/sustainability perspective but that's not gonna be a good selling point with my cats.

1

u/SpuddyBud 13d ago

I'm curious too! Thanks

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u/luckybeast 13d ago

If you’re ever looking to change, I swear by the scoop away at costco! It’s less than 20 bucks for 42 lbs which lasts us a while and it’s the absolute best cat litter I’ve ever used, tight clumps and no odor! Plus you get to support a company that still honors its DEI pledge.

3

u/Substantial-Sea-3672 13d ago

I’m not going to be as melodramatic as the person claiming you’re suffocating trans people with kitty litter or whatever…

But this is the most hilarious “slacktivism” ever.

“I know they’re evil but what else will my cat poop in!”

2

u/Opasero 13d ago

It really is good. I got some very cheap stuff from Costco to try, but to be honest, i am not optimistic.

2

u/Proper_Raccoon7138 13d ago

Your local feed store will have cheaper & better quality litter I can promise you that.

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u/Several_Fortune8220 13d ago

Make sure you find out exactly how much you saved. That way you know a trans person's life is worth less to you than $1.23.

Next step is a vote for trump for a $2 coupon off of a gas station hamburger. This corporate manipulation is exactly what they are banking on. You can't resist them.

If they were giving everything away in the store for free I wouldn't go. Because I'd know how much of a sell out I was at the end of the day. They can afford to buy you and me. But it never works out in our favor in the long run now does it?

19

u/WiseRabbit-XIV 13d ago

Nah. Using the gift card is the right play, here. They already have the money, this is forcing them to give you product instead of them just getting to keep the cash. The last thing they deserve is free money.

11

u/LaRealiteInconnue 13d ago

You should watch the show The Good Place. I think it’ll resonate with you and give you some things to think about (completely srs).

19

u/RacquelTomorrow 13d ago

I agree with your anger and frustration, but it is misplaced here. There is no ethical consumption under capitalism, and many people can only afford that $1.23 less in order to get fresh litter for their cat (in this example).

Be angry at the billionaires and corporations, not your neighbor trying to make ends meet and being forced by said corporations and billionaires to choose between giving money to a company that doesn't give a fuck about trans lives, and giving money to a company that doesn't give a fuck about trans lives.

The only way we make it through this, the only way we make meaningful real change, is through community. It is not the time to alienate people, but to educate, connect, and fight back together.

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u/MWH1980 13d ago

I’ve walked around in my local ones just to get out of the cold for a bit on my walks, but still have held to not making any purchases.

2

u/EitherRecognition242 13d ago

Gift cards in general are the first to be denied when a business goes under.

2

u/NYerInTex 13d ago

Pretty Litter?

Targets the only retail spot I know that sells it so when I needed it and didn’t want to wait / ship that was my go to which turned into my usual place to buy it for two years.

A couple weeks ago my first shipment form prettylitter.com arrived as I avoid target at this point.

They pissed me off enough to not be lazy and wait until the last minute for pick up or their sale day deliver.

FU Target.

1

u/Holdenborkboi 13d ago

I think I might have seen it at Walmart actually

2

u/PiedCryer 13d ago

I stopped when they started putting socks in a glass cage that requires level 20 security clearance to open.

1

u/buttons123456 13d ago

You could always donate to say,a cat rescue and take it off your taxes.

1

u/polopolo05 13d ago

Cash the gift card for everywhere

1

u/FreckledBaker 13d ago

I have too many relatives who would go out of their way to get me the target gift card just to make me choose between wasting money or sticking to my principles.

I can afford to stick to my principles and let $10 go to waste, but I know too many people who would need to spend that money for their own well being. It sucks so bad.

1

u/natek53 13d ago

I've told my relatives not to give me gift cards, period. Gift cards are basically a negative interest loan to the merchant.

There is absolutely no advantage to them over cash or credit. They're frequently denied (apparently Starbucks locations don't have to honor them??). You have to choose between letting a few cents stay on the card or buying a little extra; they win either way.

It's bizarre that companies have convinced people that a gift card is actually a thoughtful gift, when all it really does is obligate you to pick out something you like at a particular store.

1

u/DannyBoy7783 13d ago

My local target hasn't changed at all. Just as busy as usual, unfortunately.

1

u/evergreendotapp 13d ago

Also live in MN (Como area) and Roseville, Fridley, and Crystal Targets were all packed when I went hunting for blackberry Dr. Pepper yesterday (Monday) morning. Bought all the cases at the Crystal one so I could flip them on amazon after they discontinue it.

1

u/Fit-Remove-6597 13d ago

Roseville is always obscenely busy for some reason

1

u/RawrRRitchie 13d ago

You could've just sold the gift card for cash

1

u/Somehero 13d ago

Set foot, not step foot.

1

u/AccurateUse6147 13d ago

I went to one within the past couple weeks because I needed mom's favorite rice cakes that are only available at the super target that's like an hour from us and I had a chance to go. It was super busy over there. I will never understand why the regular target that's like 25 minutes from us on the closer end of the city stocks basically EVERY other flavor of standard size rice cake but not tomato basil. 🙄

1

u/-Morilak 13d ago

We had unused gift cards as well. Picked up diapers and parking lot was like 1/3rd normal capacity. Havnt thought twice about shopping there. Just need to rethink when/where to order things to account for shipping times now.

1

u/naamiix 13d ago

I hope it goes the way of K Mart

1

u/SailorBoone 13d ago

I needed a shirt last second a couple weeks ago. Later in the evening my only options were target and Walmart. Walmart was a hell no and had momentarily forgotten Targets failures, so off I went. The moment I left checkout I was so disappointed in myself. Never again

1

u/OrganizationOk2229 13d ago

The one here is Springfield, MO was packed this weekend

1

u/Fit-Remove-6597 13d ago

Why are you even here? Your comment history is all about defending the Trump administrations illegal actions. Piss off.

1

u/reincarnateme 13d ago

Dang I gotta use my gift card

1

u/AwakeGroundhog 11d ago

LOL cat litter was one of the few reasons I would go to Target, but they discontinued the store brand version I liked...so yeah, no more Target for me.

1

u/crazycatlady331 5d ago

I set foot in one last week and didn't buy anything.

I ended up running into my cousin there so it was nice catching up with her.

1

u/GrindyMcGrindy 13d ago

I had to set foot in one Thursday. Walgreens, CVS were out of Tylenol PM 100 count bottles. Target was the only place that had 100 count bottles at a reasonable price in store. Jewel was 3 dollars more expensive.

7

u/cpssn 13d ago

get generic acetaminophen and diphenhydramine

6

u/Correct-Ad-6473 13d ago

We got a lifetime supply of both at Costco for like ten bucks.. Lol

25

u/SevenBansDeep 13d ago

Honestly I cannot believe how much they fell during COVID. I used to buy a lot of decor and misc items at Target and now I cannot remember the last time I bought anything there. I’ve even been there twice in the last couple of months but both times was so disappointed in how their selection turned out that I just left.

3

u/Rufio6 13d ago

This is the same for me except it also feels the same for Walmart.

I’m ok buying groceries from there when I need them, but that’s about it.

If a friend wants to go, I’ll go. We usually just buy a puzzle or a Lego set.

2

u/stacey2545 12d ago

This would be why they tried to get foot traffic with the limited edition Stanley cups.

My entire shopping habits changed dramatically with the pandemic. I no longer like to browse in person (except at bookstores). I either do curbside pickup, or I'm in & out for the thing on my list. I shifted to buying even clothes online or thrifted, sticking with more durable brands that I can be confident of sizing/fit/quality. And now that I'm living with friends on a farm, I'll even be doing less in the way of grocery shopping. I'm still new to anti consumption as a mindset, but I realize I had been moving in that direction for a while. The boycotts just gave me the push to make intentional changes.

2

u/amwoooo 12d ago

This is true. Target died during Covid and now I have a reason to stay away. Empty shelves and locked up toiletries doesn’t really have the same fun feeling of the old days 

11

u/Lermanberry 13d ago

Unfortunately I had to step foot in one two weeks ago. I gathered up everything on my app receipt still unopened and within the return period, and took it back in. Got a full refund.

2

u/SomeKindOfOnionMummy 12d ago

I wish I could not go there harder. 

1

u/oroborus68 13d ago

I hear it's supposed to be good for business.

1

u/WholeWideHeart 13d ago

I had to go in one the other day to make sure their bathrooms were still operational. I relieved to find them in good order. I left without buying anything.

1

u/Buttoshi 13d ago

Forever. We proved to ourselves we don't need to buy trash

1

u/Practical_Ledditor54 13d ago

We've got this, reddit!!

1

u/Iamyourl3ader 12d ago

"retail brew" is clearly run by DEI proponents, anyone with a functioning brain can see this....so why are they a trustworthy source exactly?

1

u/Vandstar 12d ago

Well, I applaud your enthusiasm, but this is happening across the industry. Maybe not so much of a protest against Target and more of a protest against the current state of the economy and US overall.

1

u/pantstoaknifefight2 12d ago

I usually go there for detergent and toilet paper. But fuck them. I've been going elsewhere

1

u/princesselectra 11d ago

I had to give up my favorite dairy free yogurt as they only sell it there up near me. I tried to post a review to yoplait indicating my displeasure at it only being available at anti empathy and inclusion stores and they said they couldn't post the review as it didn't fit their guidelines :(. Double whammy.

1

u/Hot-Butterscotch-918 11d ago

My daughter went into Target this afternoon to kill time while I was at the eye doctor. She came out saying she's never seen it so dead before. She said it was "like a morgue in there." I told her about the boycott.

1

u/Elie_weisel_warnedus 11d ago

According to public records, Placer has the inside track on location data from companies like Life360, scrubs it off any identifying information and then uses that data to not only illustrate trends, but also to predict future behavior.

Placer's data has consistently outperformed competitors' data and clearly illustrates the impact social boycotts of companies like Target.

1

u/Fantastic_Ferret979 11d ago

Target has been losing consumers longer than 7 weeks

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