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Tariffs, Boycotts Slam Target’s Bottom Line

May 28, 2025

Target Corporation is forecasting declining sales and profits for 2025 amid multiple challenges, including backlash from ending its diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, new tariff pressures, and organized boycotts by Black consumers and media. The company reported a 2. 8% drop in first-quarter sales to $23.

Who is affected

  • Black consumers and media outlets, particularly Black-owned newspapers
  • Target Corporation's shareholders and investors
  • Target's customers and business operations
  • Target employees affected by the company's reorganization and leadership changes
  • The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and its affiliated publications

What action is being taken

  • The Black Press of America is conducting an organized boycott and "national selective buying campaign" against Target
  • Target is establishing a "multi-year acceleration office" led by Michael Fiddelke and implementing leadership changes
  • Target is exploring various strategies to mitigate the effects of tariffs, considering price increases only as a "very last resort"
  • The NNPA is calling upon "all freedom-loving people" to join their campaign against Target
  • Black media leaders are publicly criticizing Target's decisions through op-eds reaching millions of readers

Why it matters

  • Target's financial performance is declining, with a 2.8% drop in first-quarter sales and nearly 36% fall in adjusted earnings
  • The company's stock has fallen nearly 7% after the earnings announcement and is down 33% year-to-date
  • The situation highlights tensions between corporate DEI commitments and business decisions
  • The boycott demonstrates the economic power of Black consumers and media organizations
  • The conflict raises questions about corporate accountability and media equity for Black-owned businesses
  • Target's decisions could influence how other corporations approach diversity initiatives and media investments

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint