Target Stumbles as Black and Brown Shoppers Walk Away

By Stacy M. Brown

Target continues to face mounting financial and reputational fallout after reversing course on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The retail giant has lost more than $12.4 billion in revenue, seen its stock plunge by $27.27 per share, and is grappling with multiple lawsuits linked to its shifting DEI policies.

Separate but powerful actions from Black-led organizations and faith leaders have intensified pressure on the company. 

The Rev. Jamal Bryant launched a national Target Fast, calling for continued community mobilization. Meanwhile, National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and the NAACP initiated public education and selective buying campaigns. While distinct in approach, the collective efforts have amplified scrutiny and economic consequences for Target.

“Black consumers helped build Target into a retail giant, and now they are making their voices heard,” said Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., president and CEO of NNPA. “If corporations believe they can roll back diversity commitments without consequence, they are mistaken.”

Early data from analytics firms Placer.ai and Numerator confirms a decline in consumer support. Numerator found that Black and Hispanic households are reducing their visits to Target at the highest rates. Placer.ai reported that on Feb. 28, the economic blackout day nationwide, Target saw an 11% decline in store traffic compared to average Friday visits.

Since the company’s Jan. 24 DEI reversal, Placer.ai data shows Target’s overall foot traffic has fallen every week. 

In contrast, Costco has gained ground. The warehouse chain rejected a shareholder proposal to weaken its diversity programs and stayed firm in its DEI stance. Analysts say Costco’s consistency and longstanding commitment to high wages and strong employee benefits may attract consumers frustrated with Target’s retreat.

Costco’s shares have outperformed those of Walmart and Target over the same period. 

Walmart has also seen a dip in foot traffic, though not as sharply as Target.

While grassroots boycotts are not always financially damaging in the long term, Target’s situation may prove different. 

“Boycotts put a ‘negative spotlight’ on the company that can have reputational consequences,” Brayden King, professor at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, told Forbes. 

He noted that consumer trust, closely tied to corporate reputation, plays a critical role in shopping habits.

In addition to its woes, Target issued a string of recalls in 2025 involving products sold on shelves due to undeclared allergens and injury hazards. Affected items included Gerber Soothe N Chew Teething Sticks, Dorel Safety 1st Comfort Ride and Magic Squadchild car seats, Nuby stroller fans, Baby joy high chairs, Chomps beef and turkey sticks, and Pearl Milling Company pancake mix.

Bryant said the Target fast, in association with Lent, the 40 days and nights leading to Easter (April 20), has now mobilized more than 150,000 participants and persuaded over 100 Black vendors to withdraw their products from Target. He urged continued focus and unity in holding the company accountable.

“It is critical that Black people can’t afford to get A.D.D; we can’t taper off and lose synergy. It’s important that people stay the course and keep amplifying our voices because it is being heard from Wall Street to Main Street,” Bryant said.

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