Walmart Is Promoting Pride Merchandise While Target Scales Back
Walmart is promoting Pride merchandise now, just ahead of June Pride Month, while most Target stores are scaling back after a huge backlash and lower sales last year.
Walmart’s new “Pride Always” collection includes rainbow-adorned flags, clothing and accessories. Even products like a notebook that says “beyond gender,” a tote bag that says “totes gay,” a fanny pack with “I heart gay people” on it, and rainbow-colored products for the kitchen and even the pool.
Some angry customers are encouraging consumers to boycott Walmart for placing Pride-themed merchandise in the toy section of its stores.
Although Pride Month doesn’t begin until June, Walmart promoted its new Pride clothing on social media over the Memorial Day weekend, writing on Instagram, “Not just a slogan. #PrideAlways is a reminder to lead with love.”
“While I was creating my collection, it was important to me for it to be positive and uplifting,” said Bianca of Bianca Designs.
Target Changing Strategy after 2023 Backlash
Walmart is promoting Pride merchandise this year, but Target is taking a less aggressive approach. Target had displayed Pride Month merchandise for years, but drew extreme backlash last year when the company added female-style bathing suits that could be used to “tuck” male genitalia. The backlash was so severe that many Target stores were told to relocate their Pride month displays to other areas of the store. The company reported some of its workers were being threatened, customers were boycotting the stores and there were even bomb threats at some locations.
Despite the controversy and scrutiny Target received last year, Walmart says it has not made any changes to its LGBTQ-related merchandise tied to Pride Month.
Walmart’s Chief Merchandising Officer, Latriece Watkins, said, “Walmart stores sell products all year that supports different groups adding that in this particular case, we haven’t changed anything in our assortment.”
Walmart CEO Doug McMillon recently told shareholders that “We want everybody to feel comfortable shopping with us and we want everybody to feel comfortable and excited about working at Walmart.”
Pride Month merchandise is available in-stores and online at www.walmart.com.
Target says it would be selling its Pride merchandise in a select number of stores this year. Apparel from the collection will be for adults only. Pride merchandise is also available online at www.target.com.
