The Target Boycott has reached a boiling point - and sales may suffer as a result

Business Insider ^ | 14 May 2016 | Hayley Peterson

[Rockitz]

Target is facing a nationwide backlash for its support of transgender rights.

More than 1.2 million people have signed a pledge to boycott the retailer after it announced last month that it would welcome transgender customers to use any bathroom or fitting room that matches their gender identity.

Critics have been holding protests and demonstrations at stores across the country, and they are showing no signs of dying down.

Many aredemanding access to bathrooms of the opposite sex to support claims that "perverts" can now prey on children and women as a result of the policy.

The boycotters' goal is to force Target to reverse its policy, or at least make the retailer suffer for it by spending their money elsewhere.

But Target CEO Brian Cornell dug in his heels on the issue this week, saying Target won't reverse its stance. "We took a stance and we are going to continue to embrace our belief of diversity and inclusion," Cornell said on CNBC.

So what does that mean for Target's business? Sales may drop for at least short period, according to YouGov BrandIndex, a firm that measures consumer perceptions of major brands on a daily basis. 

Before the boycott, 42% of consumers considered buying from Target the next time they shop at a department store. In the last couple weeks, that share has fallen to 36%, according to YouGov data provided to Business Insider.

Consumer perception of the brand has also dropped sharply. It's at its lowest point in two years. Despite the drop, Target is still in "positive" perception territory. In other words, there are still more people who think positively about Target than negatively. 

"There's a very large group out there that supports Target's decision," says crisis management expert Kevin Dinino, CEO of San Diego-based KCD PR.

[OldNewYork]

A CEO that doesn’t care about losing his customer base you say? Tell me more.

[Rebelbase]

IMO, that is the best offence to drive women mad who will then demand things return to normal.

[metmom]

I tried to return something that my daughter didn’t want and because I had washed it, they wouldn’t take it back. They said since it had been worn, they wouldn’t take it back. It wasn’t worn even once.

Nor would they take back electronics. You had to go through the manufacturers warranty.

There are plenty of other stores to shop at that have much better return policies.

[Eddie01]

“There’s a very large group out there that supports Target’s decision,”.

More than a dozen I guess.

[Hardastarboard]

Cancel your Target Red Card, if you’ve got one. It’s immediate, direct, and undeniable. Pass the idea along.

[Hardastarboard]

I got in a dispute with a local convenience store owner over returning a bottle of propane that wasn't functioning. He finally agreed to take it back, but told me never to do it again. I accommodated his request, totally.

I was spending about $2,000 a year in that store by my calculation. Now I spend maybe $200 a year, when I have to, for convenient gasoline. It's cost him maybe $10,000 to $15,000 in revenue from me.

Unnoticed, of course. I never said a word to him. I just stopped shopping there.

[billphx]

In the 80’s - early 90’s you had to jump through hoops and be treated like a thief to return something.

[who knows what evil?]

"There's a very large group out there that supports Target's decision," says crisis management expert Kevin Dinino, CEO of San Diego-based KCD PR.

Prove it. Perhaps you're a sodomite or tranny, Kevin..?

[GailA]

BOYCOTT TARGET PETITION
IF YOU OBJECT TO CONFUSED GENDERS IN YOUR BATH, LOCKER OR DRESSING ROOM. YOUR SMALL SONS ARE NEXT AGENDA
https://www.afa.net/action-

Man accused of choking girl, 8, in restroom of South Loop restaurant
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-man-accused-of-choking-girl-8-in-south-loop-store-20160513-story.html

[odawg]

Target is making a mistake when they try to comfort themselves with the loss of “only” 1.2 million customers. That is nothing short of complete insanity. I did not sign the petition, and I will not walk into a Target store. Target should multiply the 1.2 million by an as of yet undetermined multiplier.

[GailA]

As a Conservative Senior and a consumer, I’ve got news for retailers,there are more than 3 age groups. Babies, toddlers and 20 year old’s.

When the clothing you put on your racks are cheap made in China rags and look like they belong on a street walker, I won’t shop your store. When you refuse to stock size 5M shoes, I have no reason to shop your store. Then lie to me and tell me that size is not made..well you can find them in Las Vegas, even at the airport shops. Nor do I want that Alfred Dunner brand. It is expensive and made for those who have a hard time dressing themselves.

And if I can’t safely use a dressing room or RR with out fear a confused gender person entering my space, I won’t shop your store. Thank you AMAZON, and your easy return policy. I can shop Salvation Army too.

Now if I need a part for the car there are plenty of stores that sell only car parts. Or a tool that I can get from Lowe’s.

[houeto]

And of course there are those who have not signed who are boycotting. They don’t want to put their names down, but they’ll be darned if they’ll shop there.

Got two of them right here.

[houeto]

Deconstionism? How do you pronounce that?

[PA Engineer]

Deconstionism?

Spelling error. Deconstructionism.