Target’s foot traffic is down for the eighth week in a row amidst DEI-fueled boycotts. The retail giant’s decision to dismantle its internal diversity, equity, and inclusion program is proving costly. This slump began almost immediately after Target announced the cut in January, and despite a major sales push during Target Circle Week, there’s no return to standard levels just yet. Unlike Walmart and McDonald’s, which also saw traffic declines but have begun to bounce back, Target had built its brand around social justice in recent years, making its sudden reversal stand out even more. And of course, young people have been paying attention—YPulse data reinforces just how much these gens expect companies to align their actions with their messaging: 55% of 13-39-year-olds expect brands to support social causes, and 76% say they can tell when a company is only engaging in social good for publicity. (Fortune)
👀 Read more from YPulse: Gen Z is Calling Out Target on The Viral List
