Target’s seeing fewer people walk through its doors, and it’s not just a one-week blip. For the eighth week in a row, foot traffic is down. What’s behind the drop? A lot of it points to the company’s recent decision to pull back on its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs.
Some customers aren’t happy about the change, and online buzz shows a growing number say they’ve stopped shopping at Target altogether. Whether it’s a quiet boycott or just a shift in shopping habits, the trend is clear: fewer people are making the trip.
Meanwhile, Costco, which hasn’t touched its DEI efforts, is seeing the opposite. The warehouse giant has now posted 13 straight weeks of increased foot traffic. It’s not just about policies either. Many shoppers say they’re getting more value and better prices at Costco during a time when every dollar counts.
Back to Target, social media is full of mixed takes. Some say they’re disappointed in the company for scaling back DEI efforts, especially after years of promoting inclusion. Others mention inflation, saying they’re cutting non-essential spending altogether and Target’s just not making the cut.
For everyday shoppers, it boils down to one question: is the store still giving them what they want, in values, price, and experience? Right now, more and more are saying “not really.”
This kind of trend matters. It’s not just about who shops where, it’s about what today’s customers expect from big retailers. People want transparency, value, and alignment with their personal values. When that changes, so do their habits.
Bottom line: Target has some work to do if it wants to win back foot traffic. Because whether it’s about values, prices, or both, customers are paying attention.
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