MINNEAPOLIS – The Minneaoplis-based Target retail chain retreated from its long-standing commitment to cultural diversity, equity and inclusion by disavowing its DEI policy. The company announced an end to its “Belonging at the Bullseye” strategy to help lack employees build meaningful careers, to improve the experience of black shoppers and to promote black-owned businesses. The strategy had roots in a decades-old corporate commitment to social good – a tradition pioneered by its corporate predecessor, the Dayton’s department stores . The reversal nos is part of a sudden shift in U.S. retailing toward a white supremacist culture encouraged by newly elected President Donald Trump. Among hold-outs against Trumpian pressure has been Washington state-based Costco, a major Target competitor. Target’s change, within days of Trump’s inauguration, was unexpected. The company has been reporting with pride that half of its 350,00 employees are people of color and more than half are women. But what of its Dayton’s-like leadership for social goods? It’s not loke social inequities are things of the past in American culture. The company’s recent record, at least until now, also has favored more diverse suppliers, including businesses owned by people of color, women, gays, veterans and people with disabilities. This apparently is gone now too.
“Belonging to the Bullseye.” This inclusion motto being abandoned by Target. A shift in its moral compass?
Corporate profile
Target has 2,000 Big Box retail outlets Annual revenue: $107.4 billion. The comany’;s reputatin as a good citzen had been historic. The company, whose culture is in the old Dayton’s department store chain, donated 5% of its pre-tax operating profits to charity and encouraged other corporate citizens to do the same. This has meant $3 million a year to communities where it has stores. Target also gives a percentage of charges from its Visa credit cards to schools. The company has been ranked consistently as one of the most philanthropic companies in the nation. A Fortune magazine ranking put Target at 22nd on its “World’s Most Admired Companies” list. The company has had earth-friendly policies. These include sand filtration systems for the stores’ wastewater. There has been a push to put stores exclusively on wind-generated power – something regarded as silly by Trump’s commitment to carbon-based fuels. Target has had recycling programs aimed at garment hangers, corrugated cardboard, electronics, shopping carts, shrink wrap, construction wastes, carpeting, and ceiling tiles and roofing materials.