NEW YORK (AP) – Consumer backlash is growing against Target’s stance on what type of bathrooms its transgender customers and employees can use.
Two weeks ago, the Minneapolis-based discounter issued a statement that said customers and employees can use the restroom or fitting room that “corresponds to their gender identity.” The move made Target the first major retailer to take such a prominent position on the issue, and won praise from supporters of transgender rights. But Target’s position has also sparked criticism on social media.
One online petition started by a group called The American Family Association, a conservative Christian advocacy group, calls for a boycott of Target stores. And customer surveys from two research firms separately show that Target’s reputation has taken a hit.
Still, analysts say it’s hard to gauge the impact -if any- the backlash has had on Target’s business.
Target’s spokeswoman Molly Snyder declined to comment for the story, only saying the retailer stood by its earlier statement. She also declined to say whether the backlash has affected sales.