How the Target Boycott is Crushing Black-Owned Businesses: An Urgent Crisis

The Unintended Victims of Target’s DEI Backlash

The nationwide boycott against Target—sparked by its controversial rollback of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives—is wreaking havoc on Black-owned businesses that rely on the retail giant for sales and exposure.

What started as a protest against corporate policy has now escalated into a financial crisis for small Black entrepreneurs, many of whom saw Target as a lifeline after the racial justice movements of 2020.

Why This Boycott Hurts Black Businesses More Than Target

1. The 2020 Pledge vs. 2025 Reality

After George Floyd’s murder, Target (headquartered just 10 minutes from where Floyd was killed) pledged to:
✔ Amplify Black-owned brands
✔ Invest $2 billion in Black suppliers by 2025
✔ Expand DEI commitments in hiring and marketing

But in early 2025, Target quietly scaled back these initiatives, citing “shifting consumer demand.” The backlash was immediate—but the hardest-hit victims aren’t Target’s executives. It’s the small Black businesses that depend on the retailer.

2. Sales Plummeting Overnight

• “Our revenue dropped 40% in weeks.” — Founder of a Black-owned skincare brand sold at Target
• “Target was our biggest wholesale partner. Now, orders are frozen.” — CEO of a Black-owned food company
• “We’re laying off staff just to survive.” — Owner of a home goods brand

3. The Ripple Effect

Many of these businesses expanded production, hired staff, and took loans based on Target’s commitments. Now, they’re facing:

• Canceled purchase orders
• Lost shelf space to bigger brands
• Difficulty securing new retail partners

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Who’s Behind the Boycott—And Do They Know the Damage?

The boycott is largely driven by:
🔴 Conservative groups protesting DEI policies
🔴 Liberal activists angry at Target’s backtracking

But few realize how this hurts Black entrepreneurs more than Target itself.

“We’re collateral damage in a fight we didn’t start.”
— Black business owner (requested anonymity)

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What’s Next for Black-Owned Brands?

Some are pivoting to:

• Direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales
• Smaller retailers and pop-up markets
• Amazon and Etsy

But without Target’s scale and foot traffic, many fear they won’t recover.

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How Consumers Can Help (Without Crossing Picket Lines)

If you support Black businesses but oppose Target’s policies:

• Buy directly from their websites
• Promote them on social media
• Support Black-owned marketplaces

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The Bigger Picture: Corporate Accountability Matters

This crisis exposes a harsh truth: When corporations reverse social justice pledges, small businesses pay the price.

Will Target step up to fix this? Or will Black entrepreneurs be left to pick up the pieces?

Target boycott Black businesses, DEI rollback impact, Black-owned brands crisis