Target CEO Brian Cornell held a critical meeting with Rev. Al Sharpton in New York on Thursday, following backlash over the company’s recent rollback of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) commitments. The meeting was initiated by Target as the retailer faces increasing pressure from civil rights groups and a decline in foot traffic since announcing its shift away from long-standing DEI goals.
Sharpton, founder of the National Action Network (NAN), confirmed to CNBC that he agreed to the meeting after Target reached out. While he hasn’t yet called for a formal boycott, Sharpton expressed his dissatisfaction with the retailer’s abrupt policy changes. “If an election determines your commitment to fairness, then fine, you have a right to withdraw from us, but then we have a right to withdraw from you,” he told CNBC ahead of the meeting.
Boycott Threat Looms Over Target
Sharpton said he is willing to consider a nationwide boycott if Target fails to reaffirm its dedication to the Black community and support Black-owned businesses. “I said, ‘If [Cornell] wants to have a candid meeting, we’ll meet,’” he added, noting his desire to first hear the CEO’s perspective directly.
After Thursday’s meeting, Sharpton called the conversation “constructive and candid,” but stopped short of revealing a final stance. He stated he would consult with allies, including Rev. Dr. Jamal Bryant, who organized a 40-day boycott of Target starting in early March. The National Action Network plans to deliberate over Easter on next steps regarding Target and other corporations reducing DEI investments.
Target’s DEI Pullback and Its Impact
In January, Target announced the conclusion of its three-year DEI initiative. The company also said it would no longer release DEI performance reports to outside organizations like the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index. Additionally, Target scaled back efforts to increase shelf space for Black- and minority-owned brands.
These changes were met with swift criticism, triggering social media backlash and activist-led calls for a consumer boycott. According to Placer.ai, Target’s foot traffic has declined for 10 consecutive weeks since the week of January 27, a notable drop following consistent year-over-year gains.
While this traffic data doesn’t reflect actual sales—either in-store or online—it provides insight into waning customer interest. Analysts suggest the downturn may be linked to the company’s DEI policy rollback amid broader struggles with slowing sales.
As civil rights leaders deliberate their next move, Target faces growing pressure to clarify its long-term commitment to equity and inclusion.
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