Targeted workers get pink slips as companies brace for ‘holiday boycott’

There are more than 1,000 Target employees at the Minneapolis headquarters handed over pink slips to “streamline operations and create processes and growth,” Fox 9 reports.

Target’s announcement states that 1,000 employees will lose their jobs, in addition to eliminating 800 open positions as part of a restructuring plan. Company employees were asked to work remotely until they learned their fate, which was scheduled for October 28. Employees in the stores do not have to worry about the downsizing plan. Still, a spokesperson highlighted the cuts, which represent nearly 8% of the company’s global workforce, while the majority of affected employees are based in the US.

Employees on the cut list will receive wages and benefits through January 3, 2026, in addition to severance packages and support services.

But could the layoffs be related to slow sales due to DEI’s massive backlash? Since the bullseye-logo company rolled back its diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in early 2025, there have been reports of disappointing sales due to a national boycott, including the 40-day Target fast led by Pastor Jamal Bryant and other civil rights leaders.

The resignation message came from new CEO Michael Fiddelke, after current leader Brian Cornell has announced that he will resign on February 1.the first day of Black History Month.

According to CBS NewsFiddler addressed the impact but insisted on the need for change. “I know the real impact this has on our team, and it will be difficult,” Fiddelke said.

“And it’s a necessary step in building Target’s future and enabling the progress and growth we all want to see.”

The timing couldn’t be better, as consumers may plan to celebrate the upcoming holidays by boycotting several companies in response to the government shutdown, including Target. Consumers are calling on social media to cancel holiday gift giving just weeks before the Black Friday sales as millions of Americans are struggling.

Popular influencer Cindy Noir called on America to “close its wallet,” stating that this is the only logical way to get the government’s attention. “To me, the only logical response to the government canceling SNAP benefits is for Americans to cancel the holidays,” she said on Instagram.

Other social media users have echoed similar thoughts. “Cancel Thanksgiving and Christmas this year. No shopping, no celebrating, no Black Friday consumption. Just a small sacrifice. We must stand together and make a difference,” @artless_space wrote on X.

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