Target Corporation removed a children's Halloween costume from its stores on August 26, 2026, following significant backlash on social media. Critics claimed the costume, which featured a Black child modeling it, resembled racist minstrel caricatures from the Jim Crow era that perpetuated harmful stereotypes. In a statement, Target acknowledged the mistake, stating, "As a company, we know we got this wrong, and we are deeply sorry. The costume is offensive and should never have been part of our assortment. It is no longer available for sale." The company emphasized the need for internal changes to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The costume, named the "Kids' Glows Under Blacklight Circus Clown Halloween costume," included gloves, a top hat, and a mask with large teeth. Rev. Jamal Bryant, a Georgia pastor who previously led a boycott against Target, criticized the company for the costume, stating it is a "profoundly harmful symbol of racism that should never have been designed, approved, or sold by Target."
Target's recent controversy comes as the retailer has been attempting to recover from previous challenges, including a decline in sales and a perception of reduced quality. The company had previously ended its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program in January 2025, which had been initiated in response to the murder of George Floyd.
Activists have called for a boycott of Target, which reportedly lost approximately $12.4 billion in market value by the end of February 2026. A separate national boycott organized by Minnesota civil rights activists led to a 33% decline in Target's stock prices, resulting in a loss of over $20 billion in market value.
Despite the backlash, Target's stock has seen a recovery, closing at $165.44 on August 21, 2026, and $169.89 on August 24, 2026. The company has implemented a turnaround strategy under new CEO Michael Fiddelke, which includes store updates and plans to invest $2 billion by 2026.
Retail analyst Bruce Winder noted that inventory errors can occur in any company, but emphasized the importance of accountability in such situations. Boycott organizers, including Nekima Levy Armstrong and community leaders, continue to advocate for the reinstatement of Target's DEI programs, asserting that the costume controversy highlights their ongoing mission. Armstrong stated, "It's important for people to understand that the Target boycott never ended; that it was indefinite from the beginning, unless and until Target reversed course on its decision to roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion."
Target's stock closed at $163.47 on August 25, 2026, reflecting a 3.78% decrease from the previous day.