US retail store, Target, apologises over ‘offensive’ Halloween costume

Target, the US retail corporation, has apologised and removed a Halloween costume from its shelves after criticism on social media that the outfit resembled a racist caricature.

The costume, advertised as the “Kids’ Glows Under Blacklight Circus Clown Halloween Costume,” featured a Black child wearing a bright orange and black top, solid black gloves and a mask with a wide, toothy smile.

Critics said the child’s pose, as well as the gloves and mask, resembled caricatures of Black people associated with minstrel shows.

Target acknowledged the criticism and said the costume should not have been sold.

“As a company, we know we got this wrong, and we are deeply sorry,” Target said in a statement.

“The costume is offensive and should never have been part of our assortment. It is no longer available for sale. We know this is especially hurtful for our Black guests, team members and partners.

“Removing the costume is an important first step, and the company is looking closely at how this happened and what needs to change to ensure this won’t happen again.”

According to The Guardian, the controversy is the latest in a series of challenges faced by the Minneapolis-based retailer.

Last year, activists called for a boycott of Target following the company’s decision to scale back its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

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More recently, the American Federation of Teachers called on Target CEO Michael Fiddelke to oppose Operation Metro Surge, a National Guard deployment in Minneapolis earlier this year.

Target has also faced pressure from investors and consumers amid changes to its corporate policies and business strategy.

The company’s stock price fell from $137.40 on January 24, the day it announced cuts to its DEI programmes, to $104.70 on March 15, according to the report.

However, Target has begun to see signs of a financial recovery, with the company raising its annual forecasts as Fiddelke’s turnaround efforts take effect.

The latest controversy could nevertheless present another challenge for the retailer as it seeks to rebuild its relationship with consumers and navigate criticism over its corporate decisions.