Target Faces Boycott Over Black Friday Swag Bag Controversy
Target’s recent Black Friday promotion faced backlash from shoppers who queued for hours to receive what was promised as a “swag bag.” The initiative aimed to reward the first 100 customers at each store location with free bags filled with goodies.
Target’s Controversial Swag Bag Promotion
On Black Friday, which is notoriously a lucrative shopping day, Target offered a promotion that attracted early risers eager for free items. However, many shoppers took to social media to express their disappointment with the actual contents of the swag bags.
Discontent Among Consumers
- Customers reported waiting in cold weather for up to three hours.
- Many bags reportedly contained minimal items that did not fulfill expectations.
Photographs shared on platforms like Reddit and Instagram highlighted the disparity between the advertised contents and what was actually included. Some bags contained only a small assortment of items, such as a pack of UNO cards, a tiny bottle of shampoo, and a few candies.
Details of the Promotion
Target’s promotion featured images of a shiny tote bag, gift cards, and various merchandise. It also mentioned that ten bags would contain an extra prize worth $99 or more, including:
- Ninja SLUSHi frozen drink maker
- Laifen SE Lite hair dryer
- Beats Solo 4 Bluetooth headphones
- $100 Target gift card
- Target Circle 360 membership
Despite the enticing promotion, customer reactions highlighted their dissatisfaction. One Reddit user who described waiting on line wrote, “Literally so disappointed.” Another commented sarcastically on the expectations versus reality of the promotion.
Target’s Market Position
In 2024, the National Retail Federation ranked Target as the eighth-largest retailer in the United States, with reported sales exceeding $106 billion. The company’s earlier decision to roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives under pressure contributed to a broader “We Ain’t Buying It” boycott aimed at encouraging spending at local businesses during the holidays.
As consumers continue to react strongly to Target’s promotional strategies, the retailer’s reputation hangs in the balance, especially with the ongoing discourse around corporate responsibility and customer engagement.
