Target's Back-to-School Bounce Fails to Materialize: 7th Straight Month of Slumping Foot Traffic

Target's Back-to-School Bump Fizzles Out: Foot Traffic Falls for Seventh Straight Month MINNEAPOLIS - Target Corporation, the retail giant, had high hopes for a back-to-school sales boost in August. However, according to data from Placer.ai, foot traffic at the retailer fell 3.3% year-over-year, marking its seventh consecutive month of decline. The week beginning August 25, which included the long Labor Day weekend, saw a staggering 4.6% drop in foot traffic, making it Target's worst weekly decline in seven weeks. In contrast, rival Costco reported a 5.2% increase in foot traffic for August, while Walmart saw a slight decrease of 0.6%. The disappointing sales numbers come as the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the Chicago Teachers Union (CFT) announced their support for a boycott against Target on Labor Day. The unions cited the retailer's decision to roll back some diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts earlier this year as the reason for their stance. "We're not just talking about a company that's making a few mistakes," said AFT President Randi Weingarten in a statement. "We're talking about a company that's fundamentally changing its values and priorities." Target had been hoping to capitalize on the back-to-school season, which typically generates significant sales for retailers. However, the boycott by the teachers' unions may have contributed to the decline in foot traffic. The decision to roll back DEI efforts was made earlier this year, and it has sparked controversy among employees and customers. Target's CEO, Brian Cornell, had stated that the changes were aimed at streamlining operations and improving efficiency. The current situation raises questions about the impact of the boycott on Target's sales and reputation. As the retailer struggles to regain its footing, industry experts are closely watching the developments. "It's a challenging time for Target," said retail analyst, Neil Saunders. "They need to address the concerns of their employees and customers while also finding ways to drive sales and growth." The next few weeks will be crucial for Target as it tries to turn things around. With the holiday season just around the corner, the retailer needs to get its footing back in order to compete with its rivals. In a statement, Target spokesperson said: "We're committed to making changes that benefit our customers and employees. We appreciate feedback from all stakeholders and will continue to work towards creating a positive shopping experience for everyone." As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: Target's back-to-school sales bump has fizzled out, and the retailer faces an uphill battle to regain its momentum. *Reporting by Fortune.*