Last week on Instagram, I shared my take on Target’s recent troubles and asked if you wanted a deeper dive.

100% of you said yes, including a Real Housewife:

My love for Bravo reality shows is (seemingly) boundless, so to see Dr. Moon’s expressed interest meant that I had to commit.

This is my first time experimenting with longer-form content. I aimed to blend personal reflections from years of shopping at Target with data and comparisons to other major retailers.

I had a lot of fun writing it and would love to hear your thoughts! So without further ado…

Target’s decline is not about DEI

Target has been going through it y’all:

Target’s share price, like its clothing selection, has seen better days.

You’ve probably heard about Target’s share price woes. Things have gone from bad to worse in 2025. Earlier this month, the company slashed its full-year outlook, pointing to mounting uncertainty around tariffs, a shaky economy, and softening consumer demand.

Notably, the company pointed the finger at DEI, and rolled back a slew of initiatives that have had negative consequences for black-owned brands selling through the retailer.

But let us not confuse cause with convenient scapegoat. The roots of Target’s issues go deeper—and they have been there for years. To paraphrase one of my all-time favorite quotes from Vanderpump Rules, “It’s not about the DEI!”

A Confusing Experience—By Design
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