Who is Erik Thompson? Targets woke Christmas ornaments sparks boycott calls online

Target’s Christmas ornaments have sparked online boycotts. Target has sparked yet another debate over its Pride merchandise, this time in the form of Christmas decorations. Under fire, the retail behemoth has expanded its holiday offerings to include LGBTQ-friendly items.

The outpouring of rage grew in response to Erik Thompson’s recent appointment as ‘Senior LGBTQIA+ Segmentation Strategist and Pride Lead.’

Who is Erik Thompson?

According to his official LinkedIn profile, Erik Thompson started working at Target as a merchandise planning business analyst in June 2014. As he progressed through the years, he held a variety of positions, including Senior Business Analyst, Associate Buyer for Men’s Sportswear, Buyer for Beauty and Cosmetics, and finally, Senior LGBTQIA+ Segmentation Strategist and Pride Lead.

In an Instagram post, Thompson clarified his position and gave details about his duties within the company.

Target’s Christmas ornaments sparks boycott calls online

Target has become involved in yet another controversy over its Pride merchandise, this time in the form of Christmas decorations. Under increasing scrutiny, the retail behemoth has expanded its holiday offerings to include LGBTQ-friendly items.

The backlash grew as word spread about Erik Thompson’s recent appointment as ‘Senior LGBTQIA+ Segmentation Strategist and Pride Lead.’

End Wokeness, a Twitter account, revealed Target’s new house décor on November 15, featuring Santa’s of various ethnicities in wheelchairs and a soldier proudly carrying the Pride flag while wearing a rainbow hat. The tweet quickly went viral, receiving over 3.3 million views and drawing attention to Target’s holiday merchandise selection.

Controversial outlet Libs of TikTok also joined the fray, disclosing Thompson’s role in leading Target’s “LGBTQIA+ multicultural merchandising strategy and pride businesses.” This development follows a familiar pattern for Target, as the company has faced criticism in the past for its support of the LGBTQ community.

Earlier in the year, conservative consumers boycotted the retailer for offering Pride Month-themed clothing for children and selling the book “Bye Bye, Binary,” which explores non-traditional gender norms in a children’s narrative, sparking outrage among some parents who felt the material was inappropriate.

What happened to Erik Thompson?

Target, the retail behemoth, is embroiled in yet another controversy, this time over Pride merchandise incorporated into Christmas decorations. As the holiday season approaches, the company has expanded its offerings to include LGBTQ-friendly items, sparking yet another round of criticism.

The appointment of Erik Thompson as the ‘Senior LGBTQIA+ Segmentation Strategist and Pride Lead’ added fuel to the ongoing debate. Target has appointed Erik Thompson as the ‘Senior LGBTQIA+ Segmentation Strategist and Pride Lead,’ leading the company’s LGBTQIA+ multicultural merchandising strategy and pride businesses.

Thompson’s extensive history within Target, dating back to June 2014, has fueled discussions about the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. Target has faced criticism for its support of the LGBTQ community, including a boycott initiated by conservative consumers after introducing Pride Month-themed clothing for children.

Target has navigated a delicate balance between promoting inclusivity and respecting diverse perspectives. Thompson’s role as the ‘Senior LGBTQIA+ Segmentation Strategist and Pride Lead’ highlights the company’s commitment to fostering diverse perspectives and pushing boundaries in the retail landscape.

Target’s decision to infuse Pride into its Christmas merchandise has ignited a passionate debate about the intersection of corporate inclusivity, consumer values, and holiday traditions.

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