Target Walmart Drop Costco Rises

Target and Walmart are facing the impact of consumer boycotts tied to rollbacks in their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, with both retailers seeing foot traffic drop by as much as 9% and digital engagement also taking a hit. Organized protests like February’s “24-Hour Economic Blackout” and the Easter weekend’s “Economic Blackout 2.0” have contributed to the declines, especially at Target, which saw a 14% drop in app traffic and a notable dip in web visits. Walmart experienced smaller but still significant losses. Neither retailer has publicly commented, but Target is reportedly seeking dialogue with civil rights leaders to address the backlash.

In contrast, Costco has gained ground by maintaining its DEI efforts, drawing more customers both online and in stores. On the same day as the blackout, Costco’s website traffic jumped 22%, and in-store visits rose steadily throughout February and March. Analysts suggest that the retailer’s consistent commitment to social values may be resonating with consumers looking to align their spending with their beliefs. As shoppers and advocates push for more accountability, the divide in DEI strategy is translating into real-world gains and losses across the retail sector.