Owners of brands who were once championed by Target before the big-box retailer rolled back DEI efforts say a boycott would do more harm than supporting their brands would.

Anger at Target surged after it followed other companies that abandoned DEI programs, but Black-owned businesses that struggled to earn shelf space there urged critics to focus on buying minority-owned companies' products instead.

Minneapolis-based Target Corp. is No. 7 on The PG 100, Progressive Grocer’s 2024 list of the top food and consumables retailers in North America, with nearly 2,000 locations. Walmart U.S. is No. 1 on The PG 100, while Costco is No. 3. PG also included all three companies on its Retailers of the Century list.

That's the message from Black founders and influencers to consumers about a backlash against the retailer's decision to end its diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. With the U.S. political climate trending right,

Twin Cities Pride asked Target not to participate this year, while some Black business owners are asking people not to shop at the retailer.