Target pulls Halloween costume as backlash sends shares down 5%

Target pulled a children’s Halloween costume and apologized after online critics said the item resembled blackface and minstrel imagery, a backlash that helped push the retailer’s shares down as much as 5%. The product was sold as the “Kids’ Glows Under Blacklight Circus Clown Halloween Costume.” In a public statement, Target said the costume was offensive and should not have been part of its assortment, adding that it was especially hurtful to Black guests, team members and partners. Reuters reported an internal email from chief merchandising officer Cara Sylvester repeating the apology and saying the company would review how the item was approved. The episode lands as Target tries to rebuild sales and consumer trust after prior controversies over its Pride Collection and DEI rollback.