The heartbreaking truth behind the massive Target boycott this Christmas – find out why shoppers are outraged!
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The festive season is a time of joy, family gatherings, and for many Australians, a time to deck the halls with boughs of holly. However, this Christmas, a shadow has been cast over the holiday cheer for countless shoppers who have long relied on Target for their yuletide decorations. The iconic Australian retailer, once a haven for those seeking to sprinkle their homes with a little Christmas magic, has made a decision that has left its loyal customers feeling anything but merry.
In a move that has sparked widespread dismay, Target has announced that it will no longer be selling its own line of Christmas decorations. Instead, the shelves that once held Target's pretty Christmas trees and décor, which many considered superior in quality and design to those of competitors Kmart and Big W, are now stocked with Kmart's Anko ornaments, wreaths, stockings, and wrapping paper.
The change has not been well-received, to say the least. Sarina Davis, a mother and long-time Target shopper, voiced her frustration online, 'I don't know who hurt the Target Merchandise Buyers, but I will not stand for this Anko nonsense being sold in their stores at Christmas time.' Her sentiment echoes the feelings of many who have taken to social media to express their disappointment and confusion over the sudden shift.
The question on everyone's lips is: Why is Kmart's Anko range replacing Target's beloved Christmas stock? The answer lies in the merger of the two retail giants, Kmart and Target, into a single company, a move that was revealed in late 2023. While initially thought to only affect behind-the-scenes operations, it became clear as early as January that the stock on the shelves would be impacted as well. Wesfarmers, the parent company, confirmed that a quarter of Target's stock would be Anko products moving forward, including the Christmas range.
For many shoppers, this decision has stripped away a cherished part of their holiday tradition. 'It was always my go-to for affordable decorations,' lamented one parent online. The sense of loss is palpable, with another user sharing crying emojis and the words, 'Disappointing, Target had beautiful stuff, will miss Target Christmas.'
In response to the outcry, Ms. Davis has suggested that shoppers boycott Target this Christmas. Her rallying cry, 'It's time we fight back! It's time we stand up for what is right and what we believe in. This Christmas, we boycott Target. We say Anko Can Go!' has struck a chord with many who feel that the uniqueness and individuality of Target's range have been sacrificed at the altar of corporate consolidation.
The concerns extend beyond just the aesthetics of the decorations. Sarina Davis, in an interview with Kidspot, pointed out that the change could have implications for pricing. 'The affordable department stores are now down to Kmart and Big W... so the competition isn't as fierce, I see pricing going up in the long term as well,' she warned.
The backlash has reached the highest levels of Target's management. An anonymous mum penned a 'not mad… just disappointed' letter to Target's head office, which she shared in a décor and hacks group. The letter, which humorously conducted a 'welfare check' on the decision-maker behind the Anko stocking, received a personal reply from John Gualtieri, CEO of Kmart and Target. He expressed his belief that the Anko Christmas products are fantastic and hoped customers would change their minds once they saw them in store.
Despite the CEO's optimism, the community's response has been less than enthusiastic, with many calling for a return to the 'good stuff.' The conversation has even extended to recommendations for alternative places to purchase Christmas trees, with suggestions ranging from Myer to Bunnings.
In a small consolation, Target has announced that there will be two exclusive Target Christmas tree designs available, as well as the popular matching pyjamas. 'This year, Target's Christmas decor range will be a mix of Anko decorations, including trees, with two exclusive designs just for Target,' a spokeswoman said. 'This will complement Target's well-known and loved Christmas apparel, fashion accessories, and sleepwear range for a festive holiday season.'
As the boycott gains momentum, it's clear that for many Australians, the heartbreak of losing Target's unique Christmas range is about more than just decorations. It's about the loss of a tradition, the erosion of choice, and the fear of rising prices in a market with diminishing competition. This Christmas, the battle lines have been drawn, and shoppers are voting with their wallets, sending a message that sometimes, change is not always for the better.
We at the Seniors Discount Club understand the importance of traditions and the value of choice, especially during the holiday season. We invite our readers to share their thoughts and experiences. Have you been affected by the changes at Target? Where will you be getting your Christmas decorations this year? Let us know in the comments below, and let's navigate this festive season together, with or without Target's once-beloved Christmas range.
In a move that has sparked widespread dismay, Target has announced that it will no longer be selling its own line of Christmas decorations. Instead, the shelves that once held Target's pretty Christmas trees and décor, which many considered superior in quality and design to those of competitors Kmart and Big W, are now stocked with Kmart's Anko ornaments, wreaths, stockings, and wrapping paper.
Target customers are boycotting the store this Christmas over its decision to replace its Christmas decorations with Kmart's Anko brand. Credit: Shutterstock
The change has not been well-received, to say the least. Sarina Davis, a mother and long-time Target shopper, voiced her frustration online, 'I don't know who hurt the Target Merchandise Buyers, but I will not stand for this Anko nonsense being sold in their stores at Christmas time.' Her sentiment echoes the feelings of many who have taken to social media to express their disappointment and confusion over the sudden shift.
The question on everyone's lips is: Why is Kmart's Anko range replacing Target's beloved Christmas stock? The answer lies in the merger of the two retail giants, Kmart and Target, into a single company, a move that was revealed in late 2023. While initially thought to only affect behind-the-scenes operations, it became clear as early as January that the stock on the shelves would be impacted as well. Wesfarmers, the parent company, confirmed that a quarter of Target's stock would be Anko products moving forward, including the Christmas range.
For many shoppers, this decision has stripped away a cherished part of their holiday tradition. 'It was always my go-to for affordable decorations,' lamented one parent online. The sense of loss is palpable, with another user sharing crying emojis and the words, 'Disappointing, Target had beautiful stuff, will miss Target Christmas.'
In response to the outcry, Ms. Davis has suggested that shoppers boycott Target this Christmas. Her rallying cry, 'It's time we fight back! It's time we stand up for what is right and what we believe in. This Christmas, we boycott Target. We say Anko Can Go!' has struck a chord with many who feel that the uniqueness and individuality of Target's range have been sacrificed at the altar of corporate consolidation.
The concerns extend beyond just the aesthetics of the decorations. Sarina Davis, in an interview with Kidspot, pointed out that the change could have implications for pricing. 'The affordable department stores are now down to Kmart and Big W... so the competition isn't as fierce, I see pricing going up in the long term as well,' she warned.
The backlash has reached the highest levels of Target's management. An anonymous mum penned a 'not mad… just disappointed' letter to Target's head office, which she shared in a décor and hacks group. The letter, which humorously conducted a 'welfare check' on the decision-maker behind the Anko stocking, received a personal reply from John Gualtieri, CEO of Kmart and Target. He expressed his belief that the Anko Christmas products are fantastic and hoped customers would change their minds once they saw them in store.
Despite the CEO's optimism, the community's response has been less than enthusiastic, with many calling for a return to the 'good stuff.' The conversation has even extended to recommendations for alternative places to purchase Christmas trees, with suggestions ranging from Myer to Bunnings.
In a small consolation, Target has announced that there will be two exclusive Target Christmas tree designs available, as well as the popular matching pyjamas. 'This year, Target's Christmas decor range will be a mix of Anko decorations, including trees, with two exclusive designs just for Target,' a spokeswoman said. 'This will complement Target's well-known and loved Christmas apparel, fashion accessories, and sleepwear range for a festive holiday season.'
As the boycott gains momentum, it's clear that for many Australians, the heartbreak of losing Target's unique Christmas range is about more than just decorations. It's about the loss of a tradition, the erosion of choice, and the fear of rising prices in a market with diminishing competition. This Christmas, the battle lines have been drawn, and shoppers are voting with their wallets, sending a message that sometimes, change is not always for the better.
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