"Will my order still ship?": Internet reacts after Target slashes 1,800 jobs in company's first mass layoff in a decade

Target has recently fallen into the toughest times in the company’s recent history. On October 23, the company announced its plans to lay off 1,000 corporate employees and eliminate almost 800 vacant roles. This would account for an estimated 8% of Target’s total global corporate workforce, estimated at 22,000, as per CNN. 80% of the cuts are expected to be from the US workforce.

The news was shared directly with Target employees through an email from incumbent CEO Michael Fiddelke. In his communication, it is asserted that the short-term downsizing is a “necessary step in building the future of Target and enabling the progress and growth we all want to see.”

Shortly after the news broke, social media erupted with their takes on the matter. A concerned user stated:

“Will my order still ship? xx”

teddy ☽

@galindaavenue

will my order still ship? xx

Others chimed in with their thoughts as well. While some extended their best wishes to those losing employment, others took the opportunity to politicize the issue. An X user remarked:

"Well, cut the woke and alphabet people crap and you might see a rebound!"

Another took the opportunity to extend his well-wishes for those affected by the layoffs:

"Oof, tough news for those at Target. Layoffs are never easy. Hope everyone affected lands on their feet quickly."

Another user was far more targeted with their ire:

"Remember when Target bowed the knee to Trump, killed D.E.I. & caused an uproar? Many started to boycott Target over that. Is it having an impact? You bet! "Target cuts 1,800 corporate jobs in its first major layoffs in a decade."

Another user commented on the timing of the firings:

"Since we're so close to the holiday season - these layoffs are telling"

Target facing backlash

What’s surprising about the Target layoffs is the timing. As retailers gear up for the holiday shopping season, it would seem counterintuitive to let go of a sizeable portion of one’s workers. Unfortunately, due to a steady decrease in sales, the fierce backlash to their DEI policy, and its subsequent pullback, Target’s market position has become compromised.

According to CNN, the brand’s stance as a champion for workplace diversity was seen as a beacon of hope, and its decision to walk back some of those policies was met with substantial anger. Furthermore, those who did not support Target’s position on DEI were so put off that they are not inclined to become customers in the future.

At least Michael Fiddelke gave Target’s employees a glimmer of hope in his memo announcing the layoffs:

“Put together, these changes set the course for our company to be stronger, faster and better positioned to serve guests and communities for many years to come.”

It remains to be seen whether this will affect the volatile consumer base.

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