The retailer is facing backlash over a costume critics described as evoking racial stereotypes. The incident comes over a year after the company’s DEI changes made headlines.
Target removed a children’s Halloween costume from its assortment that sparked outrage online over the weekend. Criticism described the costume as evocative of racist stereotypes about Black people with imagery similar to that of historical minstrel shows.
The mass retailer apologized for the costume and described the product as hurtful for Black customers and employees, in a statement Target issued Monday. The kids costume was part of Target’s private label Hyde & Eek Boutique brand, according to a now-defunct URL that described the costume as a circus clown bodysuit.
“As a company, we know we got this wrong, and we are deeply sorry. The costume is offensive and should never have been part of our assortment. It is no longer available for sale,” the company said. “Removing the costume is an important first step, and the company is looking closely at how this happened and what needs to change to ensure this won’t happen again.”
The retailer reiterated its public statement to Retail Dive when asked further questions about the design development and review process for the costume.
The incident comes about two weeks after Target debuted its Halloween assortment for the season, highlighting the newness in its product offerings.
Target experienced criticism in 2025 when the company announced the end of some diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. Among several changes, the retailer stopped participating in third-party diversity surveys and ended its Racial Equity Action and Change initiatives.
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