MINNEAPOLIS (dpa-AFX) - Target (T) has apologised and removed a Halloween costume from its stores and website after critics said its circus clown design evoked Blackface and minstrel shows.
The costume, sold under Target's Hyde and EEK Boutique seasonal brand as the 'Kids' Glows Under Blacklight Circus Clown Halloween Costume,' sparked criticism on social media, with some shoppers saying the design resembled a racist caricature.
Target said the costume was 'offensive' and should never have been included in its product range. The retailer said it was investigating how the item was approved and what changes were needed to prevent similar incidents.
The controversy comes as Target works to rebuild its brand and recover from a period of weak sales. The retailer has also faced criticism over its 2023 Pride merchandise and subsequent changes to its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
Target shares were up 2.7 percent in afternoon trading.
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