(NewsNation) — Target will cut LGBTQ-themed merchandise at multiple brick-and-mortar stores nationwide ahead of Pride Month, USA Today reported, after intense backlash hit the retailers’ sales last year.
Target plans to offer the full collection online but is examining “historical sales performance” to decide which physical locations will carry the products, the retailer told USA Today.
Target plans to stock Pride merchandise in about half of its nearly 2,000 U.S. stores, Bloomberg News reported.
“Target is committed to supporting the LGBTQIA+ community during Pride Month and year-round,” the retailer said in a statement to USA Today.
The move comes after Target removed some LGBTQ merchandise, including “tuck-friendly” swimwear designed for kids or in kids’ sizes, last year after facing customer backlash including violent confrontations with its workers.
Target blamed the backlash in part for a drop in its sales in its second quarter last year.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.