Surviving without Target: Tips and Tricks from a Longtime Target Boycotter
So, you’ve decided to boycott Target because of their progressive agenda and their insistence on pushing tuck-friendly bathing suits to children, and chest binders to girls. Welcome to the club! I’ve been “boycotting” Target since 2016 when they were leaders in allowing men to enter women’s bathrooms. So, if you’re missing the wonderland that is…er…was(?) Target, there is hope, and yes, there are other places to shop.
First, let me say, yes, it is tough to give up Target – especially if your friends and family still shop there. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve asked someone where they got an item, or where their favorite (literally any item ever) came from, only to be sent a Target link. As with giving up chocolate or coffee, there will be cravings for Target, but once you get past them it does get easier. I honestly, never even think about Target unless they’re in the news.
There are a lot of other options out there, and no not all of them are better, as any corporation has its flaws, and everyone must weigh the pros and cons of the corporation for themselves.
A personal favorite for clothes and home décor is thrift shops! Yes, it’s more work to sift through the racks at a thrift store but the finds are so much more rewarding. Plus, your home décor will have a unique touch instead of being the same basic vase that every other Target shopper owns. An additional pro is that many thrift stores are charities, and the proceeds go to a local ministry or other worthy cause.
*Pro-Tip: Follow your local thrift store on social media. Many will post new items saving you from having to go in a million times only to be disappointed, and some will even let you purchase over the phone.
Local businesses and boutiques: I drive past local stores all the time and think to myself “Man I need to go in there,” but when it comes time to go shopping, I often forget they exist and end up going to a regular big box store or Amazon only to be disappointed by an uninspiring selection. A semi-“crunchy” friend of mine recently discovered a local store filled with toys, craft supplies & home essentials that met her lifestyle preferences…bet you can’t find that at Target.
This month, make it a point to visit a local store instead of running to Target and check out what amazing, unique, and locally crafted, sourced, etc. goods you can find – all while helping your local neighbor’s business instead of giving more money to Brian Cornell, Jeff Bezos, or other ultra-woke business owners.
*Pro-Tip: Much like thrift stores, local shops often have a lively social media presence. You can find out what new merchandise they have, if they had to close early for a family emergency, or again even sometimes order online/over the phone.
Now, I know what you’re thinking, “This is all great, but Target was my one-stop-shop for groceries, home goods, medicine, and more. Everything you’re suggesting requires multiple stores.”
True.
There are many, many alternatives for your one-stop shop, but as I said above pretty much all of these kinds of corporations will have vices of their own. While I can suggest some to you, and you probably know who they are, we all must weigh for ourselves the least of the evils.
*Pro-Tip: Don’t assume that just because it’s your one-stop-shop it’s the fastest option. I can actually do my weekly grocery shopping at smaller stores for main staples and then go to a larger store for specialty foods like gluten-free soy sauce just as efficiently as if I’d only gone to the large store.
I know if you decide to stay away from Target it will be hard; I’ve even slipped a few times over the past seven years, but it is possible to follow your convictions. Start easy with a comparative store and as you get used to it start incorporating more alternatives like thrift stores, or even research non-woke companies online and work to support them. With time you too will never think of Target again.