FACT CHECK: Is Target Closing Stores In Red States?

A post made on X claims retail corporation Target will close store locations in red states and open more stores in blue states.

WOKE Target to close stores in RED States and relocated in BLUE States only: “Sticking to areas where we feel safe.”
😂
How many blue states are still left in the US map.
🤔https://t.co/OH3zSmTJTB

— Sam Ghannoum (@Sam230560) November 12, 2024

Verdict: False

There is no evidence to show Target is closing stores in red states. The claim originated as satire.

Fact Check:

Social media users are claiming Target will close store locations in red states and open more stores in blue states. One user wrote, “WOKE Target to close stores in RED States and relocated in BLUE States only: “Sticking to areas where we feel safe.” 😂 How many blue states are still left in the US map.”

The claim is false. There is no evidence to show Target plans to close stores in red states. (RELATED: Is Target Installing Satanic Fixtures In Stores?)

The claim appears to have originated as satire. The title of a story posted to satirical website Esspots reads, “WOKE Target to Close Stores in Red States and Relocate to Blue States Only, “Sticking To Areas Where We Feel Safe.” The satire contains a disclaimer that reads, “NOTE: This is SATIRE, It’s Not True.”

The satire’s text reads, “Following Donald Trump’s recent victory, Target has made a bold statement, explaining that “sticking to areas where we feel safe” is their new operating principle.” Target has not released a statement on relocating its stores to new areas.

Target is closing nine stores in 2024, all in blue states, according to The Dispatch. In 2023, Target opened 21 stores and 7 of those stores are in red states.

Check Your Fact has reached out to the Target Corporation for comment.