Target recently announced on it’s website Friday that it will be removing all gender specific signs from most of it’s children’s departments after receiving multiple complaints.
Apparently customers are mostly complaining that toys should not be gender specific, and there is a general push to move away from the mentality that certain toys are only for girls or boys. The children’s bedding section at Target will no longer feature boy and girl signage, and the toy department will no longer have gender specific labels or pink/blue paper on the shelves. Target says that gender labels will have to remain in the kids’ clothing section because of sizing and fit differences.
“As guests have pointed out, in some departments like toys, home or entertainment, suggesting products by gender is unnecessary,” Target said. “We heard you, and we agree. Right now, our teams are working across the store to identify areas where we can phase out gender-based signage to help strike a better balance.”
Retailers in general are moving away from gender stereotypes, and many companies are working hard to lessen the divide. Some schools are also steering away from boy/girl stereotypes by changing their language in the classroom.
What are your thoughts? Do you feel this is a necessary change?
