Target-ing Target

Well, its a little late in the game, but I'm still railing against Target for its change in policy concerning the Salvation Army. Seems like Target's CEO would take the hint and reverse the policy in time to at least look like a good guy. I did get a response back on 9 November from a Jennifer Hanson of Target's executive offices (see below)

Dear Robert,

Thank you for contacting us about the Salvation Army. Target Corporation has decided that the Salvation Army will no longer beable to solicit guests for contributions at our stores. Like most national retailers, we have a long-standing 'no solicitation' policy in place at ourstores. We did not reach this decision easily and carefully evaluated all options before coming to this conclusion. Target communicated the decision to the national Salvation Army in January 2004 in hopes that it would be early enough for them to find alternative sources for the upcoming holiday season. One of our goals has always been to provide our guests with a distraction-free shopping environment in which to shop. Each year we receive an increasing number of solicitation inquiries from non-profit organizations. We determined that if we continue to allow the Salvation Army to solicit, then it opens the door to other groups that wish to solicit our guests. This "no solicitation" policy does not diminish our commitment to our communities. Target donates more than $2 million each week to neighborhoodswe serve across the country. Target respects and admires the work and the mission of the Salvation Army and we have encouraged Salvation Army chapters to apply for grants at local Target Stores. We thank you for your interest in this issue and will make your comments available to our executives.

Sincerely,
Jennifer Hanson
Target Executive Offices

Well, how nice! Target is looking out for its customers:

"One of our goals has always been to provide our guests with a distraction-free shopping environment in which to shop."

Perhaps we all could use a little distraction from all the hustle and bustle of buying a bunch of unneccesary crap for people that couldn't care less about the crap that we bought them to think of folks less fortunate than ourselves...

And of course, they don't want to kick the Salvation Army completely to the curb:

"...we have encouraged Salvation Army chapters to apply for grants at local Target Stores."

So now, the Salvation Army needs to get in line to ask for money from Target. What a company! What a country! What a shame...