Target commits to $2bn+ spend with Black-owned firms by 2025

Retail giant Target has announced a commitment to spend more than $2 billion with Black-owned businesses by the end of 2025. 

It’s pledging to add products across its multi-category assortment from more than 500 Black-owned businesses; and engage more Black-owned companies to enhance its retail operations and shopping experience. In addition to spending more with Black-owned companies, Target is introducing new resources to help its Black-owned vendors grow and successfully scale their businesses in mass retail. 

“We have a rich history of working with diverse businesses; but there’s more we can do to spark change across the retail industry, support the Black community and ensure Black guests feel welcomed and represented when they shop at Target,” stated Christina Hennington, Executive Vice President and Chief Growth Officer of Target. “The bold actions we’re announcing reflect Target’s ongoing commitment to advance racial equity for the Black community. They also represent significant economic opportunity for hundreds of new Black-owned companies, who we look forward to doing business with for years to come.” 

SUPPORTING BLACK FOUNDERS

To further support Black-owned businesses, Target is establishing new resources; including a team that is dedicated to providing vendors with ongoing support and assisting them in growing and successfully scaling their businesses in mass retail. Building off the success of Target Accelerators, a portfolio of programmes supporting entrepreneurs to drive innovation and instigate change, the company is introducing a new initiative called Forward Founders. This programme will engage Black entrepreneurs earlier in their startup journey to help them navigate the critical stages of ideation, product development and scaling for mass retail. With increased access to subject matter experts and educational workshops earlier in the startup process, Forward Founders is designed to help Black-owned businesses increase their potential for long-term success in retail.  

Target’s $2 billion commitment builds upon the retailer’s progress to increase its network of diverse suppliers and accelerates its efforts to support even more Black-owned businesses. Through existing opportunities like Target Accelerators and events like the Black-Owned Business Vendor Fair, Target has brought in diverse businesses who have products ready for sale at retail. In some product categories, like beauty, Target has a strong representation of 50 Black-owned and Black-founded brands, with plans to continue to grow the assortment.  

COMMITMENT TO RACIAL EQUITY

This announcement is a part of Target’s commitment to social justice and racial equity. Last year, Target established its Racial Equity Action and Change (REACH) committee composed of senior leaders from across the company who represent a diverse range of perspectives and expertise; and guide the retailer’s efforts to engage in the fight to end systemic racism in the US and drive lasting impact for the Black community. This investment builds upon Target’s previous commitments, including committing $10 million from Target and the Target Foundation to support nonprofit partners focused on addressing the systemic and structural barriers facing Black communities.  

In September last year, Target also announced plans to increase representation of Black team members across the company by 20% over the next three years. Click here to read more.