A traditional-values organization is urging consumers to stay away from Target stores on Thanksgiving weekend, a heavy shopping period, as it continues to lead a boycott of the retailer.
The American Family Association is asking supporters not to shop at Target due to its continuing ban on Salvation Army bell ringers outside its stores and its shunning of the phrase "Merry Christmas" in-store promotions and advertising.
The most recent boycott of Target began Oct. 7, and AFA says it's beginning to affect the retailer's bottom line.
"According to USA Today, Target told investors that projected sales at stores open a year in November would miss the estimated 4 percent to 6 percent growth," said Donald E. Wildmon, AFA chairman. "On Tuesday, Target's shares dropped $4.13 to $54.30, a 7 percent decrease."
As WorldNetDaily reported, a boycott of Target was organized last year in response to its banning of the Salvation Army's traditional red-kettle solicitors. Christian activists believe Target made the move to appease the homosexual community. The retailer is a contributor to homosexual causes, and the Salvation Army has traditionally opposed the "gay" agenda.
WND broke the story last week that the Catholic League launched a boycott of Target competitor Wal-Mart for, in effect, "banning" Christmas, while promoting other seasonal holidays such as Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.
Within a day, Wal-Mart changed its website to put Christmas on an equal footing with other holidays when using the search engine and fired a staff member who sent an e-mail to a customer saying the origins of Christmas are pagan.
Wal-Mart, too, has dumped the "Merry Christmas" greeting in favor of "Happy Holidays."
Related special offer:
John Gibson's "The War on Christmas"
Previous stories:
Target extends ban on Salvation Army
Homosexuals behind Target action?
Church leaders threatens Target boycott
Wal-Mart boycott ends with apology
Wal-Mart worker 'history' after 'origin' of Christmas
Wal-Mart faces boycott for 'banning' Christmas