Sad reason why shoppers are boycotting Target this Christmas

“First, they take over the kitchen aisles. Then homewares… Who hurt you? Why are you doing this? Is this a cry for help?”

The Christmas mums aren’t happy.

Devasted shoppers planning their perfect festive period have come together to share their collective outrage over a big change at an iconic Australian retailer.

Target will no longer sell Christmas decorations.

Instead, its shelves are stacked with Kmart’s Anko ornaments, wreaths, stockings and wrapping paper.

“I don’t know who hurt the Target Merchandise Buyers, but I will not stand for this Anko nonsense being sold in their stores at Christmas time,” mum Sarina Davis posted online. 

Target is well-loved for its pretty Christmas trees and décor, which has slightly edged out Kmart and Big W in quality and design.

For this reason, shoppers are fuming about not picking up trees and ornaments last year, before Target ceased Christmas production in 2024.

“If I wanted Anko I would just go to Kmart. Target made a huge mistake replacing everything with Anko cr*p,” a second frustrated shopper shared on Facebook.

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Target shoppers are boycotting the store thanks to the Anko brand dominating in the Christmas section. Image: Supplied

Why is Kmart’s Anko in Target?

It was revealed in late 2023 the popular retail chains, Kmart and Target, were merging into a single company.

While many thought the change would only impact behind-the-scenes production, it was obvious in January that stock would be impacted.

Shoppers noticed Target’s homewares, baby products and toys were replaced with Kmart’s Anko range. Wesfarmers then confirmed a quarter of Target’s stock will be Anko products going forward – and now we know that includes Christmas stock.

RELATED: Mums go wild over Typo’s X-rated Christmas decorations

“It was always my go to for affordable decorations”

The Anko invasion has left shoppers irritated and angered with one parent fuming online, “I’m so p*ssed about no Target Christmas”.

Another user shared crying emojis alongside, “Disappointing, Target had beautiful stuff, will miss Target Christmas it was always my go to for affordable decorations!”

While others are having a laugh with tongue-in-cheek posts.

Ms Davis suggested that shoppers boycott the store.

“First, they take over the kitchen aisles. Then they move in on homewares. Well, I say enough,” she wrote online. “It’s time we fight back! It’s time we stand up for what is right and what we believe in. This Christmas, we boycott Target. We say Anko Can Go!”

She went on to explain to Kidspot that while she was having a laugh, the change could impact prices.

“I loved the Target range because it was more in line with what Myer sell but at a lower price point,” Sarina Davis said.

“I would have preferred Target to shrink their range but maintain their individuality, rather than just sell the same products as next door.

“The affordable department stores are now down to Kmart and Big W... so the competition isn't as fierce, I see pricing going up in the long term as well.”

The Anko brand is seen across wrapping and decorations. Image: Supplied

Target boss replies

One anonymous mum sent a “not mad…  just disappointed” letter to Target’s head office which she posted in the Target, Kmart and Big W Décor & Hacks group.

“I’m wanting to conduct a welfare check on the person who made the decision to stock Anko this Christmas rather than the beautiful Target merch we all love,” they wrote.

“The decision to have Anko replace kitchen and homewares was bad enough but to take away Christmas? CHRISTMAS?... Who hurt you! Why are you doing this? Is this a cry for help?”

“The damage has been done for 2024. We expect more from you in 2025.”

After getting an automated reply from customer service, the disgruntled shopper received a personal message from John Gualtieri, CEO of Kmart and Target.

He told her, “this year, our selection of Anko Christmas products I believe are fantastic – I am hopeful that you will change your mind once you see them and would love to hear if you do when they drop in store soon.”

Her post attracted 320 comments, with one mum calling her letter “the best thing I've read” while another called for everyone to email so “they bring the good stuff back”.

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Who has Christmas tree recommendations?

One of the biggest complaints has been the disappearance of Target’s Christmas trees, which families loved for the fullness and height.

One mum shared that she threw out her Target tree last year as her cats had destroyed it with plans to use her Flybuy dollars to buy a new one.

“I’m so sad, as I knew the exact one I was going to get,” Kelly Van Beek shared.

Fellow festive buyers suggested getting a tree from Myer, Big W, Aldi, Bunnings or Catch.com.au.

RELATED: Woman finds emotional letter in Christmas decorations

Anko tags seen everywhere in Target. Image: Supplied

There will be Target trees and pyjamas!

Kidspot reached out to Target to find out if there would be Christmas stock, without Anko branding, and while most of the stock is no longer - fans of the store will be happy to know there are TWO Target Christmas trees coming soon.

There will also be popular matching pyjamas.

“This year, Target's Christmas decor range will be a mix of Anko decorations, including trees, with two exclusive designs just for Target,” a spokeswoman said.

“This will complement Target's well known and loved Christmas apparel, fashion accessories and sleepwear range for a festive holiday season."

Originally published as Sad reason why shoppers are boycotting Target this Christmas