8 Surprising Things You Won't Find at Target® (and Why)

Target^® is like a treasure hunt for all your needs - but some items are conspicuously missing from its shelves. From e-readers to frozen meals, certain products never make the cut. Here’s a look at eight surprising things Target doesn’t sell, plus the intriguing reasons why.

1. Cigarettes and E-Cigarettes

Back in 1996, Target took a bold step by cutting out cigarettes, making it one of the first major retailers to go smoke-free. The move wasn’t just about health; it dodged the complexities of age-verification and health regulations that come with tobacco sales. This policy extends to e-cigarettes and vapes, so don’t expect to pick up a Juul^® on your next Target run.

2. Amazon Kindles^®

If you’re a bookworm, don’t look for Amazon Kindles at Target. In 2012, Target kicked these popular e-readers to the curb after realizing that customers would check them out in-store, only to buy them online (often at a discount from Amazon^®). Target, smartly, decided to stop helping its competition and cut Kindles from the lineup.

3. Sandblasted Jeans

That vintage, distressed look on jeans might be trendy, but the process behind it isn’t. Target pulled sandblasted jeans after learning that the production method puts workers at risk of serious lung issues. Sandblasting remains dangerous and controversial, and Target chose to prioritize health over fashion statements.

4. Paula Deen^® Cookware

Celebrity cookware can be a big draw, but in 2013, Target ditched Paula Deen’s line following a scandal that left a bad taste in many customers’ mouths. The retailer decided not to restock her cookware, distancing itself from the controversy - and Deen hasn’t made a Target comeback since.

5. Guns and Realistic Toy Guns

Staying on brand as a family-friendly destination, Target doesn’t sell firearms or realistic toy guns. The decision aligns with the retailer’s emphasis on safety and reduces the risk of any confusion that could lead to accidental harm.

6. Humanist Pillows

This one’s a doozy. In 2019, Target introduced Humanist pillows adorned with cross-stitched phrases celebrating humanist values. At first, they struck a chord with some customers, but the excitement quickly turned to controversy. Many found the messaging too polarizing for a mainstream retailer, leading to a flood of complaints. Social media only fanned the flames, as posts about the pillows sparked heated debates. To keep the peace, Target pulled the product and quietly removed it from both stores and online.

7. Mossimo^® Clothing

Mossimo, the trendy, budget-friendly clothing line, ended its Target run in 2017. This wasn’t about declining popularity - Target made the change to focus on smaller, more exclusive fashion lines. The decision turned out to be serendipitous, as Mossimo Giannulli later became embroiled in the college admissions scandal. Talk about dodging a fashion bullet.

8. Physical Media (DVDs/Blu-rays)

Although you can still find some DVDs and Blu-rays at Target, the selection keeps shrinking. With streaming services now reigning supreme, Target has gradually pulled back on physical media, and rumors suggest it might leave the shelves altogether by 2025. Consider this your warning to grab those box sets now!

Aisle Be Seeing You… Somewhere Else

While Target’s aisles are packed with options, some things just don’t make the cut. From strategic business moves to social considerations and health-focused decisions, these exclusions reflect how Target keeps its finger on the pulse of customer expectations. So, next time you’re hunting for one of these elusive items, remember: You might need to look beyond the bullseye.

References: 12 Things Target Will Never Sell Again | Is This the End of an Era at Target? Retailer Removing Items From Stores