230. Why the Target Halloween Costume Controversy Could Happen to Most Brands

Target is facing backlash over a children’s Halloween costume consumers said resembled racist minstrel imagery. But the controversy reveals a bigger marketing problem that could happen at many brands. In this episode of Frictionless Growth Lab, Sonia Thompson explores what the Target controversy can teach marketing leaders about cultural intelligence, marketing strategy, and customer experience. You’ll learn why cultural intelligence shouldn’t be outsourced to DEI—and three questions brands should ask to build it into their marketing infrastructure, protect customer trust and brand reputation, and catch cultural risk before it reaches consumers. For CMOs, marketing leaders, and growth marketers, it’s a timely lesson in why understanding your customers must extend beyond what they buy to how you serve them. Frictionless Growth Partnership (building internal marketing infrastructure): https://www.frictionlessgrowthlab.com/retainer/