Latest Target Fail: Plus-Size Dress Modeled by Woman with Baby Bump

Target has not had the best few weeks, first with customers up in arms about the recent security breach (40 million credit and debit cards were affected), and then after opting out of selling Beyonce's new album (as a result she went shopping for the CD at Wal-Mart and gave away $37,000 of gift cards to shoppers). Sure, Target has had much success with cool fashion collaborations like the Phillip Lim launch back in September, but when credit card and identity theft are potentially in play, consumers can lose trust for their beloved brands. Which is why Target needs to be extra careful about every move they make.

Sadly, the ladies at Jezebel have already discovered one serious flub on Target's website. Instead of featuring a plus-size model in one of their short sleeve Merona maxi dresses, they have a lady with a baby bump modeling the design. Are they implying that a pregnant woman is plus-size? Were there really no plus-size models available, so they opted to use a baby bump for extra curves?! Currently on Target's site there are many plus-size dresses and maternity dresses shown on the proper respective models, so hopefully this was just an oversight.

Still, women are fuming about the mix up, and venting their frustrations on Twitter.


@claudiablb writes, "As if the term plus-size wasn't disturbing enough, now @Target things it means 'pregnant.'"

@Kerasi27 tweets, "@Target Be prepared to answer the age old question 'Are you pregnant?' with, 'No, just fat'" #Targetmarketingmorons

@illuminmari says, "1st they let someone steal ppls identity & now this"

@cherry_LA writes, "@Target plus size & maternity isn't the same! MAJOR #Targetfail!"

@CantResistCody says, "Whats going on over there @Target? Hacking, preggos in plus size clothes, no Bey album, bad gift cards.... Yall need a hug?"


Meanwhile, some shoppers are taking it all in stride:

@JL_Rigdon says, "Hey @Target, I love ya and all, but plus size and pregnant are not the same. #NowYouKnow #Duh"

@brittanyherself writes, "Hey @Target ! I am plus size AND I wear your clothes ALL the time. No actually pregnant/fake chubby girl needed! However, it is good to know this dress will accommodate my 'food' baby"


Target has responded to angry customers with this tweet:

We're sorry for this error. Our apologies for the oversight, & please know we are working to correct the issue.


Yahoo Shine reached out to Target who has since pulled the item from their website and issued the following statement:

"We apologize for any discomfort or offense this error might have caused. As soon as we were made aware of the error, we worked to remove the image from Target.com. This error was completely unintentional and the result of an unfortunate oversight. We appreciate the error being called to our attention and will work hard to ensure something like this doesn't happen again."


It may have been a simple photo mistake, but Target needs to proceed with caution. In April of last year the brand also claimed it was an "oversight" when they labeled a plus-size dress color Manatee Gray. Perhaps some of their web programmers think these jokes are funny, but these mix-ups, whether accidental or not, are insulting and a serious turn-off for shoppers.

Related links:
18 Target Buys that Only LOOK Expensive
What Does Target's Credit Card Breach Say About Online Shopping Fears?
Plus-Size Barbie Image Sparks Heated Debate