For the third year in a row, Salvation Army bell ringers won't be allowed in front of Target Corp.'s (NYSE:TGT) stores. The nation's second-largest retail discount chain said it prefers to make a one-time donation to the group -- $1 million this year -- instead of having Salvation Army volunteers stand in front of its stores waiting for donations.
This follows Target's stance of not allowing fund-raising in its stores in any way, even though the Salvation Army bell ringers are staples in front of many high-volume retail locations this time of year.
On one hand, Target is treating all fund-raising activities the same and is not waffling on its stance here. On the other hand, competitor Wal-Mart is allowing Salvation Arny bell ringers in front of its stores like always, and is even bringing "Christmas" as a theme for the holidays instead of using universal and generic themes like "Seasons Greetings" and "Happy Holidays".
A post from a week ago continues to ignite the powder keg that is the battle between proponents of the word "Christmas" and/or holiday to describe the season itself to those who don't want to be forced a holiday that they don't ascribe to.
What is your thought? Should Target allow "one exception" to the "no fund raisers" policy and allow Salvation Army bell ringers in front of stores this or future seasons? The money goes to the underprivileged and needy -- so why doesn't Target allow this kind of human fellowship and giving? Comments welcome.











Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
11-16-2006 @ 2:40PM
John Parrish said...
I like The fact tha TARGET doesn't allow any solication........at any time......you go too store too buy your needs...at times it is just not right too have too say no and gives you a Guilty Feeling...Causes me to not want too go back..I love holidays...but enough is enough
11-16-2006 @ 10:32AM
John Parrish said...
I like The fact tha TARGET doesn't allow any solication........at any time......you go too store too buy your needs...at times it is just not right too have too say no and gives you a Guilty Feeling...Causes me to not want too go back..I love holidays...but enough is enough
11-16-2006 @ 10:35AM
Dana Vannasse said...
I think Target is correct. And I am annoyed to have to listen to their stupid bells never mind that fact that they "hire" people to ring the bell that are truly a disgrace. Hey The "Army" should make sure the ringers are at least clean and well-kept. They certainly would attract more $$$$.
11-16-2006 @ 10:59AM
alice odenwald said...
i will not set foot in target this christmas season. The salvation army is a wonderful orginization that truly helps people.
11-16-2006 @ 11:33AM
Roger Gossage said...
Target is correct to not have doors obstructed by and shoppers made to feel guilty entering their store. I might want to spend a few extra dollars for a Starbucks Coffee and relax a moment during the shopping frenzie, I have arthritis and the less delay and hassle the better, we are an aging society and at least one retailer,Target, Understands that Seniors are not there to contribute to Charity, we are the to shop and escape the solicitations we receive by phone and in the mail.
11-16-2006 @ 11:40AM
Roger Gossage said...
Go Target, get the job done. Make a corp contribution so your customers can concentrate on shopping
11-16-2006 @ 12:49PM
Dan Cohn said...
My father was an Aethist but the one charity he always wrote a large check for at this time of year was the Salvation Army. He came to this country as a teenager with no support, but the Savation Army saved his life. He never forgot, and I continue that tradition for those who will be provided for by this special group.
11-16-2006 @ 2:09PM
carrie said...
a $1 million donation sounds great.... but when you consider how much money The Salvation Army is losing at each location across the country... it is far more than $1 million. Thats not what I call "getting the job done". Also about hiring.... The Salvation Army "hires" folks who have no job, giving them a little extra for the holidays as well. Not to mention that most Salvation Armies do not even "hire" but only give a check for meal reimbursement. Know your facts before you make assumptions. Shame on you Target. GO TO WALMART!!!
11-16-2006 @ 2:10PM
Mike said...
Sounds logical to me. Someone gives a few bucks to the Salvation Army on the way into Target and that's a few bucks they don't have to spend inside the store where the rubber meets the road. Some guy with an MBA probably thought this one up. Smart business if you ask me.
11-16-2006 @ 2:11PM
B R Rogers said...
I think the post by Dana V. is way off base. The "stupid" bell are rang by volunteers and people that the Army is assisting and are not "hired". Some times its hard to tell the difference between ignorant and stupid. Target is doing the right thing the right way.
11-16-2006 @ 2:12PM
Barbara Junkin said...
I like the work the Salvation Army does and I contribute to their mailing once a year. I believe that Target should be able to set their own policies and should not be dictated by outside pressure. I would still shop at Target. I like to choose my Charities and I don't like to be pressured when shopping. Target does support the Salvation Army in their giving.
11-16-2006 @ 2:13PM
Louise said...
Target is a major contributor to many worthwhile causes, their employees volunteer, and they are high people with disabilities. The Salvation Army is everywhere else, so it's nice to get a break. I'm not connected in any way to Target, but have seen their good works.
11-16-2006 @ 2:20PM
Vonna Thacker said...
Target has a LONG history of supporting local and national charities. They have plans where you can suport a school of your choice by usung their credit card. They have local organizations to work with homeless and latch key children. Just because a business allows the Bell Ringers in front of their door does not mean they are being "charitable", it just means thy would rather gain the positive press without doing anything themselves. If you want the Salvation Army or any organization to have money, send them a check youself.
11-16-2006 @ 3:08PM
Mike Norvell said...
I have volunteered with the Army for over 15 years on a year round basis. The stats show that the Army returns more of the funds received back to the community than any other charity. My father was a WWII vet who gave to no charity other than the Salvation Army. He was helped by the Army in England during the war when others would not help. He never forgot it. Let the bells ring.
11-16-2006 @ 2:41PM
Gilbert Stanley said...
I have not spent a dime at Target since they implemented this policy and try to convinse others not to also. The salvation Army is an American tradition at Christmas. If mean spirited people don't want to give a few coins they are not harrassed. It's Christmas time folks! don't be so mean. Gil
11-16-2006 @ 2:42PM
Karen said...
Since it is Target's corperate policy to not allow solicitation in front of its stores, then I think it does have to be applied across the board, without exceptions. They do make a million dollar donation to the Salvation Army and the sale of the special ornament will probably make up for whatever loss might be incurred by the lack of the bell ringers. I think Carrie's suggestion to shop at Walmart instead is crazy. Why would I want to shop at a store that has a reputation for treating it's employees like dirt, strong arming their suppliers, etc.? I will remain a loyal Target customer, regardless of whether the Salvation Army is allowed outside their doors, or not.
11-16-2006 @ 2:45PM
Bill Fleming said...
Back when I was bagging groceries, I would give a percentage of my tips everyday to the Salvation Army Person manning the kettle. However, since I have learned that they use their funds to support right wing political causes as well as helping the needy, I have stopped giving to them at all. I give my money to those who give 100% to the needy. I won't miss them in front of Target.
11-16-2006 @ 3:20PM
Lisa said...
The Salvation Army is a great organization. This provides an easy opportunity for people who want to make a donation to do so. If you choose not to donate, it can just walk right into the store. Plus,it's very nostalgic to hear the bell ringing.
11-16-2006 @ 4:35PM
ynnat said...
I totally agree with Target and appreciate for the way they care for customers' feeling. I don't want to be bothered everytime to go to shop during the holiday.
11-16-2006 @ 3:11PM
Crystal said...
I have no problem shopping at Target WITHOUT the bell ringers. We were not put on this earth to be judged by the so called BELL RINGERS every year. Nor were we put on this earth to judge anyone else (Target) for their beliefs or policies. If Target does not allow ANY solicitations in front of their stores. Then they should not change the policy even for one certain charity no matter what the charity is. If I want to give to the charity I will. I dont feel the need to be hasseled everytime I enter a store this time of year. I understand the charity needs the support but the VOLUNTEERS they sometimes have do them more harm than good. We as a family will stand with Target on their decision.