NEW YORK (CelebrityAccess) – Target opened a new store in New York’s East Village over the weekend and marked the occasion by serving up a CBGB themed event that turned out to be quite a marketing fail.
The company tried to recreate the entryway of the iconic rock club, which was located in the area from 1973 to 2006, in their own doorway, however, received a great deal of backlash from both area residents and artists who used to frequent the club alike.
Target subsequently issued the following apology:
“We often host a one-day celebration that shows the neighborhood how excited we are to be part of their community,” the New York Times reported. “We sincerely apologize if some eventgoers felt it was not the best way to capture the spirit of the neighborhood. We always appreciate guest feedback and will take it into consideration as we plan for future opening events.”
The backlash online was just as swift, with most sounding off about Target’s blatant commodification of the neighborhood’s rich musical history, and about how such corporate ignorance stands in stark contrast with the former club’s ideals.
Full disclosure: I actually shop at Target. But this – as part of the new store in the East Village – spits in the face of everything CBGB stood for. pic.twitter.com/3Pz9MmsaLo
— Earl Douglas (@edouglas528) July 21, 2018
