Target announced it will be launching an exclusive lifestyle and home goods brand developed by “Fixer Upper” stars Chip and Joanna Gaines, but not everyone is excited by the news.
The Hearth and Hand line is set to launch Nov. 5, though based on social media responses, a lot of Chip and Joanna’s fans won’t be buying their new products. The HGTV stars are known for their conservative Christian views and people are calling them out for partnering with Target because of the store’s liberal-leaning policies.
Terget announced last year that transgender people can use the bathrooms and fitting rooms that best align with their gender identity, which many people are arguing is against Christian values. The American Family Association has even gone so far as to boycott Target, urging others to sign a petition promising to do the same.
Responses to the Gaines new partnership with Target were harsh and many fans of the Gaines were not impressed by their decision to partner with the retailer.
I don't shop Target anymore. I wish you would had followed your Christian values instead of the almighty dollar. Lost a little respect
— gange (@czubeck) September 14, 2017
Really disappointed you guys would partner with a company that exalts what God specifically condemns.
— Shane Camp (@Shane_A_Camp) September 12, 2017
Why are u using Target?I thought youll were Christians.My friends & thousands of others r boycotting them because of their bathroom policies
— Tom Henderson (@TomHenderson17) September 13, 2017
Very disappointed that as Christians you choose Target for your brand. Many Christians no longer shop there and my family still will not
— davemanbme (@davemanbme) September 13, 2017
I am a bit surprised due to targets history and Gaines religious beliefs. Not jiving so it's all about $$$?
— Sharon (@Smklipp) September 13, 2017
Chip Gaines wrote in a blog post Tuesday that he and Joanna are thrilled about the collaboration.
“Despite our initial insecurities about partnering with a large retailer, Target has exceeded our expectations every step of the way,” he wrote. “With our friends, our family and with the people we do business with, we are serious about continually finding common ground. We are thankful to get to work side by side with the people at Target.”
He added, “We believe we are going to build something really beautiful together and that our positive impact will be far greater now than it would ever be apart.”
Not everyone is upset however with the Gaines decision to partner with the giant retailer :
Thank you for going with Target and not a high end store. Love you Joanna and Chip and your show!
— RocknRollGirlAM (@RocknRollGrlAM) September 12, 2017
Really – w/all the tragedy & horror in the world, so much fuss about Target's bathrooms?!! Not enough Christianity going on in this thread.
— Maureen Tracy (@MaureenTracy2) September 14, 2017
Their partnership with @Target is the what Christianity is about. Real Christians don't judge; fake ones have nothing better to do.
— Jenny Phillips (@DrMatrixJenn) September 15, 2017