Target stands tall protecting their customers from belligerant salvation army kettles.

[dude1394]

Heh...Good thing too, those bell ringers are a nuisance. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]


Target incurs wrath for Salvation Army ban
Atlanta Journal-Constitution ^ | 12/18/04 | Mike Tierney

Posted on 12/19/2004 7:06:27 AM PST by madprof98

The parking lots in front of Target stores are quieter this Christmas season.

Absent is the pealing of Salvation Army bells and the pitter-patter of some former customers who may have crossed the retailer off their shopping lists for banning the bell-ringers.

Target announced in January that it would extend a long-standing policy prohibiting solicitors from standing outside its stores to the Salvation Army's volunteers and their signature red kettles. But the decision got widespread attention only recently, as the Christian charity publicized the ban and criticism against the retailer mounted.

On Thursday, Target rival Wal-Mart added a jab. The world's No. 1 retailer touted its willingness to welcome the kettles by agreeing to match all customer contributions to the Salvation Army through Christmas Eve, up to $1 million.

A fine kettle of fish Target now finds itself in. The company name has been turned against it as mostly Christian-rooted groups such as the American Family Association have targeted the chain for criticism and encouraged followers to buy their gifts elsewhere.

Target, which wouldn't comment for this story, has said it opted for blanket enforcement of its non-solicitation policy at its 1,300 stores when other organizations sought the same privileges as the Salvation Army. The retailer emphasizes its charitable record. Target donates about 5 percent of its pretax profits --- more than $100 million a year --- to charities, including the Salvation Army.