Whoops! Target Apologizes After Offering 'Manatee' Dresses For Plus-Size Women

Forbes ^ | 04/05/2013 | Jeff Bercovici

[mountn man]

In the Twitter era, marketers have to be extra careful that what they put on their websites isn't offensive, even unintentionally. It's a lesson Target (TGT) took to heart this week, apologizing for a product-naming discrepancy that some fuller-figured shoppers found offensive.

The kerfuffle started when self-described "Digital Maven" Susan Clemens was shopping on Target.com and noticed an odd thing: The same style of dress in the exact same color was labeled differently depending on the size. The name of the color on the plus-size version was suggestive, and not in a flattering way.

[mountn man]

Oh The Hugh Manatee.

This is hugh.

I'm series.

[Dilbert San Diego]

Do we live in an era in which someone will take offense at anything at all??????

[FlingWingFlyer]

We need politicians to create more laws and regulations to prevent this sort of thing from happening! Hrumpf! Hrumpf!

[PAR35]

I would suggest that the offended manatees get a porpoise in life.

[mountn man]

I take offense at your offense.

[mountn man]

I would suggest that the offended manatees get a porpoise in life.

I'll agree, just for the halibut.

[Madhattan]

I was told once I was going to a black tie event! What the hell is that about?

[null and void]

[matt04]

Now I’m offended you’d think I might be offended. I’m calling my lawyer.

/s

[WinMod70]

Two aisles over you can find it in pachyderm pink.

[Madhattan]

How about dromedary drab! That has a nice ring to it!

[rarestia]

Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right.

[mountn man]

I wonder if they have it in Wooly Mammoth Magenta

[mylife]

Does this mean Moochies “Orca” line is DOA?

[Abathar]

“Yes mam we have what you’re looking for, it’s two isles over in our new Acme Tent and Awning line that was just rolled out last week.”

[hattend]

Do we live in an era in which someone will take offense at anything at all?

You tell me

[bgill]

Someone's idea of a mean joke? Absolutely not, says Target spokesman Joshua Thomas.

Liar, liar, pants on fire. Never could stand Target because of their trashed out stores and cheap merchandise. Hadn't shopped there in years but decided to give them a second chance about six or seven years ago but they were still as crappy as always. Never again.

[mountn man]

The Orca line was DOA when Moochelle found out that Orcas were partly white. Moochelle hates anything white.

[mountn man]

[yefragetuwrabrumuy]

Personally, I think their other plus-size women’s garments are just as telling.

There is the “Jabba” line of burnt orange sweatsuits, and the “Maijin-Boo”, Dragon Ball Z based pink sweatpants, with the “Kirby” version for plus sized tweens.