Target to remove gender labels in certain sections such as toys, entertainment

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Target has heard the complaints of many of its customers over the separation of its products into gendered sections, and it is responding accordingly. On Friday, the retail giant announced that it would no longer separate toys, home and entertainment sections into gendered areas.

“Over the past year, guests have raised important questions about a handful of signs in our stores that offer suggestions based on gender,” the posting read.

The post referred to the fact that many have pointed out the “unnecessary” gendering of toys, such as “building sets” and “girls’ building sets.”

“We heard you, and we agree,” the statement said. “Right now, our teams are working across the store to identify areas where we can phase out gender-based signage to help strike a better balance.”

Target will also stop gendering products by removing color-coded paper from the backs of its shelves.

Although the gender divide will no longer be enforced in the toys, home and entertainment sections, the signs will remain for apparel.

“We tried to look at what makes sense and what doesn’t,” said Molly Snyder, a spokeswoman for Target, who noted that the ways people shop are constantly changing.

According to the company’s announcement, the changes will be taking place over the next few months.