Last chance to save

Prices rise for the Digiday Programmatic Marketing Summit after Mar. 24

REGISTER

Target’s not mad at the Facebook troll who posted on its behalf

Target knows a good joke when it sees one. Yesterday, its Facebook page was the center of a troll-storm when man posing as a Target customer service representative posted caustic comments to people upset with them over the company’s choice to eliminate gender labels on its toy aisles.

target2 target

While the conversation online was “overwhelmingly pro-Target,” as Digiday reported earlier this week, some didn’t agree with the move. People blasted the move as “ridiculous,” prompting online jokester Mike Melgaard (a.k.a. “Ask ForHelp,” complete with a Target logo as his picture) to reply back with sarcastic comments.

Target distanced itself from Melgaard, releasing a comment saying “clearly this individual was not speaking on behalf” of the retailer, even though we think it enjoyed someone shutting down its haters just a little bit.

Late Thursday, Target posted a picture acknowledging the troll showing a couple of toy trolls with the caption: “Remember when Trolls were the kings of the world? Woo hoo! They’re back and only at Target stores.”

targetpost

Cue the round-of-applause from commenters. The post has garnered 33,000 likes and 13,000 shares with 3,000 comments complimenting Target. “Well played, Target,” one said. Even Melgaard enjoyed it, writing “Target. Seriously. You are AWESOME.”

It looks like the trolled becomes the troller.

More in Marketing

Future of Marketing Briefing: Agency operating systems face a differentiation problem

Analysts say half of agency AI platforms won’t survive the decade. Here’s how they plan to beat the odds.

Illustration of a performer balancing money weights on a tightrope, symbolizing how brand safety tools help marketers maintain performance and control.

Macy’s, Inc. is looking to leverage AI ahead of a cautious outlook for 2026

The company will continue its plans to close 65 Macy’s nameplate stores, as part of a previously announced 150 store closures.

The real winners of March Madness? Brands that move fast on NIL deals

Companies across sectors, from footwear to personal care, are racing to sign college basketball players.