Target is rolling out a new dress code for its grocery workers — sparking employee complaints that the duds will get in the way of doing their jobs, not to mention make them look like dorks.
Food-and-beverage staff will be required to wear branded aprons and hats during every shift starting Nov. 1 in an effort to make them easier for shoppers to identify, according to a company memo reviewed by Bloomberg, which first reported the policy.
“Are these guys f–king stupid? I’m literally moving and pushing boxes. Why the f–k do I need an apron?” one commenter identifying as a Target worker fumed on the retailer’s employee-focused Reddit forum.
The accessories will bear the logo of Good & Gather, Target’s private-label food brand, while workers will have the option of wearing visors instead of hats, Bloomberg reported.
The new gear comes on top of Target’s existing requirement that store workers wear red shirts with blue jeans or khakis, which the Minneapolis-based retailer tightened earlier this year.
A Target spokesman told Bloomberg that the move is part of the company’s strategy to “elevate the guest experience,” and described the new accessories as “functional and distinctive.”
But many commenters on the Target subreddit — which describes itself as a community created by Target employees and says it is not affiliated with the company — trashed the policy after an image of the new attire was posted.
“Why are they putting us through humiliation rituals,” wrote a user whose profile identified them as a food-and-beverage expert.
Another commenter who identified as working in frozen foods griped: “Ah yes, because I totally love the idea of having to wear an apron while dealing with a [food distribution center] unload on a busy day that’s either shown up way too early or way too late.”
Several posters complained that aprons could be cumbersome while unloading merchandise, moving pallets and pushing carts loaded with products.
“Aprons are a supremely bad idea when unloading boxes from pallets,” one wrote.
“They hang away from your body while bending down, and there are too many chances for getting snagged. Ask me how I know?”
Others questioned why employees who spend much of their shifts stocking packaged groceries need attire more commonly associated with food preparation.
“Why?? Aprons get in the way of everything. F&B is not that serious to require aprons. We’re not prepping food,” one commenter wrote.
Not everyone objected. One person who said they had worked at grocery stores where aprons were required said the garment offered a secure place to keep gloves, a work knife, a beanie and a walkie.
“I think if you’re not used to it it’s one of those things you come around to or see how it’s useful with time,” the commenter wrote.
The uniform overhaul comes as Target seeks to revive its grocery business amid a broader effort to turn around three years of weak sales.
Under Chief Executive Michael Fiddelke, the retailer has focused on merchandise, technology and the in-store experience while spending billions of dollars on employee training and other store improvements.
The Post has sought comment from Target.