Target CEO Brian Cornell: We Are Not Backing Down On Transgender Policy

Target CEO Brian Cornell

Brian Cornell, CEO of Target Corp. told CNBC's "Squawk Box" that the super-department store will stick with its policy of allowing transgender customers to choose the bathroom they wish to use.

Cornell also announced the company is expanding the number of family restrooms in its stores from 1,400 to 1,800 for people who worry about the mixing of sexes in bathrooms.

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports:

“We want to make sure we provide a welcoming environment for all of our guests,” Cornell said. “One that is safe, one that is comfortable.”

“Everyone deserves to feel like they belong,” Target said in its initial statement. “And you’ll always be accepted, respected and welcomed at Target.”

“We took a stance,” he said. “We’re going to continue to embrace our belief in diversity and inclusion, just how important that is to our company. But we’re also going to make sure our focus on safety is unwavering.”

He noted Target took a lot of criticism in the 1960s when it was one of the first retailers to use black models in its advertising.

“Back then, it wasn’t well received,” he said. “We had a lot of tough feedback. But sitting here today, we know we made the right decision.”