Shoppers today are more vocal than ever about the products major retailers choose to sell, and their feedback often sparks meaningful discussions about sensitivity and design.
Target recently found itself at the center of such a conversation when a customer questioned a holiday T-shirt featuring the phrase “OCD Christmas obsessive-compulsive disorder.” Although the shirt can be found at various retailers, this shopper felt the wording deserved a closer look, as it referenced a real mental health condition.
Reign Murphy, the customer who raised the concern, explained that using “OCD” as a lighthearted holiday pun could unintentionally downplay a disorder that affects millions of people.
Many individuals with OCD openly share their experiences to reduce stigma and help others understand the challenges they live with daily. For that reason, Murphy felt the message on the shirt could appear dismissive, even if not meant to be hurtful.
But responses to the design weren’t uniform. Several people living with OCD commented that they weren’t personally offended and felt the shirt was silly rather than harmful.
They believed the intent behind the design wasn’t malicious. In a statement addressing the mixed reactions, Target spokesperson Jessica Carlson apologized to anyone who felt uncomfortable while clarifying that the item would remain available in stores, noting the company never intended to cause distress.
Similar conversations have happened around other novelty apparel featuring words like “bride,” “trophy,” or “mrs.” For some shoppers, such labels reinforce unwanted stereotypes; for others, they’re harmless fun.
Moments like this highlight how differently people interpret design choices based on their own experiences. When concerns arise, listening to each other with context and empathy can help create more thoughtful discussions about what companies put on their shelves — and how those choices land with all kinds of customers.
